A Lesson in Forgiveness by Jennifer Connors Read Free Book Online

was the first girl he'd met that he felt he could marry. She was a pretty girl, not beautiful as some of the women of the ton were, but very pleasing to the eye. She was extremely intelligent, but also witty and unconventional. Bethany came off as much more mature and willing to test the limits of polite society.
    After returning her to her mother, Miles went in search of Whitmore to ask him exactly what his intentions were toward the girl. Certainly not out of chivalry, but more out of respect for their lengthy friendship. His quarry was found in his study, looking over ledgers and making notes.
    “Good afternoon, Whitmore. I see you have managed to find the least amusing thing to do at your party.”
    “Clarendon,” was his only reply. Miles was used to being put off until Whitmore was ready. After a moment, he put the ledger to the side and sat back in his chair, giving his friend his full attention.
    “What can I do for you, Clare. I had noticed you walking about the garden with Miss Hamilton earlier. Has your pursuit ended so quickly?”
    Before answering, Miles went to the sidebar and helped himself to some wine. Turning, he gestured to ask if Whitmore wanted some. Shaking his head in reply, Miles poured himself a glass and sat down in the overstuffed armchair on the other side of Whitmore's desk.
     
    Taking a sip and deciding to be rather blunt, he asked, “So, are you interested in the Hamilton chit?”
    Whitmore regarded his long time friend carefully. Clarendon knew his intentions, as well as the fact that he did not wish to marry until his return, so why was he asking such a pointed question. It occurred to him that maybe Miss Hamilton had said something. Had he inadvertently given her the impression that he was seeking her hand. He certainly hoped not.
    “She is a guest in my home, Clare. That is my only interest in her. Why do you ask?”
    “She mentioned that you two spent some time together this morning, alone in your garden. That seems unusual for a man not interested in marrying.”
“Did she think that I had other intentions?” Whitmore was now worried. He would never intentionally demonstrate feelings he didn't have, certainly not at the expense of a young lady.
    “No. She asked me about you. I told her your plans and she seemed quite... happy for you. Said you deserved the holiday and she hoped you enjoyed yourself.”
    “Well, then.” He didn't know how to feel about that. Whitmore certainly admired the girl, appreciated her beauty and intelligence, and enjoyed their discussions. He also wanted to continue their “friendship” until the end of the party, but why was he feeling somewhat put off. Was he not as eligible as the rest of his guests, as Clarendon? Shaking his head over his own stupidity, he let it go. He'd been given a reprieve from a marital death sentence. He should be happy, not distressed.
    Before he could stop himself, Whitmore asked his friend, “What about you, old friend? You seem to be spending a great deal of time with her and here it is only the second day.”
    “I am considering courting her. She is more than ample to be a good wife. She is also unconventional enough to suit me.”
    “What do you mean, unconventional?”
    “Well, our conversation was not limited to the weather.” Noticing his friend's face, he hastened, “Now, Whitmore, nothing scandalous. She is simply honest and mature. Not a single giggle the entire time we walked together. I have to admit that most of the girls coming out are childish and off-putting.”
    “I certainly agree with that assessment. So, you wanted to make sure that I was not interested as well?”
    “Indeed. No woman is worth losing a friend over. Now that I have your assurance, I will consider her more closely. Thank you, good man.” Clarendon continued to drink his wine.
    That funny feeling returned to Whitmore. An altogether strange feeling he didn't think he'd ever felt before. Rather than analyze it, he simply returned to