Page 7 of The Truth about the Earl
“It is notyourfinal event of the Season I hope, Lady Essington?”
James turned his head to his friend, a little surprised at Lord Huntsford’s boldness and at the question itself. Was he also caught up with Lady Essington’s beauty?
Lady Essington regarded Lord Huntsford carefully for a moment or two, then smiled and shook her head.
“No, Lord Huntsford, it is not. I have only recently returned to London and have every intention of remaining in London for the entire duration of the Season.”
“That is good. I am very glad to hear it.” Lord Huntsford smiled, cleared his throat, and then held out one hand toward Lady Essington, leaving James to stand by and watch rather than speak to the lady himself. “I do hope you intend to dance this evening?”
Noting how the young lady exchanged a look with Lady Gillingham, James was forced simply to observe as she smiled and then handed her dance card to Lord Huntsford. For whatever reason, he found himself a little frustrated at his friend’s behavior, although he had no real reason to be. Lord Huntsford was behaving just as a gentleman ought, although James had wanted – and indeed, expected – that it would behewho would be the one to seek her dance card and the like, given that he had been the one to ask Lord Huntsford for an introduction!
“I thank you.” A glittering glance was sent James’ way as Lady Essington accepted the dance card back from Lord Huntsford and James was ready in a moment.
“I should bemostobliged if you would favor me also, Lady Essington.”
Her lips lifted in a gentle smile as she handed him her dance card whereas James’ brows knotted together.
The scoundrel! He has taken her waltz!
Why this should frustrate him so very much, James did not know but for whatever reason, the fact that Lord Huntsford would be standing up with Lady Essington was of the greatest irritation.
“The country dance and the cotillion, I think.” Yes, he could have taken the supper dance but that was not the done thing, given that they had only just become introduced. Had he known her a little better or furthered their acquaintance somewhat, then he might well have been able to take it.
“Two dances? That is very kind of you, Lord Yardley.”
James smiled as he gave the dance card back to the lady. “But of course.”
“And, alas, we must take our leave. Lord Yardley may have forgotten but he is to dance the quadrille, which is soon to begin.”
James, a little reluctant to leave, bowed and then turned away, falling into step with Lord Huntsford.
“And now you are introduced!” Lord Huntsford threw a satisfied smile toward James, who did not return it.
“You took her waltz.”
His friend’s smile faded. “But of course. Why would I not?”
James did not know how to reply. To say simply, ‘BecauseIwanted to do so’ would sound very childish indeed, and thus, he chose to shrug, telling himself that he was being foolish.
“She is very handsome, is she not? I have always thought so, even when she was being courted by Lord Essington.”
“Indeed.”
“You shall have to find more young ladies to dance with once you have stepped out with Lady Essington, however. To have only two is somewhat embarrassing!”
James rolled his eyes at his friend’s jesting, just as Lady Maude came into view. She was, once again, in the company of her friend, Miss Patterson, whom James silently considered showed Lady Maude in an even better light, given that the lady herself was pale, constantly sorrowful, and always kept her head low.
“Although, no doubt you feel that Lady Essington’s beauty is diminished in light of Lady Maude!”
Barely hearing his friend, James made his way toward the lady, bowing low as his heart quickened.
Mayhap you should show a distinct lack of interest in the lady.
The suggestion from Lord Huntsford entered his mind and would not be easily dismissed. Bowing low, James threw away his smile as he looked toward Lady Maude. “We are to dance the quadrille, Lady Maude.”
“Yes, of course.” Her lips did not lift into a smile and her eyes fixed themselves to his as if he were holding a great secret within his heart that she wanted to find out. When he offered her his arm, she took it without hesitation, turning her head away and breaking their connection. James opened his mouth to say something, only to find he had nothing of interest to say.
“Was that Lady Essington I saw you speaking with, Lord Yardley?”
