That was, of course, not at all true, for Thomas had not been able to escape from the torment of his mind for the last sennight. He had taken Miss Wells out almost every day and spent a good deal of time with her both on their private outings and at the social occasions they attended in the evenings, and given that he only had a sennight left in which to win the wager, things appeared to be going rather well. Unfortunately for Thomas, an attack of conscience had left him utterly exhausted, for he had barely been able to sleep these last few nights what with all the thoughts of Miss Wells, the wager, and his confusing emotions as regarded the lady.
Lord Henderson muttered something under his breath, his eyes narrowing still further as he looked back at Thomas.
“I am just a little tired, that is all,” Thomas protested weakly, hoping that this would be enough to satisfy Lord Henderson. “There is no need to concern yourself, Lord Henderson.”
Just then, the sight of Miss Wells dancing with another gentleman came into view. Thomas’s gut twisted immediately, his eyes following her as she was swept across the room. His jaw clenched, his brows lowering as his gaze narrowed. Yes, he had managed to write his name down for two dances with Miss Wells, with one being the waltz, but it irritated him to see her dancing the first waltz with another gentleman, a gentleman who appeared to be Lord Whitaker.
“Good gracious,” Lord Henderson said slowly, his eyes widening as if he had been able to see into Thomas’s heart and knew what was troubling him so. “You are conflicted over Miss Wells, are you not?”
Thomas closed his eyes, shutting out the sight of Miss Wells entirely. “No,” he replied, somewhat unsteadily as he looked back at Lord Henderson. “Not at all. Not in the least.”
Lord Henderson looked more than astonished, a broad grin settling on his face as he shook his head in surprise, reaching up to rub at his forehead. “I would not have expected to see such a thing from you, Lord Weston!” he exclaimed, clearly ignoring Thomas’s firm response that he felt no such thing for Miss Wells. “It appears you are caught up with the lady. All the time you have spent with her has ensured that your heart has become engaged.”
Thomas shook his head, opening his mouth to protest, but the words died on his lips.
“And what are you to do about the wager now?” Lord Henderson asked, his voice hushed as he leaned a little closer to Thomas. “If you tell her of it, even if you bring it to an end and lose the money, then she may still turn from you. Unless,” he continued, evidently thinking quickly. “Unless you are able to wed her before she discovers the truth. It will mean that you will lose a substantial amount of money, but at least your father will be placated somewhat by the news that you are to wed.”
“Hush, I beg you!” Thomas pleaded, holding up one hand to stifle Lord Henderson’s words. “You do not know how much I have been troubled of late, and I beg of you not to say more.”
Lord Henderson’s grin, however, only spread further. He clapped Thomas on the back and guffawed loudly, drawing the attention of those around them.
“This is most astonishing,” he cried, refusing to listen to Thomas’s pleadings to quieten his voice. “You have never found yourself caught up with a lady before.”
“Miss Wells is unlike any young lady of my acquaintance,” Thomas found himself saying, making Lord Henderson shake his head in evident amusement. “I do not know what I am to do, Henderson. Meanwhile, Lady Reid continues to dog my steps, and I have to continually placate her.”
The smile faded from Lord Henderson’s face at once, his expression suddenly grim. “You are also seeking Lady Reid’s attention?”
Thomas did not know what to say, for his thoughts and feelings as regarded Lady Reid had also, of late, been very conflicted indeed. He had wanted to avoid her completely but had continued to greet her, converse with her, dance with her upon occasion, and had twice called upon her. He had told himself repeatedly that he would be glad of Lady Reid’s company once his wager had come to an end, even though his heart was no longer willing to bring Miss Wells so much pain and embarrassment. It was as though his old character and his new were at war with one another within him, bringing him nothing but torment.
“I see,” Lord Henderson murmured, even though Thomas had not said a word. “You struggle with what you have in your mind and heart then. It must be a vast change, Weston, although I will not pretend that I am not delighted to see it. I am your friend, yes, but I have long thought that you ought to put an end to your roguish ways.”
Thomas closed his eyes, not wanting to hear a set down from Lord Henderson, who had always been more sensible and thoughtful than he.
“I do not mean to repeat the words of your father, Weston, but mayhap it is time to consider matrimony,” Lord Henderson continued, ignoring Thomas’s audible groan. “If Miss Wells has affected your heart, then why would you turn from that?”
“Because I will lose a great deal of money!” Thomas protested, hearing the words as they came from his mouth and wincing inwardly at how callous he was. “And my reputation…”
Lord Henderson shook his head. “You fear your reputation will suffer,” he stated harshly, making Thomas scowl. “That used to be of the greatest importance to you, I know, but does it matter so very much now?” He looked directly at Thomas, who could not quite meet his friend’s gaze. “If it does not, then you must consider what it is that truly matters to you, Weston.”
Thomas nodded but turned away, not wanting to show Lord Henderson just how much his words had affected him. What truly mattered, he knew, was Miss Wells and the affection that was growing in his heart for her. His reputation, which he had once clung to with such force that it was as though his life was dependent upon it, now shriveled away and began to blow away like the dust. The way he had been clinging onto Lady Reid, despite his feelings for Miss Wells, seemed ridiculous now. That kiss, as brief as it had been, had caught his heart and burned her name there. More than anything, he wanted to kiss her again, to claim her as his own, and to make her his bride. But t
o go to Miss Wells and ask her to court him would, in fact, bring an end to his wager, but it would also declare him the victor, for he did not expect her to refuse him. Could he claim the winnings and then go on to seek her hand in marriage? Surely she would not need to know of it, if it was kept to himself and Lord Wiltshire? His father would be delighted that he was to be wed, and even if she discovered the truth whilst they were engaged, he could surely convince her that it meant naught to him now.
“I must go to her,” he murmured aloud, as Lord Henderson let out a soft chuckle behind him. “My heart has been conflicted terribly of late, and now I must –”
“I must say, I am surprised you have not come to seek me out, Lord Weston.”
Just as Thomas was about to move away, he turned to see the Lady Reid standing behind him, her expression cool although a smile was painted on her lips.
“Lady Reid,” he stammered, suddenly feeling quite at a loss as Lord Henderson stepped away, apologizing that he had to go in search of the lady to whom he was promised for the next dance. “Good evening.”
Lady Reid accepted his greeting and quick bow with a small inclination of her head, although her eyes remained sharp. She said nothing more, waiting for him to give her some explanation as to why he had not yet sought her out.
“I have been caught up with my guests,” he answered, scrambling for a response. “I am very glad to see you here, Lady Reid.” Smiling at her, Thomas ignored the way his lies ran from his tongue with ease, finding that he suddenly considered such a skill to be to his detriment.
“You have not been able to write your name upon a single dance card as yet, then?” Lady Reid enquired, her gaze stern and unrelenting. “Not a single one?”
Thomas began to stammer, wondering if she knew that he had sought out Miss Wells almost at once and written his name for two dances. By the look on her face, he presumed she must know of it.