Page 10 of Loving a Dowager
Darlington slowed his steps and asked, “Whatever is the matter?”
Turning in Marina’s direction, Henrietta said, “My dear friend’s companion is being shuffled about by the crowd and towards the terrace doors no less. She could easily be dragged out into the gardens. We must rescue her.” Quickening her pace so Nicholas had no choice but to follow, Henrietta headed straight toward the girl.
As they approached, Miss White’s pleasant smile gave way to a fierce scowl.
Nicholas blurted, “You. What are you doing here?”
Henrietta swatted the boy’s arm and reached out to grasp the young woman’s hand before she could flee. “Miss White. You mustn’t stand so close to the terrace doors. Goodness knows what could happen to you.”
“My thanks for your concern, my lady; however, I’m quite capable of defending myself. Aren’t I, Lord Darlington?”
Before the boy could answer, Henrietta stated, “Well, it is clear the two of you are already acquainted.” How interesting. Henrietta had never witnessed this side of Miss White’s personality.
In unison, the pair answered, “Unfortunately.”
Ah. They thought alike. That was a good sign. But the darts they were throwing at each other with their gazes was not. Turning towards Miss Marina White, Henrietta said, “Pray tell, how is it you know each other?”
Miss White’s lips thinned, and it was Darlington who answered. “I received a missive from my uncle this afternoon requesting I pay a visit to Lady Bertha’s residence to obtain a copy of the marriage settlements. Miss White mistook me for an intruder.”
“Is that true?” Henrietta asked.
Marina bobbed her head once and said, “Aye, my lady. In my defense, Lord Darlington was hardly forthcoming with an explanation for his visit. I found him loitering in the foyer peering into the study.” Miss White’s eyes flickered over at Darlington before she added, “The questionable motives of the men in our family have instilled in me to use caution at all times.”
“I see.” Henrietta paused and assessed Darlington’s defensive posture and then turned slightly to view Miss White. The girl’s straight spine and rolled back shoulders told Henrietta she wasn’t about to let Darlington have the last word. While the pair were engaged in a silent stand-off, Henrietta was mentally deciding upon her next move—she needed a reason for the young couple to be in each other’s company, and often. Mayhap Walter could assist with providing Darlington’s schedule.
Breaking eye contact, Nicholas clasped his hands behind his back and turned to face Henrietta. “My lady, might I suggest we continue our route? It is clear Miss White is in no need of rescuing.”
Henrietta tugged Marina in front of her and within inches of Darlington. “I think not. I suggest instead you do the gentlemanly thing and ask Miss White to dance.”
Again in unison, the pair uttered in shock, “Beg pardon?”
Henrietta smiled in triumph and then jumped at Walter’s gruff voice behind her. “What a grand idea. Nicholas, you are safe. I’m certain Miss White shall refrain from inflicting any bodily harm upon you whilst on the dance floor.”
Where the devil had Walter come from? Engrossed in her matchmaking scheme, she’d let her guard down. Anger at her own folly rolled through her and heated her cheeks. Knowing her surroundings at all times was a skill she had mastered as a PORF decades ago. Normally her anger dissipated quickly, but she continued to experience the wave of fire that warmed her blood. She glanced about their small group and noted Walter had claimed the spot directly to her left. They had never been this close in a public setting, which set Henrietta’s mind to wondering why.
Walter gave his nephew a pointed look. Darlington expelled a breath and executed an elegant bow. “Miss White, would you care to dance?”
A mischievous glint appeared in the girl’s eyes. “Lord Darlington, I believe I would.” As Miss Marina White placed her hand in Darlington’s, Henrietta noted the slight jolt of awareness in the young couple’s eyes. She continued to watch the pair join the line of dancers.
Henrietta giggled. “I’m glad to see Nicholas had the sense to wear Hessians this eve, or he might not survive Miss White’s attentions.”
“She is a clever chit.” Walter chuckled. “You’re not considering her as a potential match for Nicholas are you?”
She turned to face Walter. Her shoulder brushed against his solid chest. Her cheek burned once again at the memory of having been pressed up against the man. Flustered she replied, “I believe Miss White an excellent candidate.”
His head angled inquisitively. “How did you come to that conclusion? The pair can scarcely bear each other’s company. Hardly what I’d deem a love match.”
“Love presents itself in a variety of ways and often in the moments you least expect.” Henrietta pondered over her retort.
She swayed slightly closer to the man who had held her securely in his arms. The craving to be held once more startled Henrietta, who had reconciled herself to the fact she’d already been fortunate to have the love of a man. To seek out love a second time would be foolish. Yet Walter’s close proximity and his effect upon her challenged her presumptions. She placed her hand on the base of her throat. “I’m a tad parched. Will you please escort me to the refreshments table?”
“What an excellent idea, my dear.” Oblivious to his impact upon her, Walter presented his arm. “I was wise to seek out your assistance. We can venture closer to Nicholas and ensure Miss White has indeed refrained from harming the boy.” He smiled down at her. “You are magnificent.”
Henrietta linked her arm through his and walked in silence next to a version of Walter that had her at sixes and sevens. She’d had the good fortune of a loving husband and the love of two sons. Yet Walter’s praise and adoring looks filled a void in her heart that she hadn’t known existed.
Walter reveledin the warmth seeping through his jacket from Henrietta’s gloved hand upon his arm. For two years he had debated how to best approach Henrietta without making a fool of himself. A small shove from an interfering PORF dressed as a flower seller set off a cascade of events that on their own were innocuous but cumulatively had Walter’s heart and mind in knots. He lifted his gaze to the captivating woman next to him. She was as beautiful today as she had been when he first fell in love with her three decades before. The years had been kind to them both, and with his niece having reached majority, he legally was no longer bound to be a guardian. Filling his days at Neale & Sons had been the first step to reentering Henrietta’s world. When Henrietta’s beguiling smile and the mischievous twinkle in her eyes were trained on him, the rest of the world ceased to exist. The exhilaration of being in her company was addictive.
Making little progress through the crowded ballroom, Walter sighed. “I’m sorry to inform you, but it appears you are not the only lady in need of refreshment.”
