Whispers of the Heart by Rose Pearson

Chapter Twelve

“You look very lovely this evening, my dear.”

Ann smiled at Lady Ware’s words, glancing down at her gown and smoothing it with her hands.

“Thank you,” she answered, feeling the nervousness within her, but refusing to permit it to rise any further than it already had. “I am very much looking forward to this ball.”

Lady Ware’s brow lifted gently.

“Is there any gentleman in particular you wish to see?” she asked, as a blush filled Ann’s cheeks. “I am certain that my son has held this ball entirely for you, my dear. There must be a reason why. I have noted that both Lord Hyndford and Lord Silverton are to join us.” Her brow lifted all the more, her eyes sparkling with interest. “You know which one I favor.”

“I do,” Ann replied, as warmly as she could whilst inwardly feeling herself recoiling from the idea. “But I am not settled on either one, Lady Ware. If I am truthful, I would state that I would prefer not to consider either of them at present.”

Lady Ware blinked but did not immediately respond. Instead, she merely studied Ann with a cautious look in her eye, as though she were a little concerned. Ann made to say something more, something to divert the conversation, only for the door to open and Lord Ware to walk into the room.

He was resplendent and Ann could not help but catch her breath at the sight of him. He appeared to her to be even more handsome than before, but the look in his eyes was what stole her breath. It did not matter about the neatness of his cravat, about the way that his hair fell carelessly across his brow. All that mattered was the love that she saw burning in his eyes, knowing that, whilst it was not yet expressed, it matched the feelings which were within her own heart.

“Ware, good evening.”

Lady Ware spoke sharply, clearly a little put out that her son had not yet greeted her.

“Good evening, mother,” Lord Ware replied swiftly, although he did not take his gaze away from Ann. “And good evening, Miss Whyte. Might I say that you look very beautiful this evening?” He smiled at her and Ann’s heart tore into a furious rhythm. “I am certain you will dazzle everyone at the ball.”

“Perhaps you might inform me of which gentleman Miss Whyte is currently considering, Ware?” Lady Ware interrupted, making Ann’s cheeks burn with heat all over again. “She tells me that she is not eager to consider Lord Silverton nor Lord Hyndford but, given her expression, I am quite certain there is another gentleman.” Her expression softened into a teasing smile as she looked at Ann. “I doubt you will tell me, my dear, so mayhap my son will do so?”

“I will not.” Lord Ware grinned and came across to his mother, putting one hand gently on her arm. “And you need not question poor Miss Whyte, I am certain she is able to consider this particular fellow with all wisdom.”

Lady Ware studied her son through slightly narrowed eyes, her expression thoughtful.

“Is he of good character, though?” she asked, as Ann looked away, unable to hide the smile which was now spreading across her face.

“Oh, immeasurably,” Lord Ware replied, firmly. “And quite handsome too, I must say.”

A giggle escaped from Ann, just as Lord Ware burst into laughter also, leaving Lady Ware looking at them both in astonishment. It brought Ann some comfort for, in this difficult hour when she was already feeling somewhat unsettled, the laughter and the mirth brought her some relief from her tension.

“I shall not ask you to explain yet,” Lady Ware stated, although her eyes were dancing with good humor, “but I must know the name of this fellow soon, Miss Whyte. After all, what sort of chaperone would I be if I did not know the name of a gentleman you were considering favorably?” Her eyes slanted towards her son. “Although, if Ware knows of him, then I should suppose that his judgment is not entirely skewed!”

Her son laughed at this remark and took his mother’s hand for a moment, pressing it gently.

“I have every confidence that you will think well of him,” he said, throwing a long look towards Ann. “Mayhap after the ball, you will know all, Mother. But, given that the first of our guests are to arrive soon, might we place such things to the back of our minds for the moment?”

Lady Ware sighed, laughed, and then smiled.

“But of course,” she said, as Lord Ware approached Ann, reaching for her hand, and lifting it to his lips for just a moment. “Come, then, let us go and await our guests!”

She left the room, leaving Ann and Lord Ware to stand alone together for just a few moments.

“Handsome indeed,” Ann murmured, aware of just how much exhilaration ran through her at the touch of his lips to her hand. “And more than wonderful, certainly.”

“You are much too kind, Ann,” Lord Ware murmured, his gaze brushing down over her before returning to her eyes. “My goodness, your beauty is quite overwhelming. I do not think I shall be able to remove my gaze from you this whole evening!”

She blushed prettily, feeling the urge to say more, but knowing that now was not the time to do so.

“I will feel all the more secure in such a knowledge, Lord Ware,” she answered, as he pressed her hand again. “But your mother is right, we should go to await the guests.”

“And then, mayhap tomorrow, we ought to tell my mother everything,” Lord Ware replied, a lop-sided smile on his face. “Unless she has already guessed the truth!” Chuckling, he took her hand and placed it on his arm. “Come, my dear Ann. Let us go.”

* * *

“Miss Whyte,how very good to see you.”

Ann smiled as brightly as she could, wanting to make certain that Lord Hyndford was encouraged.

“Good evening, Lord Hyndford!” she exclaimed. “I have been so very much looking forward to your arrival.”

Her heart swelled with relief. This was the perfect time for Lord Hyndford to appear, given that her dance with Lord Silverton was due very soon. She needed to find a way to have them both together and this presented the exact opportunity she required.

His eyes brightened.

“Is that so?” he asked, as she kept her smile fixed in place. “Then had I known, Miss Whyte, I would have made my way here far sooner, so as not to leave you waiting!”

“You are most obliging,” Ann replied, as he held out his hand, asking for her dance card. Ann waited as he signed his name to it, glad that Lord Ware had taken her supper dance. By that time, she hoped that their endeavors would be firmly at an end and that all would be as it ought. “Thank you, Lord Hyndford.”

His eyes met hers.

“I see that Lord Silverton has already stolen your waltz, Miss Whyte,” he said, sounding disappointed. “It seems I am to have to fight for your company this evening.”

Ann cocked her head, bird-like.

“Not if you are bold enough simply to ask for it, Lord Hyndford,” she said, a trifle coyly. “I would be glad to take a turn about the room with you if you wish? After all, given that this is in Lord Ware’s home, I have found that all the servants, Lady Ware and Lord Ware are continually making certain that I am quite safe and behaving with all propriety, so I am certain that they will not mind if we do so.”

It did not take more than a single moment for Lord Hyndford to agree. Indeed, he seemed almost overeager in his acceptance, for he almost trod on her toes as he offered her his arm. Ann accepted with a smile, and they set off together around the room.

“I will be honest with you, Miss Whyte, as I have been in the past,” Lord Hyndford began, as they walked. “I was a little disappointed to see Lord Silverton’s name on your dance card already. I am aware that he has an interest in furthering his connection with you and, as I am certain you already know, I am also eager to do so.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “Might I hope that you have not yet accepted his request to court you?”

Ann laughed, reaching across to pat Lord Hyndford’s arm.

“Lord Hyndford, you must not ask me such things,” she said, in what she hoped was an off-hand manner. “I cannot inform you of the intentions of other gentlemen!”

“Not even if it is solely to see whether or not I have any chance of courting you myself?” Lord Hyndford asked, his voice low and quiet but a hope in his eyes which Ann could not miss.

“Even then, I do not think I would share such a thing,” Ann replied, primly. “I would only say that if any gentlemen were to ask me such a thing, I would have to give it some consideration.”

Lord Hyndford frowned.

“Oh?”

“I have many things which are of importance to me, Lord Hyndford,” Ann replied, her heart quickening as she began to try to add in the topic of conversation which was required. “I must consider which gentleman will be able to support me in some matters.”

“I would be glad to support you, Miss Whyte,” came the eager reply. “Only, pray tell me what it is that concerns you.”

Ann laughed, one hand on her heart.

“My dear Lord Hyndford, if you were truly eager to court me, then you would surely already be aware of what such things might be,” she said, not wanting to appear too eager. “I do not think I should make things as easy as that.”

Laughing again, she let her smile begin to fade and she looked away. Silence reigned for a minute or two as they continued to make their way around the room, with Ann being aware of just how Lord Hyndford was studying her.

“I must imagine that there is concern over your brother, Miss Whyte,” Lord Hyndford said, eventually. “He is still at war?”

Refusing to look at Lord Hyndford, Ann patted his arm.

“I did not want to think of it at present, but I suppose that if we are to discuss the war, then yes, I have a grave concern over my brother.”

Lord Hyndford stopped walking and turned to face her, making Ann realize that they were in a quieter part of the ballroom. She prayed that either Lord Ware or Lord Stratham would be watching her and standing nearby, as they had promised.

“Is something wrong as regards your brother, Miss Whyte?” Lord Hyndford asked, his eyes rounding. “Please, I would have you tell me.”

She shook her head.

“I cannot,” she replied, gesturing to the other guests. “Not in such a place as this! Not when I might be interrupted at any moment.” She dropped her head. “Besides which, Lord Hyndford, it is Lord Silverton’s dance very soon and I should not like to be absent from it.” A wry smile tipped her lips upwards, although inwardly she was relieved that Lord Silverton would soon most certainly seek her out for their dance. It was not something he would want to miss. “I know what it is like to stand in the ballroom and wait for a gentleman to appear, only for them never to do so. I should not want to do the same to Lord Silverton.”

As if on cue, Lord Silverton suddenly appeared a short distance away, his eyes landing on her with evident relief. Making his way towards them both, he bowed to her and ignored Lord Hyndford entirely.

“Miss Whyte,” he said, lifting his head from his bow. “It is our dance, I think!”

“Now, just wait a moment, Lord Silverton.” Lord Hyndford’s tone was hard. “Miss Whyte is in no fit state to dance. There is clearly a matter of importance which has upset her!”

Ann did not immediately disagree but turned towards Lord Silverton with a sad smile.

“I am quite ready to dance with you, Lord Silverton,” she said, in an apologetic tone. “It is only that Lord Hyndford and I were talking and it has brought to mind something which has been weighing heavily upon me these last few days.”

Lord Silverton’s expression changed to one of concern in an instant and he reached out to grasp her hand. “Then we need not dance, of course!” he exclaimed, looking to Lord Hyndford for a moment. “What do you require at this moment, Miss Whyte? Some refreshment? A chair?”

Ann shook her head.

“I am quite well, I assure you. In a few minutes, I will have regained my uplifted spirits and be quite as I usually am.” She sighed plaintively. “If only Lord Ware would listen to my concerns, then I might feel a little more contented but, as it is, he is less than interested in any opinions I might voice.”

Lord Silverton and Lord Hyndford exchanged a glance which Ann did not miss.

“Pray, do tell us,” Lord Hyndford murmured, moving a little closer. “You know that we would be glad to listen to you, Miss Whyte.”

Ann looked all about her, a frown creasing her brow as she settled one hand on Lord Silverton’s arm and smiled at him.

“You will not mind if we miss our first dance, Lord Silverton? There is still the second.”

Her touch on his arm seemed to bring a smile of delight to Lord Silverton’s face, as if he were glad indeed to be conversing with her instead of dancing.

“But of course, Miss Whyte,” he replied, softly. “Anything that you require.”

“It would be a great relief to me,” she admitted, shaking her head. “It is to do with my brother. He…” She closed her eyes and drew in a shuddering breath. “He has been captured by the French.”

Lord Silverton’s eyes flared.

“Good gracious.”

“Lord Ware knows of it but cares very little,” she continued, her voice trembling as the lies she had to tell spilled from her lips without hesitation. The tremor in her frame was quite real, however, for Ann could not help but feel anxious as she put her part of the plan into action. It had to be believable, had to be convincing, else there would be no hope for her whatsoever. “I had begged him to do something, given that he is involved in the war effort in so many ways, but he states that he simply cannot do so!” Sighing heavily, she dropped her head as though attempting to hide her tears. “I would do anything to have my brother home safely again,” she finished, miserably. “But I fear that I will never see him again. I would be forever filled with gratitude to whoever managed to aid him, but Lord Ware says it is quite hopeless!”

Lord Hyndford shook his head.

“It is not hopeless,” he stated, putting one hand on her arm, and taking a step closer. “My dear Miss Whyte, do not allow Lord Ware’s pessimism to take hold of your heart! There is always a way for such things to be achieved.”

Ann sniffed and looked up at him, hoping that she appeared quite desperate.

“I should be so very grateful, Lord Hyndford,” she murmured, putting her hand over his. “I cannot imagine what could be done now that the enemy has him – but surely there must be a way!”

“There is.” Lord Silverton moved closer to her, as though he wanted to take the place of Lord Hyndford. Ann felt trapped between them both but forced herself to remain calm, hoping that the eagerness they both felt in their desire to court her would be the impetus they needed to act. She was inwardly recoiling from them both but outwardly had to play the part of a heartbroken young lady, desperate for her brother to be safe. “You need not fear, Miss Whyte,” Lord Silverton continued, firmly, “there are ways and means to retrieve an English gentleman from the French army. If you would be willing to leave the matter to me –”

“To us,” Lord Hyndford interrupted, loudly, narrowing his eyes at Lord Silverton.

“To us,” Lord Silverton corrected, a little tightly, his smile a little fixed. “If you would leave the matter in our hands, I am certain that we will be able to retrieve your brother.” Another small step closer and he was practically whispering in her ear. “Mayhap you might then feel far more able to consider your own future happiness, rather than being so upset and concerned over your brother’s welfare.”

The hope in his voice was unmistakable and Ann’s stomach turned over. She knew what he was implying and did not want to give him an affirmative answer. But yet, it was what was required of her if she were to keep the plan in motion.

“But of course,” she answered, as warmly as she could. “I find it very difficult at present to give any thought to my future. But should I know that my brother is safe – whether he is in England or not – then I could allow my thoughts to turn to… other matters.”

Lord Silverton’s eyes flickered, and he nodded slowly, a satisfied smile on his lips.

“Then I am quite certain that I will be able to do all that you hope for, Miss Whyte,” he said, ignoring Lord Hyndford’s clearing of his throat. “Pray, do not worry any longer.”

“Yes, do not allow your mind to remain troubled,” Lord Hyndford stated, coming towards her, and putting his hand on her shoulder. “It will be resolved very soon.”

“I thank you,” Ann breathed, looking up at Lord Hyndford. “I should be very grateful to whomever of you manages to bring me even the smallest bit of hope.”

“Do excuse me.”

Ann’s attention was caught by another gentleman approaching them, speaking directly to her as he bowed. “Ah, Lord Hughes,” she said, giving herself a small shake and lifting her chin so that she appeared quite contented. “Is it our dance?”

He smiled.

“It is,” he said, offering her his arm. “The cotillion, Miss Whyte!”

Turning to glance at Lord Hyndford and then Lord Silverton, Ann dropped into a quick curtsey before she accepted Lord Hughes’ arm.

“I thank you both, from the very depths of my heart,” she said, softly. “Do excuse me.”

She did not give them another glance but turned to walk with Lord Hughes out onto the dance floor. Her heart was beating much too quickly for her liking but her part, at least, was at an end. She had nothing more to fear, for all that had been required of her was now achieved. Ann could only pray that everything she had said would convince Lord Silverton and Lord Hyndford to act – and that Lord Ware and Lord Stratham would be there to hear everything which was said.