Josephine's Truth: Historical Regency Romance (London Temptations Book 3) by Joyce Alec

Author:Joyce Alec [Alec, Joyce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-09T23:00:00+00:00

9

“And how does your husband fare?”

Josephine looked into Lady Fortescue’s face and saw the confusion that lit her friend’s eyes. She did not blame her for such a thing, knowing that Lady Fortescue had felt nothing but sorrow and reproach toward her husband of late. Josephine herself had disliked Lord Fortescue intently, finding his overbearing manner and determination to do precisely what he wished without consideration for even his wife to be condemning qualities indeed. And now to know that he lay somewhere between life and death must surely bring about all manner of confusion for Lady Fortescue.

“I—I do not think he will recover,” Lady Fortescue said, her color rather pale. “The doctor came again this morning and stated as much. It is only a matter of time. He will not recover his strength.”

“I am sorry,” Josephine said without any true conviction. “That must be rather painful for you.”

Lady Fortescue picked up her teacup and took a sip, setting it back down carefully on the saucer before she replied. “It is not painful, no,” she answered slowly. “I speak honestly with you, Josephine, for I am sure you will not condemn me for it, but I have no great feeling when it comes to my husband’s ill state. I feel as though it is entirely his own doing and thus, almost a consequence of his actions.”

“Quite understandable,” Josephine replied firmly, wanting to encourage her friend. “But you must take great care not to show such a lack of emotion to the beau monde.” She frowned. “You know how the ton can be.”

Lady Fortescue’s smile was wan. “I do indeed,” she said heavily. “I shall have to go into mourning very soon, I fear.”

Wondering if she ought to mention Lord Warwick, Josephine considered this in silence for a few moments, before getting to her feet so that she might pour them both more tea.

“Lord Warwick has been very encouraging to you, I believe,” she said carefully. “I do hope that you will not think me speaking out of turn, Edith, since we are such dear friends, but it is quite clear to me that Lord Warwick thinks very highly of you.”

“I have seen a good deal of him of late,” Lady Fortescue replied with a somewhat guilty air. “Ever since Lord Farrington removed to Bath, Lord Warwick has been eager to be in my company. I have not had the heart to refuse him.”

Now it was Josephine’s turn to feel a stab of guilt, knowing full well that Lord Farrington had not, in fact, gone to Bath. Ignoring it, she studied her friend. “Do you wish for him to leave you?”

“No, no indeed!” Lady Fortescue exclaimed, her cheeks suddenly filling with color. “I am very glad of his company, although, of course, we cannot be anything more than acquaintances.”

“He is a good and honorable gentleman, by all accounts,” Josephine replied gently. “If the worst should happen with Lord Fortescue, I know that you shall not be alone, Edith. I shall be with you, of course, but Lord Warwick will be also.

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