Whispers of the Heart by Rose Pearson
Chapter Six
Ann had told herself that she would not cry, had told her reflection outright that she would not allow herself to shed one single tear over Lord Ware’s actions, but had found herself quite unable to prevent herself from doing so. This was now the reason for the lace handkerchief which was held in her hand for, try as she might, the tears had not been stemmed. Ann knew all too well that she was due very soon to take a walk in Hyde Park with one Lady Augusta and her mother, Lady Croft, and, therefore, could not have any outward appearance of tears but still, the quietness and the composure she was searching for eluded her. The pain of Lord Ware’s absence from her side for what was now the second time still lingered, stabbing her repeatedly every time she allowed herself to think on it. How foolish she had felt, standing in the ballroom and looking all about for him! She had told herself that he would not do such a thing to her again, would not dare to be absent after such a pretty apology and a promise to make amends but, as much as she attempted to comfort herself with those words, they had slowly faded to nothing as she had heard the music begin and seen the other couples begin to dance.
Lady Ware, at least, had been apoplectic with rage and had barely managed to keep her outward façade intact. Indeed, she had been about to step outside so that she might behave and say as she wished without being overheard by so many but, just as she had been about to lead Ann from the dance floor, Lord Silverton had stepped forward and begged to take Lord Ware’s place.
It had been the second time that the gentleman had done so, but Ann had not hesitated in accepting him, for she had feared that, if she did not, she might lose her composure entirely and to do so in front of the ton would not be wise. The rumor and the gossip which could come from such a thing would be much too damaging and Ann wanted to avoid that entirely. Thus, she had accepted Lord Silverton and had stepped out with him and, during that time, made certain that she was ready and prepared to return to Lady Ware in the very best frame of mind that she could manage. Lord Silverton had written his name for her second dance and thus, Ann had danced with him twice and, by the time the cotillion was ended, had felt quite able to stand with Lady Ware without any evidence of her discomposure. Lord Silverton had been quietly encouraging and, with his many words, kind smiles and gentle nods of the head had reassured her that she had nothing to fear. He had placed the blame solely at Lord Ware’s feet and had stated that he had very little idea as to what the gentleman was doing or why he considered his promise to her to be of so little consequence – and Ann had felt her heart ache quietly within her. It had not been until she had returned to Lord Ware’s townhouse, however, that she had finally been able to allow her feelings to truly release. She had not cried last night but had rather sat down on her bed and allowed the heaviness within her heart to spread across her whole being. She changed into her night rail, and then crawled underneath the covers and curled herself up into as tight a ball as she could, before sleep finally came.
This morning, however, the pain and upset had not left her. Rather, it had lingered on, as though it were some sort of malevolent creature just waiting to capture her the very moment she awoke. And now she found tears creeping down her cheeks as she looked back at herself in the looking glass, seeing nothing but her white face and pale eyes gazing back at her. Lord Ware had said not a word to her last evening, had not even attempted to apologize. Instead, he had simply held her gaze before turning away and making his way through the crowd. There had been a blankness in his expression which Ann could only put down to his lack of consideration and understanding as regarded his behavior and the consequences thereof.
It does not matter now,she told herself, silently. You will know not to accept anything he says as either truth or promise. He has not shown himself worthy in that regard.
“Miss Whyte?”
The quiet knock at the door sounded the arrival of the maid and Ann quickly swiped at her tears, lifting her chin and clearing her throat gently before calling for the girl to enter. She did so at once, clucking endearingly about how Ann had not yet changed from her day dress into a walking gown and how they would have to make certain that she appeared to her very best advantage, given that she was to go to Hyde Park! Ann allowed the maid to talk unhindered, rising to her feet when it was asked of her and sitting back down thereafter. The maid did Ann’s hair in the most fetching way, making certain that a few curls placed themselves at Ann’s temples so that, even with her bonnet, she would appear most becoming. Ann only sighed and nodded, not smiling but making sure to be thankful for all that was given to her. The maid said nothing about Ann’s pale features, mentioning seemingly in passing that the warm air would bring a little color into Ann’s cheeks and that, if it did not, Ann might wish to consider pinching them before she stepped out of the carriage.
“Your pale face is my son’s doing, I think.”
A little startled, Ann turned in her seat to see Lady Ware standing in the doorway, her eyes fixed to Ann’s.
“Good afternoon, Lady Ware,” Ann replied, as calmly as she could, for she had not yet seen the lady so far that day. “I trust that you are well rested after yesterday?”
Lady Ware came into the room and reached for Ann’s hand, bending just a little so that she might look into Ann’s face. A gentle hand pressed lightly against Ann’s brow, just as a mother might do when making certain their child was quite well.
“You have been in great distress, I know,” she said gently, as tears welled up in Ann’s eyes. “I have spoken to my son at length, and I know that he is greatly disappointed in himself. That brings you no comfort, I am sure, for it is not as though this was the first time he had done such a dreadful thing.” She smiled sympathetically at Ann, who could only nod and smile half-heartedly, feeling herself a little overcome by Lady Ware’s kindness and obvious compassion. “I can see that you are still troubled, but I beg of you to put it from your mind.” Squeezing Ann’s hand, she patted Ann’s cheek gently and then drew herself up to her full height. “We are to take a walk with Lady Augusta and Lady Croft and, no doubt, we will meet many acquaintances and, mayhap, we might even make new ones – and you will have a very fine afternoon indeed.” Waiting until Ann rose, Lady Ware slipped her hand through Ann’s arm. “You and I will have no reason to think of Lord Ware this afternoon or evening, I am certain,” she said, although by the tight pulling of her lips, Ann was sure that Lady Ware still felt significant anger and was quite upset. “And it is just as well we are leaving the house, for if we remained, I could not be certain what I would do or say to my son!”
Her lips quirked and a small smile slipped across Ann’s face, seeing the mirthful look in Lady Ware’s eyes, although she had no doubt that the sentiment was quite true.
“Thank you, Lady Ware,” she said, softly. “I am very glad to have your company and your encouragement today.”
“My son is not often like this,” Lady Ware replied, a small plaintive note entering her voice. “I do not quite understand him, I confess, for he has always been very considerate. When my husband passed away, Lord Ware did all he could for me. Indeed, he tried to do almost everything he could, if not more! There was nothing too small for him to do himself. And now, to see him behave in such a manner towards you…” She shook her head, her words fading away into quietness. “I cannot understand it.”
Ann drew in a deep breath and let it out again slowly, feeling greatly relieved when they came to the front door of the house without having seen any sign of Lord Ware.
“It is not worth considering, Lady Ware,” she said, hoping that she was not overstepping. “Pray, let us consider our companions and the excellent afternoon which awaits us. As you have said yourself, there is no need to dwell on anything which might injure or pain us.”
Lady Ware smiled in response, but it was still rather lackluster.
“Yes, indeed,” she said, gesturing for Ann to take the hand of the waiting footman and enter the carriage. “I am sure we will have a very enjoyable time with Lady Augusta and her mother.”
* * *
Unfortunately for bothAnn and Lady Ware, Lady Augusta and her mother, Lady Croft, did nothing other than talk. This would have been a wonderful distraction, were it not for the fact that Lady Augusta barely took a breath in between the torrents of words that came forth from her, leaving Ann with no opportunity to interject. Glancing behind her, she saw that Lady Croft was behaving in much the same manner, leaving Lady Ware to merely walk alongside the lady in naught but silence. A small, wry smile was shared between them before Ann had to turn back, not even sure of what it was that Lady Augusta spoke about at present.
“Are you acquainted with him? I do not think that he is any sort of gentleman that I should consider, for he does not bear a particularly high title, but I have heard that he is a very amiable gentleman.”
Finally, a moment of silence broke through the noise of Lady Augusta’s ongoing conversation and Ann took the opportunity to speak, having no knowledge whatsoever of which gentleman it was they spoke of.
“I am sure that it is important for any gentleman to have an excellent character,” she answered, as Lady Augusta began to nod vigorously. “A title is surely secondary.”
Lady Augusta threw back her head and laughed, leaving Ann feeling immediately embarrassed, as though she had said something quite foolish but had not known she had done so.
“Miss Whyte, you cannot be serious!” Lady Augusta exclaimed. “A Viscount is an excellent title, to be sure, but it does not compare to a Marquess or an Earl! And given that I am the daughter of a Marquess, I fully expect to be wed to a gentleman of the same title or higher!” She sent a sidelong glance towards Ann, whose blush had still not faded. “Mayhap even a Duke!”
“I must hope that you have success in your endeavors to wed well,” Ann replied, a little starchily, finding herself now eager for Lady Augusta to begin speaking at length again so that she would not have to contribute any further to this conversation. She found herself a little discomposed, although it was not because she felt wrong in her statement but rather because Lady Augusta so clearly thought her foolish.
“I am sure that Viscount Hyndford would be an excellent match for someone such as yourself, however,” Lady Augusta added airily, leaving Ann all the more embarrassed. “You are sister to a Viscount, are you not?” She did not wait for Ann to confirm this, but continued speaking with a wave of her hand, as though dismissing whatever it was Ann had intended to say. “There, you see? A Viscount for a Viscount’s sister would be a very suitable match. Oh, I simply must introduce you. Lord Hyndford is a very handsome gentleman and – oh!”
Ann looked across sharply at Lady Augusta, wondering if something was wrong. Instead, she saw the lady frantically waving at a small group of gentlemen and ladies who were standing together only a short distance away. It was almost time for the fashionable hour, so there was little to surprise Ann in seeing such a gathering, although she had to admit that she was a little astonished at the brazen way in which Lady Augusta was behaving.
“Do come, Miss Whyte!”
Without waiting, Lady Augusta left their path and crossed the grass towards the gentlemen and ladies – one of whom had been waving and beckoning the lady towards her ever since Ann had set eyes on them.
“My daughter must have seen some new acquaintance or other,” she heard Lady Croft say, as both she and Lady Ware came to join Ann. “You do not wish to speak to them also, Miss Whyte?” She cast a spurious eye over Ann, who felt herself recoiling inwardly, feeling as though the lady was being somewhat manipulative in her remarks as though she intended to push Ann towards this group regardless of what Ann herself wished or what might be considered appropriate. “I am surprised, for they are all excellent people.”
“I thought to wait for Lady Ware,” Ann replied, tightly. “I am always required to be cautious and careful when it comes to new introductions, as I am sure you understand.”
This remark made Lady Croft’s features begin to fold in on each other, until she was left with a blank stare and a thin-lipped lady looking back at her who clearly expected her to say more. It seemed that Lady Croft did not chaperone her daughter in the same way that Lady Ware chaperoned Ann, for Ann would not even consider going to join the group of gentlemen and ladies without Lady Ware’s permission.
“What Miss Whyte means to say is that, because she is very new to London, she is not yet aware of all that society expects or offers,” Lady Ware said, hastily. “But in this case, Miss Whyte, I can see that there are gentlemen and ladies present who are all very respectable.” She smiled warmly and encouragingly at Ann, who nodded, feeling her stomach twist hard. “You may go and join them, if you should wish it?”
“Miss Whyte!”
A little surprised, Ann turned her head to see Lady Augusta calling her name for what was now the second time, beckoning her over in a most obvious manner and making Ann feel a little embarrassed. More than one of the gentlemen were now looking across at her in the most intrigued manner and Ann felt, growing within her, the urge to remain precisely where she was. She did not want to return to the company of Lady Augusta and certainly did not want to be eyed and considered by those Lady Augusta now spoke to – but it seemed that she had no other choice.
“Very well, Lady Ware,” she murmured, seeing Lady Ware’s warm smile, and allowing that to settle into her heart by way of contentment. With a deep breath, she stepped forward and quickly made her way to the small group.
“Ah, and this is Miss Ann Whyte!” Lady Augusta exclaimed, without even attempting to make the proper introductions. “Miss Whyte, allow me to introduce my acquaintances to you.” She went through each name and the gentleman or the lady in question bowed or curtsied whilst Ann did the same. “And finally, we have Viscount Hyndford,” Lady Augusta finished, throwing one hard look towards Ann, who flushed immediately. “Viscount Hyndford, this is Miss Ann Whyte. Her brother is also a Viscount, you know.”
Lord Hyndford was just as Lady Augusta had said. With a shock of black hair which, whilst a little untidy, gave him a somewhat roguish look, sharp blue eyes, strong chin, and broad, charming smile, Ann could not help but think him a handsome fellow.
“A Viscount, is he?” he asked, after bowing low. “Your brother, I mean?”
Ann nodded, aware of how Lady Augusta had immediately gone on to converse about something else with an entirely different person, leaving Ann to talk with Lord Hyndford alone.
“Yes, he is,” she replied. “Viscount Brigstock.”
No flicker of awareness came into Lord Hyndford’s eyes.
“I am not acquainted with him,” he replied, as Ann smiled. “I should like to be, however, if he is in London?”
“He is not at present,” Ann replied, softly, her heart aching just a little. “My brother is at war.”
Something flickered in Lord Hyndford’s expression and Ann took it to be nothing other than sympathy.
“I see,” he answered, as Ann looked away, feeling the ache in her heart that so often rose to the fore when she thought of her brother. “That must be something of a trial to you.”
Ann swallowed hard and blinked back the sheen of tears that threatened to overcome her. She would not lose her composure in front of a new acquaintance!
“I do miss him, certainly,” she answered, glad that her voice did not shake or tremble. “This wretched war sounds quite terrible, and I do so wish that it would come to an end.”
Lord Hyndford nodded.
“I am certain that you are not the only one who has such feelings, Miss Whyte,” he replied, quietly. “There will be many who are sympathetic to such a sentiment.”
“I can only hope that my brother will return to me soon,” Ann replied, wanting to change the subject to another matter. “I confess that I –”
“Miss Whyte?”
She stopped, a little surprised to have been so interrupted, only to see none other than Lord Ware coming towards her and Lord Hyndford.
“Lord Ware,” she said, her stomach twisting at the sight of him. “Good afternoon.”
Coldness came into her heart at once as she looked up at him, her chin lifting slightly. They had not spoken since yesterday afternoon, when he had stated that he would see both her and his mother at the ball and, truth be told, Ann had not been certain what she would say to him when they next spoke. Even now, she felt her conversation drying up immediately.
“I am very glad to see you, Miss Whyte,” Lord Ware said, expressing a warmth that she had not expected. “I have much to say to you, I know, and I have done you a further disservice by not coming to speak to you earlier this morning.” He bowed and shook his head. “I would do so now, but I fear to interrupt your conversation!” With a small, wry smile, he turned to look at Lord Hyndford. “Do excuse me.”
Ann, becoming aware that Lord Ware was not acquainted with Lord Hyndford, had no other choice but to introduce them. Doing so quickly, she saw the quizzical look on Lord Hyndford’s face, clearly a little confused as to why Lord Ware had come to speak to Ann in such a strange manner.
“If you have something of importance to say, Lord Ware, I would not wish to prevent you from speaking it,” Lord Hyndford said, once introductions had been made. “Please.” He gestured to Ann. “It is no trouble.”
Lord Ware sighed and shook his head, sending a sorrowful look towards Ann who immediately bristled. What was Lord Ware attempting to do? Garner Lord Hyndford’s sympathy when he was the one who had done her wrong?
“I have made a great error, Lord Hyndford,” Lord Ware began, his voice a little plaintive. “Miss Whyte has endured a great deal of ill treatment by my hand – unintentionally, I will confess – but I need to apologize and make amends. However, such has been my error that I do not think I can do so at this present moment.” His eyes turned back towards Ann, holding her gaze steadily. “I saw you in the Park, Miss Whyte, and could not bring myself simply to walk past and return home. I had to, at the very least, make you aware of my sincere regret and my intention to find a way to make reparation so that you are no longer angry or upset – although you have every right to be so, of course!”
Ann opened her mouth to respond, only for Lord Hyndford to speak first. His voice was filled with mirth which seemed quite at odds with all that Ann was feeling at present.
“Goodness, you must have behaved very poorly to have such an angel as Miss Whyte angry with you, Lord Ware!” he exclaimed, his eyes dancing as though he were making light of the situation. “I do hope that you are able to make amends for to have her upset with you would not be the thing!” He cast a glance towards Ann and, evidently seeing the lack of joviality on her face, quickly changed his tone. “That is to say, I hope you were not severely upset with whatever occurred, Miss Whyte.”
She smiled briefly.
“I have been grievously injured by Lord Ware’s thoughtlessness,” she answered honestly, choosing not to pretend that all was well simply for the sake of propriety. “But Lord Ware is evidently aware of that which, I suppose, is a small comfort.”
Lord Ware shifted from one foot to the other, appearing somewhat discomfited.
“And I shall do all I can to improve our connection, Miss Whyte,” he replied, quietly. “There is more that we need to discuss, of course, but I must beg of you to inform me of whatever it is I am required to do in order to regain even a measure of your good opinion.”
“I think that a very difficult task indeed, Lord Ware,” she said, bluntly. “But I shall give it some consideration.”
A small dip of Lord Ware’s head indicated that he acknowledged her, but Ann turned her head back to Lord Hyndford, hoping that she might continue her conversation with him, uninterrupted. She did not want Lord Ware to linger, but it seemed that he had every intention of doing so, for he also turned to Lord Hyndford, a jovial expression now settling on his face.
“Miss Whyte resides with me at present, under my mother’s care,” he said, before Ann could begin to speak. “Her brother, Viscount Brigstock –”
“Is at war, yes,” Lord Hyndford interrupted, throwing Ann a glance which stated that he knew full well that they had now an unwelcome companion to their conversation. “How trying that must be for the lady!”
“Indeed,” Lord Ware replied, shrugging, as though this did not particularly matter to him. “But the war is something of a foolish endeavor, I must say. Surely there must be an easier way to sort out such matters? Diplomacy, mayhap?”
He chuckled but Ann’s frown only grew, her anger beginning to bubble up within her as she reacted to Lord Ware’s words. Did he truly think that such endeavors were foolish? That the sacrifices that her brother and so many other gentlemen had made were for naught?
“I do not think that I can agree with you, Lord Ware,” Lord Hyndford replied, speaking a little more sharply than before. “I would state that I believe the war must come to an end, but how that is to be achieved, I could not say. I would not like to think that I know better than those who lead the foray into such things and can only say that I find myself fortunate to be so removed from the fighting itself!”
Ann’s anger was cooled by Lord Hyndford’s defense, and she found herself moving a little closer to him, as though they stood together against Lord Ware. Her eyes narrowed slightly as Lord Ware glanced at her and she was certain she saw something shift in his gaze. She hoped that he felt a good deal less confident now that Lord Hyndford had spoken in such a defensive manner and that, mayhap after this, he would now think it a good time to continue on his way. The more time she spent in Lord Ware’s company, the less inclined she was towards him.
“I see your point,” Lord Ware replied, slowly. “I suppose there are many differing opinions as regards the conflict at present, and I am certainly open to listening to all of them!” He smiled but it had no air of confidence. “Now, are you to attend any grand events, Lord Hyndford? Or do you ever make your way to White’s?”
The atmosphere lightened in an instant.
“I am sometimes in White’s,” Lord Hyndford replied, with a chuckle. “And yes, I think there is a soiree I am to attend this evening, a card party the following evening, and a ball on the third evening!” His eyes slid towards Ann, his smile gentle. “I do wonder if you might be in attendance at any of them also, Miss Whyte? I should like to converse with you again.”
Ann felt a small flush of heat begin to climb up her neck as she looked into Lord Hyndford’s handsome face. Lord Ware seemed to fade away into insignificance as she nodded, telling him the name of the soiree she was to attend that evening, as well as the ball. Much to Lord Hyndford’s evident delight, they discovered that both the soiree and the ball were one and the same, meaning that they would be in each other’s company again very soon.
“Then I will make certain to seek you out this evening, Miss Whyte,” Lord Hyndford replied, holding out his hand to her. “I have very much enjoyed our conversation this afternoon and will ever remain grateful to Lady Augusta for her introduction.”
Her blush remaining fixed in place, Ann gave Lord Hyndford her hand and watched him bow over it. His breath brushed across her skin and, in that instant, Ann was immediately transported back to the moment that Lord Ware had bowed over her in much the same way and allowed his lips to kiss her hand. She had felt all manner of emotions at that moment and, as she watched Lord Hyndford lift his head, Ann became aware of the entire absence of feeling that came with his gesture. She felt nothing at all, not even the smallest hint of excitement or anticipation. For whatever reason, her eyes moved to Lord Ware, and she saw, much to her astonishment, a great and terrible scowl pulling at every part of his features. He was not looking at her but rather at Lord Hyndford, as though he despised what the gentleman was doing and wanted nothing more than for him to stop and step away from Ann. As she watched him, Lord Ware finally pulled his gaze away from Lord Hyndford, only to see her watching him. A deep, red flush poured into his face as he looked quickly away, clearing his throat abruptly.
“I should take my leave,” he said, hastily, as though he now wanted nothing more than to be gone from them both. “Do excuse me, Miss Whyte, Lord Hyndford.” He bowed but his smile was fixed rather than warming his expression. “Good afternoon to you both.”
Ann said nothing, but watched him walk away, leaving Lord Hyndford to remark that he found the gentleman certainly ‘an interesting fellow’. There was no immediate reply that came to Ann’s lips, for she was so very confused that she could not even put her thoughts into coherent order! It was something of a relief when Lady Ware asked if she would like to return home to prepare for the evening, for Ann found herself very eager indeed to be alone. Bidding farewell to Lord Hyndford – and with the promise that she would certainly spend time in his company again that evening – Ann took her leave and they began to make their way home.
