Gayle Buck by Hearts Betrayed

She shrugged, her hands turned palms-up, and smiled faintly at her cousin’s appalled expression. “It was all a very long time ago. And the gentleman that I once loved is gone.”
    “But he isn’t. He stood in this very room not more than a half-hour ago,” Lydia said, again shaken. “Oh, Michele, surely you do not mean to let him pass out of your life yet again!”
    Michele shook her head and raised her hand in a quick negative gesture. “Lydia, you do not understand. I saw the proof in Lord Randol’s eyes. What I was told is true: my fiancé died at Waterloo.” She saw that her cousin was prepared to argue the point, and she forestalled her. “Not another word, cousin, or I shall instantly inform my uncle what I have related to you. Since he might fear that my prior acquaintance with Lord Randol is a threat to your own interests, he would very likely pack me off back to Brussels. And I would very much dislike cutting my visit so short.”
    “I have already sworn that I do not wish to accept Lord Randol’s suit, so that is utter nonsense,” Lydia said, tossing her head. Despite her scoffing tone, however, she felt that her cousin had raised a valid point, and it gave her pause to think. Her father was not always the most sensible of gentlemen, as witness his extraordinary ambition to see her wed Lord Randol instead of her own choice, Captain Bernard Hughes. Certainly her father would react badly if he learned of Michele’s previous engagement to Lord Randol, and because she had taken an instant liking to her cousin, she did not want to see her leave before the end of the Season. She would say nothing to her father, Lydia decided. Quite apart from the consideration of her father’s reaction, Michele’s confidences had given her the glimmer of an idea that appealed to the depths of her romantic soul.
    She said suddenly, “Very well, I shall say nothing to Papa. But I must say it is a good deal too bad that his lordship is not still pining after you. I would not miss him in the least as a suitor. He is far too grim to suit my taste.”
    Michele thought about how hard and bitter Lord Randol had seemed. “I must agree that his lordship does not seem a likely husband for you, Lydia,” she said reflectively.
    Lydia spread her hands. “Now you understand what I feel. Michele, promise me that you will help me to depress Lord Randol’s unwelcome attentions. After your extraordinary revelation, I have an even stronger desire to discourage his suit. I could never bear to watch my Bernard walk out of my life.”
    Michele looked sharply at her cousin, sensitive to an implied criticism. But Lydia’s expression was innocent of any hurtful insinuations. “Lydia, I do not think that—”
    Lydia interrupted her. “Oh, do you not see, Michele? Quite apart from my love for Bernard, how could I possibly form any attachment for Lord Randol, knowing that he once loved you? I would always feel as though I was betraying you, my dearest of cousins. Pray say that you will help me, do say you will?”
    Michele smiled even as she sighed. “Oh, very well. I shall attach myself to you like a shadow, and frown away the unwanted gentleman. But I hope you realize what it is you ask of me.”
    Lydia threw her arms about her. “Oh, I do! Believe me, I truly do. And I shall make it up to you,that I promise. You shall be my maid of honor when I wed my wonderful Bernard.”
    “Certainly that is sufficient reward,” Michele said wryly.
    Lydia laughed at her, recognizing the irony in her cousin’s statement. “Of course it is! Why, what more could one wish?”
    Much later, Michele was to wonder how she could have bound herself by such an easy promise, when its consequences were to create circumstances so uncomfortable for herself.
    The drawing-room door opened and Mr. Davenport entered. “Here you are! But where is your company? I was informed that two gentlemen had called. I did not think that your visitors would be gone so soon,