Page 50 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
“Wilfred.”
His lips twitched. And the spell was broken.
She circled round him, their hands touched, and she moved on. But every part of her was changed. And she knew why she couldn’t be satisfied with Lord Granville. She could never be happy with anyone but Lord Lockhart.
When she was at last facing Lord Granville again, he dipped his head. “But your heart is captured by another.” His gaze flicked to Lord Lockhart and back to her.
“Who is not free to return the love.”
His eyes widened. “And so there is hope for me still.” His smile grew, and with one wiggle of his eyebrow, she laughed.
They ended the dance, laughing about nonsensical things, and she could only be grateful for his distraction from her moments with Lord Lockhart.
Two partners later, the music for the supper set began, and Lord Wessex bowed in front of her. “And now, my most anticipated dance.”
She curtseyed low. She enjoyed his attention. She liked the way he made her feel. But she knew his smiles and his compliments were not just for her.
They moved in and out of the more challenging dance steps. Every time they came together, he said some snippet of some flowery compliment, never quite finishing a phrase until they at last had a few longer moments while they waited for the next couple to finish a step. “And this will not do. Might I have the next waltz, whenever it may be?”
She laughed. “This does not allow for conversation, does it?”
“Not at all, and yours is highly valued.”
They stepped together and apart, Charity wishing the words he said were true and sincere. “Can you mean such things?”
“Of course I mean them.”
“But you must know that particular compliment would mean more to me than others.”
“More than the times I tell you you are the most beautiful woman in the room?”
“Yes more than those, and the others.”
“The ones where I say you have captured my attention, no other can compare. The incomparable Charity Standish.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that one as well, but you must know which I most highly value.”
He dipped his head. “I have paid much attention to you. I know what you value. And yes, I know you most appreciate good conversation.” They stood close for a moment and he whispered in her ear. “But it doesn’t mean I don’t mean every word.”
They stepped apart, and she was left pondering his words. She decided he did mean every word. But perhaps he meant every word to every woman he spoke to.
They finished that set and moved into the dining hall. She sat across from Lord Wessex.
“Do you need more lemonade?”
“Oh yes, I’d like that, if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll be right back.” She watched his handsome retreating form. Many female eyes watched him, some overtly, some in disguise behind their fans. He was not a welcome sight for many a mother in that room. And Charity could well see why. She was well on her way to being enamored with the man’s company, not really with him necessarily, but with the way he made her feel. And that could be very compelling indeed.
A voice in her ear, and the familiar smells of sandalwood and mint washed over her. She turned to a rather close Lord Lockhart who had just arrived at their table apparently. Miss Penny joined them as well and sat across from him.
“What did you say?” She searched his face.
“I said, your eyes linger on him. Do you want everyone in the room to think you’ve fallen for his traps?”
She turned away. “What do you know about any of this?”
“Enough to know you don’t need to be another one of the conquests he casts aside.”
