Page 77 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“That I was waiting for you?” she said dryly.
He shrugged. There was a waltz going on across the ballroom floor, and their corner of the ballroom was almost deserted. Mr. Wade looked down at her, and she was rather surprised by how much he resembled Simon when he was attempting to be serious.
“Are you all right?” he asked softly.
It was her turn to shrug. “He was only attempting what other men have attempted before him.”
His face went red, and he swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I know it’s not even my fault, but I’m the one who will have to live with it. Simon must have told you about the rumors.”
Mr. Wade’s face blanched. “You know?”
She sighed. “I was hoping you didn’t, but I guess that was too much to hope for.”
“Miss Shelby—”
“No, it’s all right. At least now I know, and can protect myself from further scandal. Tell your grandmother that I will be with the companions and chaperones, where I belong. Oh, and Mr. Wade, please make sure your brother is all right. I left him rather abruptly.”
“I saw him with Paul.”
She sighed with relief. “Go protect your sister from the attentions of Lord Keane.”
“That I can do,” he said.
~oOo~
Simon sat in a wingback chair in Lady Perry’s library and forced a laugh at someone’s joke. If it weren’t for his worries about Louisa, he would have been enjoying this evening. He was surprised at how much he had missed the company of a group of men.
But he couldn’t relax, because he’d caused Louisa terrible pain. He didn’t know what to do for her, how to make amends. She didn’t want his help, and he was frustrated with the need to do something.
“There you are, Simon!”
It was Leo, and Simon gladly stood up, bringing his cane with him. “Ah, just the person I needed to talk to,” Simon said. “Excuse me, gentlemen, while I have a word with my brother.”
Where once it bothered him to have to put his hand on another man’s arm for guidance, now he gladly used Leo. He was relieved to do something other than brood about Louisa.
When he heard a door close behind him, and the sounds of voices became muted, he said, “Leo, are we alone?”
“For the moment.”
“Did Georgie dance with Keane?”
Was Leo’s arm tense under his?
“I think so. Why?”
“He’s a blackguard where women are concerned. I warned you about him, didn’t I?”
“Well, yes, but short of making a scene—”
“Take me to him.”
“Simon—”
“It’s all right, I don’t mean to call him out. I just want to have a pleasant word with him.”
“Good, because I don’t think he’d appreciate me aiming your pistol for you.” Leo paused. “All right, we’re going back down the corridor into the ballroom. Don’t run into the door.”
