Whispers of the Heart by Rose Pearson
Chapter Eight
Ann looked down at her dance card and felt her lips curve up into a smile. Lord Hyndford had only just taken his leave and had written his name for two dances, whilst Lord Silverton had done the very same. With two or three other gentlemen also writing their names in her various spaces, she would soon have every dance of the evening taken!
“You look quite contented, Miss Whyte.”
Her skin prickled at his voice and she looked up, seeing Lord Ware smiling down gently at her. She could not explain it but, after his apology and his explanation – as convoluted as it had been – she now felt a new, fresh warmth towards him. What he had done in failing to dance with her on those two separate occasions had been grievous indeed, but Ann had chosen not to hold a grudge or allow bitterness to take root. He had been honest and open with her and she had found herself believing every word he had said.
“Lord Ware.” She curtsied and he inclined his head, although their eyes did not leave each other’s. “Good evening.”
“Good evening,” he replied, his smile now a little lopsided and his eyes twinkling as though he were teasing her for making certain to follow all of the required formalities. “As I was saying, Miss Whyte, you appear to be quite contented this evening!”
She smiled at him.
“Why should I not be?” she asked, tipping her head gently and regarding him. “This ball is quite magnificent, and I have more than enough dances to keep me contented.”
“Ah, but that is where I must pray that the smile on your face is only to hide a little sadness,” he said, confusing her a little. “For surely you cannot be as happy as you appear given that I had not yet come to write my name on your dance card!”
He was attempting to make light of the difficulties which had been between them and, acknowledging that inwardly, Ann laughed softly and shook her head.
“You are quite correct, Lord Ware,” she replied, joining in with his teasing. “I was smiling only to hide my sorrow, fearing that you would never join me, as you said.”
“But yet, here I am,” he replied, bending into a sweeping bow that had her laughing. “It is just as I said, is it not? I said that I would come to seek you out so that I might write my name on your dance card and thus, I have appeared.” He held out his hand. “Might I beg you for a dance, Miss Whyte?”
“You may,” she murmured, handing him her dance card, and waiting for him to write his name down. A spiral of excitement began to whirl all, about her as she watched him frown, clearly perusing which spaces she had remaining. Finally, she would be able to dance with Lord Ware. Just what would it be like? Her cheeks burned as she looked away, wondering if she would have any of the same emotions towards him that she had experienced when he had kissed the back of her hand. At the time, she had found such feelings very strange, not quite certain what to make of them. Indeed, she had been angry and frustrated at herself for feeling those things when Lord Ware had appeared to be such an inconsiderate gentleman, but now that things had changed between them, Ann had no such anger or upset. That being said, she considered that they were not something to fix her mind or her intentions on. After all, Lord Ware might think of her only as a sister or a cousin or some such thing and what was she to do then? If she had fixed her intentions upon him, then all she would end up with was a broken heart.
“Lord Hyndford and Lord Silverton have both come before me,” Lord Ware murmured, signing his name with a flourish. “They are just as eager to dance with you as I, it seems.”
A faint heat curled within her, and Ann blushed prettily.
“That is kind of you to say, Lord Ware,” she answered, as he handed back her card. “They are both very considerate, I must say.”
Lord Ware’s smile was a little wry.
“It is more than just consideration, my dear Miss Ware,” he answered, softly. “Be aware of that.”
Ann’s smile faded and she frowned at his strange remark, only for him to bow suddenly and take his leave of her. Looking down at her dance card, Ann’s breath hitched. Lord Ware had taken the country dance and then, thereafter, the only waltz of the evening. She had to admit that she had been a little surprised that neither Lord Silverton nor Lord Hyndford had taken it, but for whatever reason, they had chosen not to do so. Instead, she was to dance the most intimate of dances with Lord Ware. Ann swallowed hard, not certain how she felt about standing up with him in such a manner, but there was no time to consider it.
“My dear Ann, it seems that you are quite overrun with gentlemen this evening!” Lady Ware’s eyes glowed with warmth as she came to stand next to Ann, her excitement obvious. “Lord Silverton is very interested in your company, that is for certain.” Her smile faded somewhat. “Although this Lord Hyndford, I confess, I am not certain about.”
“Oh?” Ann frowned, a feeling of apprehension stealing over her. “Is there something untoward about him?”
“No, not in the least!” Lady Ware exclaimed, her resplendent smile returning. “What I mean to say – and forgive my poor explanation – is that there is not much known about Lord Hyndford. He is something of a quiet man, although equal in good conversation and company to the rest! It is just that he does not share very much about himself, if you get my meaning.”
Ann nodded, a little relieved.
“You mean to say that he is reserved?”
Lady Ware’s eyes flared wide and her smile stretched across her face.
“Yes, that is the word precisely!” she exclaimed. “But Lord Silverton now, he is an excellent gentleman, is he not?” Ann blinked in surprise, realizing now that Lady Ware was pushing her towards one gentleman over the other. “And, besides which, he is well known to my son, and I am certain that Lord Ware thinks well of him.”
Those words took Ann back to that confusing moment when Lord Ware had practically demanded to know whether or not she was considering Lord Silverton, even though she had only just become acquainted with him! There had never been a clear explanation from him as to why he had said such things and, whilst Ann had accused him of asking her such things solely in the hope that she might be gone from his house as quickly as possible, he had never admitted that to be true. Even when he had been speaking to her with more honesty and vulnerability than ever before, he had never once stated that her supposition had been correct.
Why then did he seek to know such things about Lord Silverton?Ann wondered, her brow furrowing as she looked across the room, leaving Lady Ware to press on with her many compliments towards Lord Silverton. Her eyes suddenly fastened on the very gentleman she was thinking of and, as a faint blush caught Ann’s cheeks, she saw Lord Ware smile.
“Miss Whyte.”
Lord Hyndford was at her elbow and Ann started gently, her blush increasing all the more as she turned to see the gentleman looking at her in a somewhat bemused fashion.
“Lord Hyndford,” she murmured, dropping into a quick curtsey – more from the eagerness to hide her blushes than requirement. “Is it our dance?”
“It is, Miss Whyte,” he replied, offering his arm. “Shall we?
Ann stepped out with him at once, managing to recover her composure very well indeed. With a slight lift of her chin, she smiled up at Lord Hyndford, thinking that this evening was one of the most enjoyable occasions she had experienced thus far.
“I believe I heard Lady Ware speaking in a rather complimentary manner about Lord Silverton, Miss Whyte.”
Ann’s smile faded as Lord Hyndford glanced down at her, his eyes a little sharp.
“Indeed, I am sure she was,” she answered slowly, finding herself reluctant to go into any great detail as to what had been a private conversation. “Lord Silverton is a great friend of Lord Ware, I believe. Lady Ware, therefore, knows him very well.”
“And thinks him a suitable match?” Lord Hyndford’s brow lifted a little. “Forgive my blunt manner, Miss Whyte, but I ask only so that I might know what obstacles could stand against me.”
All of Ann’s responses were stolen from her in that moment as she looked into Lord Hyndford’s face and realized what he meant. Her breath caught, her heart trembled and, had it not been for Lord Hyndford leading her through the crowd to where others were ready to dance, Ann was quite certain that she would have come to a standstill.
“You are surprised, Miss Whyte.”
“A little, certainly,” she managed to say, as he set her in her place before making his way only three steps from her, turning back to face her as other ladies and gentlemen joined their set. “We are not very well acquainted, Lord Hyndford.”
“But that shall soon be rectified,” Lord Hyndford replied, as the music began in earnest. “Over the next sennight, I hope to call upon you every day, Miss Whyte – and given that we will also be in each other’s company at events such as this, I cannot think that a deep connection will take too long to form.”
Ann could not reply, for she was now meant to step forward in the dance and had to focus all of her attention on making each step as it ought to be done. Any fault, any mistake and she might cause injury or upset to the other dancers. Her heart was pounding furiously, as though she had run to the very top of a hill without stopping to catch her breath, and her mind was filled with so many thoughts that she could not settle upon just one. Lord Hyndford intended to call upon her, it seemed, with his sole aim to be that of courtship. Why else would he ask about Lord Silverton? Why else would he state that he saw Lord Silverton as an obstacle in his path, and nothing more? Ann knew that she ought to feel flattered but instead, she felt nothing but uncertainty. This was much too soon for any gentleman to be making such declarations, given that they had barely even become acquainted! Even Lord Silverton, had he made such intentions known to her, would have been being very hasty indeed!
“Lord Ware was at war, was he not?”
Blinking in surprise, Ann tried to smile.
“I am not certain of all that he did, but yes, for a short while. That is how my brother is acquainted with him.”
Lord Hyndford nodded in understanding, their conversation cut short for a few moments as they danced.
“And Lord Silverton is a great friend of Lord Ware, you say?”
Ann looked up as Lord Hyndford stepped closer to her, reaching for her hand as their steps drew them near to each other. Why now was he asking of Lord Silverton?”
“Yes, he is,” she replied, a little breathlessly as her eyes searched Lord Hyndford’s face, seeking an explanation as to why he asked such a thing. “A very dear friend of many years, I understand.”
“And most likely, a gentleman whom you will be encouraged to consider, given his connection to your host.”
A small fire burst into life within Ann’s heart and she turned her head to look at Lord Hyndford directly.
“I am a lady well able to make up her own mind, Lord Hyndford,” she stated, firmly. “It does not suit me to have others press their influence upon me.”
This did not bring any sort of solemnity to Lord Hyndford’s expression nor an apology to his lips. Rather, it brought a broad, twinkling smile to his features which spread wide across his face and gave him a somewhat boyish look. The fire in Ann’s heart died away in response, leaving her feeling a little foolish to have spoken so sharply.
“I think that an excellent character trait, Miss Whyte,” he said, pressing her hand gently before it came time to release it. “For then it is only I who must impress you with my good character, excellent conversation, and genial nature. I must hope that I am successful in my endeavors.”
Not knowing quite how to respond, Ann merely smiled briefly and then turned away, glad that the dance bore her away for a time. Lord Hyndford was being very forward indeed, and Ann was not at all certain how to respond to his remarks. She found him a little overpowering, as though he was trying to spin her in circles which left her feeling terribly dizzy. Taking a deep breath, Ann forced a smile as the dance continued, praying that it would soon come to an end so that she might return to the safety of Lady Ware. At least by Lady Ware’s side, Ann would not have to continue the conversation with Lord Hyndford alone.
Much to her relief, her prayers were soon answered, and Lord Hyndford sighed heavily, bowing low and shaking his head in evident regret that they were to have their time ended so soon. Ann smiled and accepted his arm, making certain to appear outwardly as calm and composed as she could, knowing full well that all the eyes of the ton were upon her as she walked back from the dance.
“I do hope I might call upon you soon, Miss Whyte,” Lord Hyndford murmured, as they drew near Lady Ware who, much to Ann’s frustration, was deep in conversation with another. “I know that you must feel a little surprised at my eagerness, Miss Whyte, but I confess that I am a gentleman who takes any opportunity to gain whatever it is my heart desires.”
This was a very great compliment indeed and, as he spoke, Ann felt heat burn in her cheeks. She glanced away, suddenly astonished to see Lord Ware standing just a short distance from Lord Hyndford. His eyes were trained on the gentleman and there was a coldness in his gaze that Ann had never seen before. Had he overheard all Lord Hyndford had said? Was he angry with him for speaking so openly to Ann after such a short acquaintance?
“Miss Whyte?”
“Yes, Lord Hyndford?” Ann returned her gaze to him quickly, her cheeks still hot. “Forgive me, it is as you say – I am a little overcome.” She managed to smile but Lord Hyndford only laughed softly, tilting his head slightly as though to encourage her to continue to speak. Ann hesitated, still not quite certain how to respond. “I – I am sure that any time you wish to call, Lord Hyndford, you will be more than welcome to do so.”
This was not a great encouragement, Ann considered, but neither was it a refusal from her towards him and his intentions. Lord Hyndford, however, seemed to take it as a great reassurance and beamed at her in delight, his eyes gleaming.
“Then I shall call tomorrow and, mayhap the day after that, you might consent to taking a walk with me?” he asked, as Ann’s fixed smile slipped, seeing how Lord Ware moved forward. “I know, it is much too soon to be making arrangements for the day after, but I cannot –”
“Miss Whyte, it is our dance!” Lord Ware smiled broadly, only to turn to Lord Hyndford, his eyes widening for a moment. “Oh, Lord Hyndford, I must apologize! You were speaking to the lady, and I interrupted you.” He inclined his head. “Do forgive me.”
This, however, was all Lord Hyndford needed by way of taking his leave. With that gleam still in his eyes, he bowed to Ann, said how glad he would be to see her come the morrow and then stepped away from them both.
Ann let out a long breath that she had not known she had been holding, her shoulders slumping as she dropped her head and closed her eyes. Lord Ware was standing closer to her now and it was almost a comfort to her that he now lingered there.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Whyte?”
She nodded but did not open her eyes, finding a quiet peace in the darkness.
“I am.”
“Lord Hyndford appeared to be speaking to you with great… enthusiasm.”
Her head lifted as she looked back at him sharply.
“Did you overhear him?”
Lord Ware nodded, his eyes a little grave.
“I did,” he answered, without hesitation. “He is eager to call upon you, I think.”
This brought no sense of happiness to Ann’s heart. Instead, she felt that same unease begin to swell within her once more, her lips twisting gently.
“You need not accept any invitation you are disinclined towards, Miss Whyte,” Lord Ware said quietly, his eyes searching hers. “Speak honestly – either to myself or to my mother, if that is preferable – and we will do whatever we can to aid you in such circumstances.”
A gentle relief washed over Ann’s unease and she found herself smiling, her concerns quietening themselves.
“Thank you, Lord Ware,” she answered, seeing him smile in return, his green eyes alight. “I shall do so. It was all…. a little confusing.”
“I am certain it was,” Lord Ware replied, with a wry smile. “But, might I suggest that you distract yourself from such thoughts by stepping out with me?” The music began again, and Ann started in surprise, realizing that their dance was, as Lord Ware had said, now about to begin. “The waltz, Miss Whyte.”
She grasped his outstretched hand with eagerness, finding her heart lifting in such a manner as had never occurred before.
“I should be very glad to, Lord Ware,” she replied, suddenly filled with a great anticipation about being in Lord Ware’s arms. “Thank you.”
He said nothing more but led her out to the dance, where the other gentleman and ladies were waiting. They only just made it in time, for the second he bowed, the music began to crescendo and Lord Ware stepped forward, pulling her gently into his arms.
Ann had feared that she would be so very nervous that she would be unable to recall the steps correctly, that she would make a mistake or in some other way, bring embarrassment to herself. But it was not so. Dancing with Lord Ware was quite wonderful, for they fell into step together as though they had danced many times before. She smiled up into his face and Lord Ware returned it with one of his own, although they said not a word to each other.
A contentedness filled Ann’s heart as they waltzed, her hand lightly on his arm and his hand pressed to her waist. There was nothing awkward in their dancing together, no strange tension similar to what she had felt with Lord Hyndford. Instead, there was a sense of belonging, as though this was where she always ought to have been. The music seemed to surround them both like a cloud, making her forget the other dancers and look only to Lord Ware. She took in his features, finding it no great effort to dance as she allowed Lord Ware to lead her across the floor. There was a gentleness in his face which she had not noticed before, a kindness which was held in the corners of his eyes. How quickly she had changed her opinion of him! His willingness to be vulnerable in his manner and conversation towards her had allowed her to see him in a new light.
“What is it you are looking at, Miss Whyte?”
Her face colored but she did not drop her gaze.
“I am looking at you, Lord Ware,” she answered, softly. “That is all.”
He chuckled, his eyes bright.
“And do you like what you see, Miss Whyte?”
Heat burned all through her, but Ann forced herself to speak honestly, finding that she did not wish to give him a foolish answer.
“I think that you are a gentleman whose true character is hidden, Lord Ware,” she replied, quietly. “But that there is a kindness in you, despite your sometimes stern exterior.”
Lord Ware’s smile vanished, and he appeared suddenly serious, looking back at her with a steady gaze.
“You think much too well of me, given all that I have done, Miss Whyte,” he answered, his brow now a little puckered as he frowned. “I must hope that I can live up to your expectations.”
Her smile was soft.
“You already do, Lord Ware,” she answered, thinking of how he had deliberately saved her from her conversation with Lord Hyndford only a few moments before. “And I am very glad of it.” Her hand tightened on his just a little. “Thank you.”
