4
One year later
David pressed his knuckles to his forehead. A year had passed, and still his only thought was of Lady Nora — the torment of it a companion as familiar and as unwelcome as an old wound that reopens in cold weather.
He had not expected that. He had believed, when he had left London twelve months ago, that time and duty would dull the edge of it. He had been wrong.
That had been the evening he had seen just how ill his uncle had become. The evening the future had become something to survive rather than to welcome.
“My lord?”
David opened his eyes, seeing a footman at the door, an apologetic look on his face.
“Forgive me, I did knock but – ”
“Entirely my fault, old friend.” From behind the footman, in came a tall, wiry fellow with a shock of fair hair that, in the sunshine that radiated through the windows, looked almost white. “I heard you were back in London, but after a sennightof seeing nothing of you, I thought to come and call upon you myself.”
With an effort, David pushed himself out of his chair and shook Lord Broadford’s hand firmly, a sense of relief pushing into his heart. At least now, he would not be alone. “How very good to see you again.” He looked to the footman. “Bring us some refreshments.”
“Brandy would suit me very well although I suppose it is a trifle early.” Lord Broadford grinned at David, then frowned and tilted his head to one side. “You look both pale and thin, my friend. I do hope you are not ailing?”
David shook his head, his smile wry. “You have never been one to hide your true thoughts, have you?” That remark, however, instantly sent a pang of longing through him, recalling that Lady Nora’s honesty and frankness had always delighted him, even though she herself had often thought it a little less than proper.
“No, I have not. And my eyes inform me that you are not the friend I knew last Season.” Lord Broadford frowned as David gestured for him to sit down. “Last Season, you were engaged for only a few days before news of your uncle’s ill health began to spread through London. I was sorry to hear of his passing.”
David said nothing, coupling his fingers in front of his face.
“My friend.” Lord Broadford sat forward, elbows on his knees, as he looked into David’s face. “You have not said anything in some time. You have more trouble within your heart than you would like to admit, yes?”
“I am sorrowful over my uncle’s passing, of course.” David shrugged his shoulders, letting his hands fall to his lap. “I have only just finished my mourning period, but Miss Longleat must remain another six months yet.”
“I see.” Lord Broadford’s eyebrows dropped low. “And you have come to London for the Season, then?”
David shook his head. “I have come so that I might sort out some of my uncle’s affairs.” His jaw tightened as he looked away. “As you may know, I was my uncle’s heir. He had no sons, and the estate line passes to me. There is much that is now required of me. Since I have a shorter mourning period, I now have opportunity to examine all the required details and the like. There is much for me to do.”
“But some time still for good company, I hope?”
A small smile tugged at David’s lips. “I suppose that there can be some, yes. I responded to Lord Gosemere’s invitation to his ball this evening, so I fully intend to have a few evenings of enjoyment, though they shall be few in number.”
Lord Broadford grinned, only for it to fade a little as he sat forward, looking at David with such a curious gaze that it made his skin prickle. He had been in no doubt that Lord Broadford would want to know a few things about his present circumstances and how they all came to be, but David was disinclined towards speaking of them in any way. There was too much sorrow there, even now that his uncle had passed away.
“You were not at all interested in Miss Longleat before the announcement of your engagement, were you?”
David blinked, his eyebrows lifting. “That – that may be, but – ”
“Then it is a match of convenience? Or duty?”
Clearing his throat, David lifted his shoulders. “Does such a thing matter? Once Miss Longleat has completed her mourning period, we will marry. That is all that is important.”
“Even when you have no real desire to do so?”
Heat roared into David’s face, and he dropped his head, rubbing the back of his neck lightly. “My friend, you ask me questions that press deep.”
“Yes, they do.” The door opened, and the footman returned with a tray of delicacies by which they might satisfy any growlinghunger, but it did not silence Lord Broadford’s voice. “I ask them because I am concerned for you. I have been ever since last Season, when the announcement was first made.”
Dismissing the footman with a wave of his hand, David scowled as he reached for a honey cake. “Might you keep yourself silent when there is a servant present? The last thing I require at present is to have my own staff whispering about me.”
Lord Broadford winced, looking a little abashed. “You are quite right, forgive me. My questions truly do come from concern. We have been friends for many years, and I did not even know of your engagement until I read it in the gossip column – and even then, I did not believe it!”
