Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Chapter Twelve
Nicholas Compton
Keeping my attentions on Lydia Ramsbury had been difficult with Miss Bathurst’s presence in the room. It would seem each time I was to see Miriam Bathurst, she was more appealing than the last. It had taken many drinks and stiff talks with myself the past few days to keep from going to visit Miss Bathurst again. My brother’s complete dedication to courting Lydia Ramsbury had been all that had kept me from cracking.
It had been a relief albeit a concern I didn’t want to feel when Miss Bathurst and her aunt left. I couldn’t be sure if Ashington had said something to make her leave early, but it had looked as if she was on her way out when he arrived. Ashington had turned to watch her exit and for a moment I had thought he was going to follow after her. Not something I would have expected.
I had danced and given his current interest my attention since my arrival. It would be now that he would search her out and find that I was already in his place. He should have arrived sooner. A night at the opera didn’t secure his position with Lydia Ramsbury.
Whispers started as he was spotted and I heard Lydia’s name mentioned more than once. Her gaze had found him and her cheeks flushed pink as she watched him. He had made quite the impression on her this week. If I hadn’t been battling my attraction to Miriam Bathurst, I might have made a move to make this easier on myself. I didn’t doubt my charm, but I was struggling to feel it enough to make it believable.
When his gaze found us, he simply gave a nod and continued walking. Ashington did not make scenes and this would be my chance to sway Lydia Ramsbury my way. My brother would be in a foul mood at having arrived to find us together. It was a good time for her to experience his less than pleasant nature.
“I’m sorry, Lady Ramsbury,” I said with a small bow. “My brother isn’t fond of me as is common knowledge and I know you wish his attentions. I will leave you so he may find his way over to you. Thank you for your company. It was truly enchanting,” I said with my most charming of smiles and backed away before she could say more. I didn’t expect a protest from Lady Ramsbury and prolonging my departure was of no consequence. She would be wanting my brother’s attention and of that I understood. He was an earl and I was not. Her mother would be filling her ear with how important it was to keep Lord Ashington’s favor. I had to allow my brother’s less than shining personality pale in comparison to mine.
Pleased with my evening’s progress in that regard, I headed for the exit with no desire to stay in order to see my brother act broody in front of Lydia. He would do so and she would see it. Her mother would tell her to smile brighter and be more appealing. He would be less than charming. At the end of the evening, when Lydia was alone, she would remember the part of the night she had enjoyed most and I would be the star of that memory.
I spoke to few people as I retreated, not wanting to get caught in this circus any longer than necessary. There hadn’t been another dance card I had bothered with but, then I rarely did. Mothers who had heard the gossip of my brother’s interest this week were now eyeing me and nudging their daughters in my direction. Getting free was becoming more of an obstacle course than I had anticipated. After excusing myself for the fifth time, I was sure not to make eye contact as I went through the door.
The evening breeze was a blessed relief from the stifling warmth inside the ballroom. The breathtaking view of Miriam Bathurst in the moonlight just as her carriage pulled up was even more so a relief. She was a temptation I was weak to resist. Even if just to speak to her a moment.
“Miss Bathurst,” I called, just loud enough to draw her attention and that of her aunt. Both ladies turned to see me. While Lady Wellington beamed, making it clear she was pleased by my presence, Miriam scowled in… distaste. Such spirit that one. She wasn’t one to flirt or pout. She made her feelings quite clear in a dramatic fashion I truly enjoyed. She did not appreciate my not calling on her again or my preoccupation tonight. A proper English lady such as Lady Ramsbury would smile and pretend she hadn’t been affected by the slight. Miss Bathurst, however, would not. The simple fact had been difficult for me to ignore. I did not want Miss Bathurst to hate me or write me off. She should and if we were both to get what we came to London for then I should let her. However, at this moment, I realized I might not have the strength to do so.