The Earl She Despised by Lucy Adams

Author:Lucy Adams [Adams, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome, historical romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England-Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, London Season Matchmaker
Publisher: Lucy Adams
Published: 2019-06-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Is that so?”

For whatever reason, Lady Reid’s usually sparkling conversation held no interest for Thomas today. She had accepted his invitation to take a short walk through Hyde Park, which he had arranged for the fashionable hour, but much to his dismay, Thomas felt no pleasure in her company. It was most disconcerting.

“You are rather quiet today, Lord Weston.”

Thomas cleared his throat and gave her a quick, apologetic look. In the sunlight, Lady Reid looked more like an angel than a mere lady of London, her parasol held carefully so that she would not have even a momentary flicker of sunlight on her face.

“I do apologize, Lady Reid,” he replied, quickly coming up with an excuse. “It is just that I find myself delighting in your company and in listening to what you have to say.”

Lady Reid smiled delicately, although there was no particular warmth in her eyes. “I have been flattered a great deal in my life, Lord Weston,” she murmured. “I do not always accept the compliments given to me, especially if I think they are being used as an excuse for a gentleman to hide behind.”

Thomas blinked and tried his best to look astonished. “I assure you, Lady Reid, it is only that I am overcome with the joy of your company,” he replied, as earnestly as he could. “Surely you must be aware of the gravitas and importance that surrounds you? A gentleman catches the eye of every single gentleman and lady of the ton when he walks with you. I shall be the envy of almost every gentleman we pass, I am quite certain.”

This seemed to satisfy Lady Reid, for her eyes glowed with pleasure. “I believe you will be the envy of every gentleman, Lord Weston,” she told him calmly, turning her face back to the path they walked together. “For I have never had a gentleman refuse me a single request before. Not even one who stated he was completely overcome with love for his betrothed.”

This did not bring a smile to Thomas’s face. Instead, his stomach turned over on itself, his heart squeezing painfully as his lips curved into a disdainful grimace. He found no pleasure in what Lady Reid had said, even though he had once boasted the very same thing. That was why he had been so caught up with Miss Wells, was it not? She had refused to step out onto the dance floor with him and, as such, he had found himself angry and confused over her refusal, for it had been the first he had ever encountered. He had been proud that no lady had ever rejected him, had never once turned away from his requests, and yet, now that Lady Reid stated almost the very same thing, he felt disdain for her in a way he had not expected. Guilt stained his heart, making his expression twist all the more. He had no right to think badly of her, not when he was of the very same ilk.

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