The Earl, the Lady and the Song of Love by Fanny Finch

Chapter 26

Seven days later, they had their engagement ball. Nigel arrived in the Hartford townhouse at the eleventh hour to see what he could do to help with the preparations.

 

Like he had suspected, the entire household was in quite the uproar. Servants were running up and down, Lady Darkwood was busy giving orders at the top of her lungs, Mr. Hartford looked as confused as ever, and Lewis was performing the duties of a very efficient footman.

 

Then there was Imogen, moving with the servants as one.

 

Lady Darkwood was the first to see him. “Ah! Kensington! Thank goodness you are here.” She was already drawing him by the arm.

 

“Good day, my Lady. Is there anything we can do to help?”

 

“Of course. I need you to take your fiancée far away from here. We need her to be well rested for the ball tonight, but she will not listen, of course. She continues to go about, running errands that no one asks of her. Please take her away and return with her at a later time when all is set, and she only needs to get dressed.”

 

She let go of his arm to stop Imogen mid-walk. “Now, come dear. Kensington is here to take you to the tearoom. Won’t it be nice to not have to worry about all of this and just enjoy some fine tea?”

 

Imogen’s eyes spelled confusion as she looked from her aunt to Nigel. When her gaze finally fell upon him though, those eyes softened and her face immediately became radiant with a smile.

 

“You are here for me?” she asked.

 

He was going to tell her the truth, but Lady Darkwood gave him a warning glare. “Of course,” he answered simply. “I thought it would be good to spend some time alone before we have to greet all the guests tonight and receive their good wishes with unfaltering smiles. You know, your aunt is right, Imogen. It will not be easy tonight. You need to be well rested before then.”

 

“Oh. Well, in that case, I shall go freshen up. Then I will be back and we can leave. It will only be a moment, I assure you.”

 

“Take your time,” he told her.

 

She handed the tray in her hand to one of the servants who was passing by and with Elena following, began to climb the stairs.

 

When she got to the top and disappeared into the hallway, Lady Darkwood turned to him with a sigh.

 

“It is a good thing you came at this hour I tell you. She would not listen to anybody else.”

 

Lewis and Mr. Hartford saw him then. “Kensington, you are here! Good. Will you help us take our dear Imogen away for the afternoon?” Mr. Hartford asked as they came up to him.

 

“Speaking of Imogen, I do not see her anywhere,” Lewis observed.

 

“Never worry. She’s freshening up to go to the tearoom with Kensington. We have an agreement already,” Lady Darkwood explained.

 

“Oh? Excellent! It is wonderful that you thought to come, and at the perfect time too! Well done, son.” Mr. Hartford chimed, patting Nigel on his shoulder three times.

 

Just like that, all of them were gone, leaving him alone. He stayed there below the stairs, taking in the commotion around him. Still, he knew the moment Imogen appeared at the top of the stairs, he felt it in his bones.

 

Slowly, he turned and there she was. Her eyes found his easily, and she smiled at him. He had come to realize over the past days that it was a smile she seemed to reserve for him.

 

Whenever was she not beautiful?

 

Slowly, she began her descent. He held out his arm as she reached the last step and she took it.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

“Yes.”

 

It was all the answer he needed. After informing her family that they were leaving, he started for the tearoom.

 

Half an hour later, their coach pulled to a stop. Aware that this meant that they had arrived, Nigel dropped out of the coach and helped her down. Still taking the lead, he reached for the tearoom door.

 

She called out just as his hand grasped the handle.

 

“Careful. There might be spiders hiding in the corners.”

 

Nigel froze. He could feel the color drain from his face before he even noticed her twitching lips. It dawned on him then, but it was already too late. He had given himself away.

 

Imogen dissolved into laughter and he watched as she cackled with joy.

 

“Mother told you, did she not?” Embarrassment like this was why he had wanted to know what they had discussed, but Imogen had refused to speak, and his mother would pay him no heed.

 

As a child, the only thing that had terrified him were spiders. As a man, he simply hated the sight of them. He would rather not see them as his infantile fear always took hold of him before he could employ logic.

 

She finally managed to stop laughing long enough to respond. “Well, it was quite the story. Oh dear, you have indeed gone pale. I hope it will not take another two days to regain your color. I would hate to worry our guests tonight.”

 

Rolling his eyes at her was oddly satisfying. “It is not enough that my mother and brother never let me hear the end of it. It appears my betrothed has joined the throng.”

 

More giggling. “Well, to be fair, it is too good a tale to pass up. I just could not resist.”

 

He opened the door then, stepping aside so she would go in first. As she passed him, he breathed into her ear.

 

“I am sure.”

 

He went in after her. Alas he was forced to come to a stop when he almost fell on her. She had halted abruptly and as she stared at whatever it was that had her rooted to the spot. He watched the color drain from her face, her smile vanishing. Even her eyes that had been dazzling before suddenly grew dim with sadness.

 

His own smile disappeared as well, his features contorting in a scowl as he followed her line of sight. He wondered what could have caused her reaction.

 

When his eyes finally saw it, his heart broke.

 

Lord Exeter and Miss Fitzwilliam, seated at one of the tables, smiling at each other like puppies in love.

 

If ever Nigel needed a confirmation that Imogen still loved the man, he knew he had just received it. She had been happy a moment ago and he had been thrilled to see her so, even if her hilarity was at his expense.

 

Yet, at the mere sight of the man who had hurt her . . . the man she still loved . . . sadness had overcome her.

 

These past few days, they seemed to have grown even closer. Especially because of the talk with his mother, he had truly begun to believe Imogen loved him.

 

He had hoped to finally confess that night, at the ball, as he presented her the engagement ring. Alas, he had been a fool. While Imogen might be fond of him and enjoy his company, it was clear that her heart still belonged to the baron.

 

Nigel’s mind became muddled. He could barely think straight. His head began to hurt even as the pain in his chest intensified.

 

Thankfully, she recovered on her own and as she began to walk, he followed her wordlessly to the table she had picked.

 

For the remainder of their afternoon out together, he saw as she continued to steal glances at the baron and his lady. Every time this happened, it hurt him a little more.

 

Finally, they finished having their tea and decided to take a walk as the weather was agreeable. As they did, he tried to make light conversation, but he could tell something was wrong.

 

Her heart was not in it, and she still would not smile. Sometimes, her mind wandered off and he had to call her name over and over again, to bring her back.

 

He knew she was thinking about the man. The same one who had hurt her so.

 

Nigel considered speaking to her regarding the issue but decided otherwise. What would he say? What would it make him look like? An utter fool in love? No. He would do well to save his pride and nurse his wounds in secret.

 

He thought of Ethan’s words again. What if she never stopped loving the baron? Was he willing to enter into such a marriage? Living everyday knowing that his feelings would never return?

 

There was no reprieve in such misery. None whatsoever.

 

Dear Lord, what am I to do?

***

 

After Nigel dropped her home, he left to prepare for the ball. She was worried he would have to make the trip all the way to Kensington and back, but he assured her he had a townhouse in London, and he had stored his clothing there that morning.

 

Comforted by this, she had bidden him farewell.

 

It was not until he was far gone that she realized she had ruined their afternoon with her sour mood.

 

I must apologize later.

 

She had not meant to. She had been very happy to see him that morning, even happier that they would get to spend some time alone. Then she had stepped into the tearoom and seen Alicia and Lord Exeter.

 

Not that she cared anything for Exeter, but Alicia . . . No matter how terribly things had gone between them, it was the truth that Imogen missed her, if only a little.

 

They had grown up together, she had known Alicia all her life. Now that the anger, hurt, and feeling of betrayal were gone, she could think a little more clearly and bring herself to accept the fact.

 

Alicia was not all terrible. Spoilt and selfish at times, yes. Nevertheless, she had her good sides.

 

Even if they would never be friends again, Imogen wished for there to be no bad blood between them. She did not want her heart jumping out of her chest every time she ran into Alicia by accident.

 

It was too discomforting and no way to live.

 

If only they could bury the past between them, letting it pass as water under the bridge, Imogen would be all the happier for that. It was all she desired, in truth. To bury the hatchet and move on.

 

She was now ready to forgive.

 

As she came to this decision, she found herself being in better spirits. It was indeed what she had to do. After the wedding ceremony was over, she would invite Alicia and they would speak over the matter. Hopefully, they would be able to make peace. Then, Imogen would breathe easy.

 

With this thought in mind, she went on to her chamber where she surrendered herself to Elena who would make her look heavenly for the ball.

 

Hours later, she was ready, looking more gorgeous than ever. Aunt Rachel who had changed into a lovely ball gown held her hand and together, they went down to the grand hall that had been turned into a ballroom.

 

All the guests appeared to have arrived already as the hall was filled.

 

“Is Nigel here yet?” she asked her aunt as she looked out for him. She was eager to apologize to him. He must have been taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor.

 

Her sweet Nigel, he could have troubled her to tell him what was the matter, but he had not. Instead, he had stayed by her side in silent understanding, offering comfort with his soothing presence.

 

As the chosen day drew near, Imogen kept seeing more reasons to believe that she had made the best choice by agreeing to marry him.

 

“I believe I saw him arrive a while ago with his family. He must be somewhere here in this crowd. Never worry, we shall find him soon enough and the ball will begin properly.”

 

True to her word, Aunt Rachel found him a moment later. He had donned on a perfectly tailored black suit with a coral-colored shirt and cravat that coincidentally matched her dress.

 

This secretly pleased Imogen. They looked more like a couple than ever.

 

“You look very handsome tonight, my Lord. I believe regal would be a more fitting word.” she said as she went to his side.

 

He smiled at her. “Thank you, Miss Hartford. You are lovely, as always.”

 

Something was wrong. She could immediately tell. His smile was not genuine. His words lacked feeling. What could be the matter?

 

Perhaps, he was angry about earlier? If that was the case, then she had to apologize as quickly as she could.

 

Unfortunately, the chance did not present itself as they were soon swept into a new world. With their parents’ guidance, they greeted everyone who had honored their invitation to the ball.

 

Every one of the seventy guests! As Nigel had said earlier, they had to smile and nod as they were told “Congratulations! Best wishes!”

 

Then there were those who had been too eager to make small talk. All the while, Imogen could feel Nigel’s coldness by her side. He was so near, yet he could not have been any more distant.

 

Fear gnawed at her. She could not help being afraid that the problem was even bigger than she thought. That she was losing him for good.

 

She did not want to think about it. Not when the past few days had been so heavenly. Not when she had fallen even deeper in love with him.

 

Not on this night when they ought to be their happiest.

 

Finally, when she feared she would fall from exhaustion, they were allowed to return to their seats. The ball had officially begun.

 

Her father gave a speech welcoming everyone. Then, Nigel presented her a precious golden ring, adorned with ruby. It rendered her breathless for she had never seen anything more beautiful.

 

“It belonged to my mother,” he said. “And my grandmother before that. It has been in my family for generations. Now, it is yours. You wear it well.”

 

“I wear it with honor for that is what I am, honored,” she replied, still in awe.

 

Eventually, a toast was raised to them and it was finally time to dance.

 

As the dance floor was cleared for them to take their place, Imogen knew it was finally the time she had been waiting for. Some peace, some quiet—save for the music, and what modicum of privacy they could get given the circumstances.

 

“Are you alright?” she asked, after a short while of slow waltzing.

 

He gave a curt nod in response. “Certainly.”

 

It did not seem like it.

 

“Is all well?”

 

Another curt nod. “Of course. All is progressing as planned. Your family did a wonderful job, putting all of this together. The arrangement is going nicely. This all pleases me.”

 

He was lying to her, she could tell. This hurt her so much for she knew that if he was keeping the truth from her, then the truth had to be painful.

 

Perhaps, he is having second thoughts?

 

“You do not look too pleased,” she muttered softly.

 

“Forgive me. I have a nagging headache is all.”

 

You just said you were alright.

 

“Oh dear.”

 

She did not know much about the complexities between a man and woman, but she knew enough to understand when to stop prodding. So, forcing a smile on her face, she continued.

 

“I do hope the headache ends soon so you can finally get some rest. I suspect all the strain of the past few days has a hand in it. Not to worry, I shall have Daria prepare you a concoction that will help relieve the ache. I am sorry you are suffering so.”

 

“It is fine. It is as you said. I only need rest. I shall be just fine.”

 

She nodded. “Of course.”

 

There was another quiet moment before she spoke again.

 

“I have something else to apologize for. Earlier today, I did not mean to become so sad. I just could not help myself after seeing . . .”

 

The music ended then, and she realized that their moment was over. Alas, she still had not gotten the chance to properly apologize.

 

Dampened by this, she sunk into a shallow curtsy and he bowed. When they came together again to return to their chairs, she began to speak, but he cut her off.

 

“You need not apologize, Imogen. I understand. Perfectly well.”

 

She froze in her steps.

 

It did not sound like he understood at all. Cold, yes. Angry, absolutely. But understanding? Not in the least.

 

There it was, the heartbreak she had dreaded. Now it was clear to her that Lady Cheshire had been wrong.

 

Nigel did not love her. Perhaps, he had been infatuated, but now that he was faced with the reality, he had come to his senses, regretting his decision.

 

It took every strength in her to regain her composure, mask the fact that she was falling apart inside, smile and gracefully follow after him.

 

For her, it was the beginning of the end.