Page 89 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
He frowned. “So much for shyness, and wanting to help me any way she can.”
“I think sheistrying to help.”
“Like you are?”
Louisa looked away, not knowing what answer he wanted to hear.
In a soft voice, he said, “I’m getting used to people helping me, you know that.”
“Yes.”
“But that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult.”
“I know. You can return the favor and help your grandmother.”
He cocked his head. “Why am I suddenly suspicious?”
“She wants you to be happy, to be back in Society where you’ve always thrived. And she wants me to overcome these rumors.”
“You told her about them?” he said in obvious surprise.
“I hadn’t planned to, but she is such a dear lady, and she wants to make things better for me, as well as you. So we both need to go.”
“And how would this make her happier, since I’ve already accompanied her this week?”
“Because I think you should dance.” She let out her breath.
To her surprise, he didn’t answer right away.
“With you?” he finally asked.
She couldn’t look at him, had to concentrate on not betraying with her voice how good that sounded to her. “I was thinking with Georgie.”
“She steps on my feet.”
“You two could practice.”
“You and I don’t even need to practice.”
She closed her eyes, remembering being held in his arms, moving across the ballroom floor. She shivered.
“Unless you believe it will not look good for you to be dancing with your employer’s son,” he added.
“Or are you worried because of my reputation?” she shot back.
He grinned. “Then we’ll dance.”
ChapterNineteen
The village assembly was held in the public room above a prosperous tavern, and like any other dance, it was crowded and hot and loud. Louisa watched as Simon and Mr. Wade at first kept their sister with them as they conversed their way from group to group. Now that it was Simon’s second public event, more people approached to speak with him. And those tended to be his male friends, whom Georgie was then lucky enough to be introduced to.
When Lady Wade’s back was turned, Louisa retreated to the corner with the other companions and chaperones. She felt safe there, until one of the young girls beside her gave a gasp. “Lord Wade and his brother are coming right toward us!”
Another girl said, “Oh, Mr. Wade will dance with you, Emily. One of us will occupy the blind one for you.”
Feeling her muscles stiffen with anger, Louisa opened her mouth for a retort, but it was too late.
“Ah, Miss Shelby,” Mr. Wade said.
