Page 40 of The Duke of Aces
His sister’s plan had merit. But for the first time, he was going to approach the evening without a plan and simply take his lead from Isadora. His trip with his sister proved he did not have to be in control for things to work out.
Chapter Twenty-One
The orchestra couldhardly be heard over the roar of excited chatter. The Wicked Ladies were in fine form tonight, all eager to gather after being ensconced at their summer residences. Isadora stood at the entrance of Wembly Hall, greeting members as they arrived.
Drake touched her elbow and whispered, “It is time for our dance.”
“But I should remain here and…”
He didn’t let her finish her sentence. “Let’s celebrate your success and stop milling about the entrance waiting for His Grace and his tardy sister to arrive.” He urged her forward with a gentle push at the small of her back.
She frowned at Drake, not liking this authoritative version of her childhood neighbor. The obstinate set of his jaw had Isadora sighing and picking up her skirts. “Very well, if you insist.”
“I do and, to be frank, I’m rethinking my earlier advice regarding Avondale.” Drake’s unusual curt tone spurred Isadora to wonder how well she really knew the man. Had Minerva ever witnessed this no-nonsense side of Drake?
Setting aside thoughts of Minerva and Drake for a moment, Isadora smiled and nodded at the Wicked Ladies Salon members and their guests as she made her way toward the dance floor. She noted that the space was barely occupied. Drake was right; she needed to set an example as Katherine had last year, needed to encourage engagement and participation.
Isadora turned and hoped Drake didn’t detect the disappointment that suddenly hit her. She had hoped her first dance of the Season would be with Tom. Drake stepped closer but not too close and held an arm out for her. Despite being a close family friend, Drake wasn’t one of her brothers, and her instinct to retreat was overwhelming. As if sensing her discomfort, Drake said, “Pretend that I’m Avondale. And I promise to keep my touch light.”
She stepped up to place her hand on Drake’s forearm as other couples moved to join them.
“Deep breaths. You’ll do fine.”
Drake’s encouraging words, while well-meaning, had the opposite effect. Her entire body tensed. When Drake’s muscle beneath her palm flexed, she flickered her gaze to him.
Scowling, Drake said, “If Avondale fails to arrive, I shall personally go in search of him and box his ears.”
The brotherly sentiment had Isadora smiling and relaxing just as the music began. On cue, Drake led her through the country reel.
“Charlotte would not miss this event unless she had to attend to a pressing matter beyond her control.”
“Agreed. But as for Avondale, he has no excuse.”
As she fell into step beside Drake to promenade, she whispered, “When exactly did you become privy to Avondale’s secret?”
“I’ve known for years.” Drake shrugged. “His Grace makes it a point every year to summon me to Avondale for a chat.”
“I don’t understand. Why didn’t you say yes?”
“Hard to believe, but I’m not the adventurous type.” Drake bowed, then took her hand in his and placed his other hand upon her waist. He twirled them about the other couples.
As they weaved their way to the end of the line, Isadora said, “Liar. Tell me the truth, please.”
“I have my reasons and let’s leave it at that, so I won’t attempt to lie to you.” Drake scanned the room, as he had been throughout the duration of their dance.
Isadora stiffened and whispered, “They have arrived.”
“Impressive that you can you sense his presence faced away and from across the room, no less.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. People don’t sense each other’s presence,” Isadora lied. Her skin prickled along the back of her neck moments before Drake’s reaction to seeing Tom alerted her to his arrival. Smiling at Drake’s frown, she continued, “Your fingers tightened both at my waist and upon my hand as you glanced over my shoulder.”
“Damnation. I thought I’d mastered hiding my reactions better than that.”
“Why bother mastering the skill if you have no intention of accepting Avondale’s proposition?”
“You, my dear, ask too many questions.” He twirled her, switching their positions.
She glanced up to scan the room for Tom. He was slightly taller than most, so it should have been easy to spot him, but then Drake spun her once more. That was when she spied Avondale glaring at her.
