Whispers of the Heart by Rose Pearson
Chapter Four
“Good afternoon, Miss Whyte.”
Ann’s stomach knotted as she rose from her chair and did her best to smile. This was her third gentleman caller this afternoon and, whilst she was both relieved and glad that she had not been without company, she could not help but feel a little embarrassed at the sight of Lord Silverton.
“Lord Silverton,” she murmured, dropping into a curtsey. “How very good to see you. Thank you for calling.”
She kept her smile in place as Lady Ware gestured for Lord Silverton to sit down and, as he did so, both herself and Lady Ware returned to their seats.
“I do hope you enjoyed yourself last evening, Miss Whyte?” Lord Silverton asked, his eyes gleaming slightly as he looked at her steadily. “It was your first ball, if I recall correctly?”
Ann nodded, just as Lady Ware rose to ring the bell for tea.
“It was, yes,” she answered, wondering if Lord Silverton had truly struggled to recollect such a detail, or if he was saying so simply in the hope of starting a conversation.
“And was it not an excellent one?” he asked, glancing at Lady Ware. “I do hope you found it an enjoyable evening also, Lady Ware?”
Lady Ware’s smile was bright.
“I did, very much,” she said, gesturing to Ann. “And we were both so very grateful to you for stepping in as you did.”
Ann, who had known that such a remark was coming, nodded quickly, silently praying that the moment would pass.
“Very grateful indeed,” she murmured, hearing the door open behind her and feeling her heart steady itself with relief.
The maid would bring in the tea and she would have no need to talk further about what had occurred. The fact that Lord Ware had not come to her to take her to the dance floor for what would have been her first dance of the Season had been utterly mortifying and, even now, Ann felt the sting of his forgetfulness pain her heart. She had managed to catch sight of him, seeing him gesticulate and laugh, deep in conversation with another gentleman, and had felt as though she were naught but a shadow, fleeting and quickly forgotten. What had made matters worse was that she had not seen Lord Ware since then. It seemed that his behavior did not matter a great deal, else he would surely have come to apologize by now! Lifting her chin, Ann forced her thoughts away from him. It would do her no good to continue thinking of Lord Ware and his continued absence. He mattered very little to her – or at least, he ought to do so – and Ann did not want her thoughts to linger upon him any longer.
“Silverton.”
Ann caught her breath, her hand gripping the arm of the chair as she heard the voice of Lord Ware behind her. It was not the maid bringing the tea, then. It was, in fact, the very gentleman she had been so eager not to consider.
“Good afternoon, Ware!” Lord Silverton exclaimed, sounding delighted. “I did not know you were home.” He smiled and spread out one hand towards Ann, who still could not bring herself to look up at Lord Ware. “I hope you do not mind that I am come to call upon the lovely Miss Whyte, instead of coming to seek you out!”
Lord Ware chuckled, but Ann did not miss the way that he turned himself away from her a little more, as though he wanted to block her out entirely. She closed her eyes momentarily, dropping her head just a little. This was even more mortifying, for the gentleman who had not come to dance with her and the gentleman who had come to save her from her embarrassment were both present in the same room. How Ann wished that Lord Ware had not chosen this particular moment to enter the drawing room! Why had he come when she was attempting to make conversation with Lord Silverton? There could not be anything pressing, anything urgent that had to be related to either herself or his mother, surely!
“I am always glad to see you, Silverton, whether it be to converse with me or with Miss Whyte,” came the reply as, finally, the maid entered with the tea tray. “Ah, I see you are to take tea! I do hope you will not mind if I join you?”
This was not directed at Ann, however, but rather at Lady Ware who, after shooting a quick glance towards Ann herself, simply smiled and lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. Lord Ware grinned and sat down quickly, as though he feared his mother would retract the invitation should he not do so.
“Miss Whyte, might you care to pour the tea?” Lady Ware asked, for what was the third time that afternoon. “My dear, I am not certain that the maid has included a cup for you!” she tsked, only for Lord Ware to shake his head.
“There are four cups, mother,” he said, calmly. “In anticipation, I made certain that the tea tray would contain four, for I intended to sit with you awhile and discuss one particular matter.” His eyes slanted towards Ann but she did not capture his gaze and instead turned her attention to the matter at hand. Lifting the teapot, she carefully poured the delicate tea into the first cup before setting the teapot down again, ready to add whatever else was required to Lord Silverton’s cup. “Last evening, I made a very grave misstep,” Lord Ware continued, when no-one else spoke a word. “Miss Whyte, I believe I upset you greatly, and Lord Silverton stood up in my place.” Ann’s hands trembled slightly as she poured the next cup, but she remained entirely silent, steadying herself so that she would not make a mess of the tea. Her heart was quickening in her chest and for a moment, it felt as though she could not catch her breath. Lord Ware, oblivious to this, cleared his throat a little gruffly and then continued. “Miss Whyte, I had promised to stand up with you for the first dance of the evening,” he said, his words coming from his mouth with a little more haste. “I had always known that it was of the greatest importance, and I had every intention of doing so.”
“But you were nowhere to be found!” Lord Silverton interrupted, his voice filled with a mirth that Ann did not feel. “The poor lady was looking for you for some time and I could see the way that she slowly began to lose hope of your arrival!”
Heat poured into Ann’s cheeks as she set down the teapot with a little too much force, making the remaining china on the tray rattle loudly. Lord Silverton’s smile faded at once and Lord Ware looked at her sharply, but Ann did not raise either her head or her gaze. Instead, she picked up her own teacup – her task of pouring the tea now complete – and took a small sip before setting the cup back on the saucer. Certain that her face was scarlet, she finally lifted her head and looked directly at Lady Ware, only to see that the lady was frowning hard – and not in Ann’s direction.
“I believe, Ware, that you were attempting to apologize.” Lady Ware’s voice was crisp, her words a little sharp. “Is there a reason that you have fallen silent?”
A small tug of Ann’s lips at this chastisement brought her a little relief from her embarrassment and slowly, the heat in her face began to dissipate.
“Yes,” Lord Ware said, immediately. “Yes, I was.” Clearing his throat, he spread his hands. “I became distracted, Miss Whyte. That is the only excuse I have, and I am all too aware that it is no excuse at all.” Rising to his feet, he came towards Ann and, stopping in front of her, looked down into her face. Ann had no choice but to look back at him, finding herself suddenly tense as she forced her gaze towards his. His green eyes were steady, holding fast to hers as a seriousness came into his expression which told her that this apology was not something he was treating lightly. Evidently, he was truly apologetic. “I should have remembered my obligation to you, Miss Whyte,” he said, speaking quietly and with such feeling that Ann was left blinking in surprise. “I did not even consider what my duties were and instead became quite caught up in conversing with my friend. I could tell you that it has been some time since I last saw him, that I found myself overcome with delight at his return to London and how important our conversation was, but none of that matters, Miss Whyte. I should have recalled my duty and made certain to do as I had promised. I am sorry that you were forced to stand there and wait for me, not knowing what was happening and, no doubt, wondering why I had not appeared. I can only apologize once more and beg you to forgive me, for my regret is sincere and I feel nothing but anger at my own failure.”
This was such a great speech that Ann, at first, did not know how to respond. In truth, she wanted very much to believe Lord Ware to be genuine, for his words and his apology appeared to be quite heartfelt. And yet, she still felt the sting of his absence and part of her wanted very much to cling to what he had done – or failed to do – so that she might continue to harbor a grudge towards him. She did not want to think well of him, did not want to consider that what he had done by way of his apology was, in fact, a gracious and considered response. Her shoulders slumped as her heart began to ache. She could not behave so unfeelingly, not when he had clearly spoken words from his own heart. To bear a grudge would be to permit bitterness into her heart and Ann did not want that.
“I thank you, Lord Ware.” Her voice was quiet but her gaze steady as she looked up at him. “Your apology is appreciated.”
“I am grateful to Lord Silverton for stepping in where I ought to have been,” he replied, throwing a quick look towards the other gentleman who was sitting watching the unfolding scene with seemingly great interest. Turning back to her, Lord Ware held out his hand, one eyebrow lifting slightly as he waited for her to respond. Pressing her lips together and thrusting aside her reluctance, Ann held out her hand in response and he grasped it quickly, before bowing low over it. “I am grateful to you for your understanding and your willingness to forgive, Miss Whyte,” he said, his breath hot on her skin before his lips brushed across the back of her hand. “I can assure you, such a thing will never happen again.”
Ann could not speak. There was a sudden, strange sensation which had captured her so completely that she could not even put words to it. Lord Ware looked into her eyes and, to Ann, it felt as though everything about her froze in place. Lady Ware’s smile remained fixed, Lord Silverton’s joviality was stilled and there was only herself and Lord Ware, looking back at each other in the quietness of the drawing room.
She could not breathe, could not think and yet her whole being was alive with sensations. The way he had taken her hand in his, the astonishment of his touch on her skin, now quite overwhelmed her. It was as though, in that instant, all that she felt had faded from her and left her utterly overwhelmed with whirring emotions.
And then, he was gone. Releasing her hand, he turned and made his way back to his seat, leaving Ann feeling completely discomposed. Lord Silverton was saying something, but she could not seem to take in what he said, hearing nothing but a faint buzzing in her ears as she blinked rapidly, focusing her gaze on her teacup as though that would help her to regain her composure. She could not understand what it was that she felt, what sensations Lord Ware’s kiss to her hand had awoken.
Those sensations were most displeasing to her, she had to admit, for she did not want to feel anything for Lord Ware himself! She did not think well of him, Ann reminded herself, and one apology and one touch of his hand to hers did not make his character change in any significant manner. It was not as though he now appeared to be graciousness itself, not as though he were now going to turn into the most welcoming of all gentlemen in London! It was quite ridiculous to allow such a change of sensation to affect her opinion of him.
“And the next ball you are to attend is….?”
Lord Silverton’s voice finally drifted into Ann’s ears as she forced herself to reach forward and pick up her teacup again, ready to take another sip. The tea was still warm and helped return her to the conversation entirely, seeing the way that Lord Silverton looked at her expectantly.
“Oh, it is I that manage such invitations, Lord Silverton,” Lady Ware said, hastily. “We are to attend Lord Richmond’s ball tomorrow evening.” Her eyes darted to Ann’s and then returned to Lord Silverton again. “You are to join us there, I hope?”
“I believe I am,” Lord Silverton exclaimed, slapping his knee as though this was the most wonderful news. “We shall be there together, then. I must hope, Miss Whyte, that you will again be eager to dance with me?” He grinned at her, his eyes lighting for a moment as Ann forced a smile to her face. She wanted nothing more than to step away for a short time so that she might set herself to rights, to perhaps rid herself of these lingering emotions and sensations, but it seemed she was not to have that pleasure. Seeing the way that Lady Ware was looking at her, Ann found herself nodding.
“Yes, yes, of course, Lord Ware,” she answered, seeing how he beamed at her. “I would be glad to dance with you again, thank you.”
His eyes brightened.
“The first dance, then?”
Ann opened her mouth to accept, quietly relieved that she would not have to wait for a gentleman to seek her out in the hope of being able to step out to dance, only for Lord Ware to interrupt. Slicing the air with his hand, he shook his head.
“I am afraid I cannot permit such a thing,” he replied, firmly. “Not that I am at all suggesting that you cannot dance with Miss Whyte, Lord Silverton, but I must beg to be permitted to dance the first dance with Miss Whyte.” The ghost of a smile hovered about his lips as he looked back at Ann expectantly. “After all, I must do what I can to right my mistake. It will not be your first ball, Miss Whyte, but your second, yet still, the ton should see you standing up with me.”
One look towards Lady Ware told Ann that this scheme had garnered her approval, for the lady was smiling brightly and nodding, leaving Ann with no choice but to accept.
“I thank you both,” she answered, seeing the smile fade just a little on Lord Silverton’s face. “I should be grateful for both of your considerations.”
“Then I will take the first and Lord Silverton the second,” Lord Ware replied, although there was no smile on his lips or obvious happiness in his eyes. “That way, I can make amends.”
Ann smiled and nodded but inside, she felt her heart sinking to the very depths. She had been so foolish to permit herself to feel such sensations from the briefest of touches of Lord Ware’s hand, for it was now more than apparent that Lord Ware was only doing such things out of a sense of duty. He had no eagerness in his request to dance with her, no happiness at the thought of stepping out with her. The only reason he would do so was to make certain that he did as he ought in the eyes of the ton – and of his mother – and to make certain that his apology was followed by a clear and obvious restitution. No doubt, he would feel better also, given that his guilt was now quite taken away by her acceptance of his apology. Sighing inwardly, Ann closed her eyes for just a moment and gave herself a small shake. These first few days in London had been very trying indeed, and she was just as much to blame as Lord Ware. Her foolish heart had been momentarily taken in by his apology and his sincerity in that matter, but Ann could not permit herself to feel anything of the same again. Lord Ware was nothing to her, and could never become anything to her, for surely then Ann would find her heart quite broken into a thousand pieces, without any hope of restoration.
“Until tomorrow, then.”
Lord Silverton had risen to his feet and, a little embarrassed that she had not seen him do so before, Ann hurriedly rose also. She smiled and thanked him and bade him farewell as Lord Ware walked with him to the door, only to sit down in relief when he had departed.
“And now we are to take a drive around Hyde Park for the fashionable hour!” Lady Ware cried, throwing up her hands and making her way to the door in obvious enthusiasm. “Come, Ann! You must change and have the maid set your hair into an altogether different style for, if we see Lord Silverton there, then he will be caught by the change in your appearance!”
A small frown pulled at Ann’s brow, but she merely nodded in acceptance of this instruction, trying to find the energy required to move from her chair and make her way back to her bedchamber where the maid would be waiting for her. She was fatigued. The late evenings and the continual preparations for what came next was tiring and, given that Ann was not used to it, she found herself growing rather weary.
“You do not wish to go.”
She looked up, her heart beating rapidly as she realized that Lord Ware was still present. She had not noticed him, but apparently, he had not left the room as she had thought and was now standing just behind her, seeming to do nothing but observe her.
“I am a little tired, that is all,” she replied, her voice quavering just a little, such had been her surprise upon seeing him. “There is no need for concern, Lord Ware.”
So saying, she pushed herself out of her chair and rose to her feet, lifting her chin just a little as though in defiance of what he had put to her.
“You need not go, Miss Whyte.”
She smiled ruefully.
“I am certain that your mother knows what is best for me,” she answered, looking back at him steadily and making certain to speak with a confidence that she did not truly feel, for even being in Lord Ware’s presence had her a little hesitant. “If you will excuse me.”
She went to walk past him, only for Lord Ware’s hand to reach out and gently grasp her arm. Astonished, she stopped dead and looked up into his face, her heart pounding furiously as he drew close to her. His grasp on her arm was light but there was a firmness in his expression which prevented her from moving away. His eyes were shimmering, his brows low over his eyes and there was a faint hint of color in his face.
“You think well of Lord Silverton.” There was no question in that particular remark, for it was much more a statement than anything else and, given that it was such a thing, Ann did not know how to respond. “He thinks highly of you, Miss Whyte, I am sure.”
“I – I do not think I am particularly well acquainted with Lord Silverton, Lord Ware,” she answered, her heart beating so furiously at his nearness that she was certain he could hear it. “I do not understand –”
“I am certain that he might well consider you a suitable match, Miss Whyte,” Lord Ware interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he sought to find something in her expression which she was not expressing through words. “What would you say to that?”
Ann did not know what to say, for the question was so sharp and unexpected that she was quite at a loss as to how to respond. She had never once thought of Lord Silverton’s view of her and, given that they had only become acquainted last evening, she found Lord Ware’s question rather strange.
“Miss Whyte?” Lord Ware was closer to her now, so close that she could feel his breath on her cheek as he leaned his head down a little more, as though wanting to search every inch of her expression.
“Lord Ware, you have astonished me by such a statement,” she said, a little breathlessly. “Indeed, I do not know what to say. I…” Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “Lord Ware, I was only introduced to Lord Silverton last evening. To think that there might be any great connection between us seems to me to be a little foolish.” She did not attempt to speak with great care but rather chose to answer him candidly. “I do not know why you are asking me such a thing.”
She frowned, only for her eyes to flare wide as a sudden thought came to her.
“What is it?” Lord Ware asked, seeing her change in expression. “Miss Whyte, I –”
“You want me to make a quick match!” Ann wrenched her arm from his, her eyes blazing with fire as anger and upset swirled together within her core. “You have promised my brother that I can remain with you for the Season, have stated that your mother is to be my chaperone, and yet, rather than allowing me to acquaint myself with members of the ton, rather than permitting me to further my connections with those I have already been introduced to, you seek to push me towards the very first gentleman who shows even the smallest flicker of interest in me!”
This time, it was Lord Ware’s turn to stare back at her in evident confusion, but Ann was not about to allow herself to be fooled for the second time.
“You want me to consider Lord Silverton whether or not he is truly a suitable match for me,” she continued, hot tears now burning in her eyes. “That is why you press me about him, why you are so eager for me to consider him, is it not?” Feeling nothing more than utter foolishness, Ann closed her eyes and felt tears fall onto her cheeks. “I will be gone from your house in good time, Lord Ware,” she finished, her voice now strained and tight with anger. “But I will not be pushed into the arms of any gentleman.” Opening her eyes, she lifted her chin and glared at him. “Not even Lord Silverton.”
With that, she turned on her heel and left the room at once, her tears drying on her cheeks, but her anger slowly beginning to turn to sorrow. She did not hear Lord Ware calling out after her, begging her to stop and to permit him to explain. All she heard was the quick beating of her heart, feeling nothing but the deep, unrelenting pain which came with the knowledge of what he had done.
“I shall never allow myself to feel such things again,” she whispered to herself, all too aware of how she had been caught up in a myriad of feelings when he had taken her hand. “Never again, Lord Ware. Never again.”
