Page 44 of A Virgin for the Rakish Marquess

“Yes. Cruel. He will never ask this of you, but I know he will feel better if you are there.”

“I seriously doubt that.”

Euphemia sighed in that way women sigh when faced with stubborn men.

“You are entitled to your opinion. Fine.” She got up. “What if I ask you to do it?”

James turned to his grandmother, a smirk on his lips. He knew exactly what she was doing. Shewasalready asking him to do it.

She cupped his face in her frail, soft hands.

“You ask the impossible of me.”

Her smile was soft. “And yet you will do it.”

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “You have an extraordinary amount of faith in me, Grandmother.”

“You have yet to disappoint me.”

James closed his eyes for a brief moment, inhaling deeply before releasing a slow, measured breath.

“I’d hate to start disappointing you now,” he relented. “I will escort him to the Ashford ball, Grandmother. Do not worry.”

Euphemia gave a warm smile.

“But,” he added, his tone sharp, “if he shows any sign that he is going back to what made him the talk of the ton, I will not tolerate it.”

“I understand.” His grandmother did, in fact, understand. “Thank you, James. You are a good boy.”

She turned and walked out of the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

CHAPTER 12

Dancing Card

The air at the Ashford ball was thick with the scent of beeswax and roses, laced with champagne and anticipation. On the balcony above, a quartet played a lively waltz, the melody weaving through the grand ballroom as couples twirled in effortless synchrony. The chandelier cast a golden glow, catching the glimmer of jewels adorning elegantly dressed ladies, their laughter mingling with the hum of conversation.

It was a night spun from magic, but Diana was not appreciating it There was one thing that would make this night truly enchanting. Him.

“How do the Ashfords manage to create such an atmosphere in their balls?” Selina seemed charmed.

“I think it has more to do with the fact that they want their guests to enjoy themselves,” Richard said. “After all, Lady Ashford is a gentle, calm woman.”

“Diana?” Selina turned to her sister. “Are you looking for someone?”

Diana immediately schooled her expression and tore her eyes away from the entrance. “More like something. I heard that the Ashfords’ cook makes good Italian pastry. I would like to try it.”

Selina narrowed her eyes at her. “Sure. Italian pastry. Though I doubt that the Ashfords had placed their buffet outside.”

“Dear Diana, you seem awfully fixated on the entrance.” Richard hastened to assist his wife.

“How predictable of you both. A woman so much as glances toward the door and suddenly she is pining,” Diana scoffed.

“Not pining, but perhaps interested,” Richard said with a smile.

Selina stepped closer and looped her arm through Diana’s, smiling that mischievous smile of hers. “Tell me, my sweet sister, how are the promenades?”

Ah, so pleasurable,Diana was ready to admit, but she held back.

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