Wallflower Whispers: A Clean Regency Romance by Rose Pearson

Author:Rose Pearson [Pearson, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon House Media
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Lord Kelling stuck one elbow into Hugh’s ribs and he immediately grimaced. “Good heavens, whatever was that for?”

“To stop you from keeping that expression pinned to your face given that we are about to walk past some ladies,” came the reply. “You are aware that you have been scowling, are you not?”

Hugh cleared his throat and looked away, the sunshine warming his face. Managing to smile at the ladies they passed, ladies who were also enjoying the fine summer’s day in St James’ Park, he threw a look to Lord Kelling.

“I was unaware of my expression.”

“You have something on your mind.”

“Of course I do!” Hugh exclaimed, turning back to look at his friend. “My ball is tomorrow evening, and I have been so caught up with all that must be done with it, I have been unable to attend one or two social occasions and, all the while, I have been thinking about what might be said about me or what it is that society thinks of me at present!”

Lord Kelling looked suddenly serious.

“I quite understand. Forgive me, I did not mean to be flippant.”

With a sigh, Hugh closed his eyes briefly, a little irritated at his own sharp response.

“Forgive me for being so sharp,” he responded with a wry smile. “There has been a good deal on my mind of late.”

What he did not mention to his friend was that, in the midst of all of this, he had been unable to stop thinking of Miss Simmons for, given their last conversation had been about what they might be able to accomplish together, it had been a little frustrating that he had been unable to speak with her since! They had agreed that their minds would be aligned in an attempt to find out who it was that was trying to spread rumors and gossip throughout London – and pulling her name into it in the meantime – but there had been nothing decided, nothing said other than the promise that should she hear or see anything more, she would tell him at once. Hugh wanted to do more, wanted to find a way for them to truly pursue his tormentor but, as yet, he could not think of what to do. It would be a lie to say that she had not been in his thoughts, for she had been almost ever-present, even when he had been in the midst of his preparations.

“There has been a good deal of talk about your upcoming ball,” Lord Kelling told him, making Hugh scowl. “It seems to have done as you had hoped and put the rumors about gambling away your fortune to bed. There will be many coming who hope that all they have heard whispered about your ball will be exactly as they have heard!”

Hugh chuckled, though he shook his head with it.

“Given the sheer amount of coin I have had to spend on this ball, I should say that it shall be! I–”

Frowning, he came to a stop, something catching his attention.

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