Page 28 of The Truth about the Earl
“Good evening, Lord Yardley. I do hope that you have found the evening pleasant thus far?”
James smiled. “It is all the more pleasant, Lady Essington, since I am now in company with you.” He watched as his words took hold, seeing how a dusky pink entered her cheeks and the corner of her mouth lifted. Her eyes darted away from his for a few seconds, before returning to his, searching them intently as if she wanted to be quite certain that he spoke truthfully.
“There is to be dancing this evening, I think.” He lifted one eyebrow gently, looking steadily at her. “And will you be stepping out with anyone?”
She smiled, the color on her face growing all the more. “I would be inclined to do so if one would ask me.”
“Then I shall make certain to ask you when the time comes.” Warmth spread out across James’ heart and his smile stretchedeven further. For some moments, they stood in silence together, simply looking at one another without feeling the urge to make any sort of conversation.
“Ah, Lady Essington.” Lady Adlay came to join them, looking up at James with bright eyes. “And Lord Yardley! Good evening.”
“Good evening.” He bowed, catching the look that was shared between Lady Adlay and Lady Essington, silently wondering what that meant. “Is your husband present this evening? It has been some time since I have spoken with him.”
Lady Adlay laughed, waving a hand as though James ought to already know what the answer would be. “My dear husband is already in the card room, Lord Yardley. He has never been a man inclined toward conversation and dancing and the like! It is just as well that he enjoys conversing with me, else I do not think I should ever have been eager for his company!”
“Then I shall make certain to come and dance with you this evening also, Lady Adlay if you are inclined.”
Her eyes twinkled. “That would be most kind, Lord Yardley, although I would not want to take away any opportunity from any other particular lady!”
A small flush burned in his chest and neck but he did not react other than to smile. The music began at that very moment as if it knew that he was waiting for an opportunity – and he instantly turned his attention back to Lady Essington.
“The cotillion, I believe.” One hand stretched out toward her and without even the slightest hesitation, Lady Essington reached out and took it with a firm grasp. Her decisiveness delighted James’ heart and he beamed at her, turning them both toward the center of the room where the dancing was soon to begin.
“I do not think I have ever danced so much!” Lady Essington exclaimed, an excitement sending a brightness into her eyes. “Atevery ball, l have had the opportunity to dance at least once and have made so many acquaintances that I feel so very blessed.”
James considered her as they stood opposite each other, waiting for the dance to begin. “Did you not have a Season as a debutante?”
“I did,” came the reply, “but I was soon engaged. My father’s eagerness for a good marriage overtook any thought of my considerations.” Her smile dimmed for a moment and she looked away. “That is not to say that I am ungrateful. I –”
“I have never thought you so, Lady Essington,” James cut in, not wishing her to feel any concern or doubt. “But I am glad that you find yourself in such a position now. There is much enjoyment to be found in the London Season and a good many acquaintances to be made.”
“I find myself greatly enamored with my present acquaintance, Lord Yardley.”
The music began and it took James a moment to step forward, his breath hitching, his chest tight as the blood roared in his ears. That comment was, he was sure, a compliment toward him but mayhap it meant a little more than just her enjoyment of their acquaintance such as it was? Might it be that she had more than just a friendly consideration of him? His heart launched itself hard against his chest as their hands joined, their eyes locking together as they turned.
A little overwhelmed with the sheer amount of feeling in his heart as he danced with Lady Essington, James blinked hard, forcing himself to concentrate on the dance. The minutes passed quickly, their time together seeming all too fleeting and when the time came for him to bow, James wanted nothing more than to step forward, catch her hands in his, and begin the dance all over again.
“I thank you, Lord Yardley.” The flush of pink in Lady Essington’s cheek enamored James toward her all the more,but he could not find anything to say that would express that. Clearing his throat, he smiled and offered his arm instead of making any actual conversation. His tongue felt a little too large for his mouth, his fingers itching to reach across and press to her hand as it rested on his arm, simply for the sheer enjoyment of being a little closer to her.
I want to court this lady.
The thought was a swift and urgent one and James found himself turning toward her at once, the force of his desire growing steadily. Having stopped walking with her, James turned his head and made to speak, seeing her eyes widen slightly as she looked up into his face.
“Lady Essington.” His words were rushed and hurried, tripping over themselves as he spoke. “I have been wondering if I might –”
A sudden scream caught both of their attention, making Lady Essington jump visibly. Her head turned, her eyes roving across the room.
“Whatever was that?”
James hurried forward, Lady Essington beside him as a small crowd gathered. Frantic whispers were being spread in all directions and James craned his neck, trying to see what had happened.
“Might I ask what has occurred?” Lady Essington spoke to another lady who stood nearby.
“I cannot tell you exactly, came the reply, “but it seems that Lady Adlay has had a fall.”
A small exclamation lodged in James’ throat as Lady Essington’s hand grasped his arm tightly. Reaching across, he pressed her hand gently, turning to see her pale face looking up at him.
“I must go to her.”
