Page 7 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Charlotte pressed a kiss on her cheek. “We never know who fate will throw our way, but sometimes it’s just what we wished for.”
As they re-entered the ballroom, Dharma thought it was easy for her stepmother to say. Fate had given her everything she desired. Would fate be as kind to her?
No sooner had they entered than Sin was at Charlotte’s side. “I think it’s time to retire for the evening, my love. We don’t want you overtired.”
Dharma’s head snapped up, and her mouth dropped open. “Are you with”—
“Say nothing. I don’t want everyone to know yet.”
Dharma hugged her stepmother so tightly, and tears welled in her eyes. Charlotte had wanted this for so long. She whispered in her ear, “I think this is the most wonderful news I’ve ever heard.”
“Like I said, fate gave me everything I’d dreamed of and more. Think with your heartandyour head, and the same will happen for you.”
On those fateful words, she looked up to see Devlin by her side in the company of her brother Tobin. They were relaxed and holding a conversation with Tobin’s wife, Lady Philippa. Another signal that her brother did not mind Devlin courting her.Anddidn’t thetonnotice.
Before she spoke to him, a discreet cough had her looking up into the handsome face of Lord Fencourt. A young man who had made a point of dancing with her at each ball. She liked the amenable Viscount and, given his family had more money than almost anyone else in England, she knew he was not after her money.
“Sorry to interrupt, Lady Dharma, but you promised me the last dance of the night.”
She smiled at him while she noted Devlin stood frowning at her with arms folded across his enormous expanse of chest. She let Fencourt lead her onto the dance floor. It was a quadrille, so they wouldn’t be able to converse properly.
When the dance ended, they were on the opposite side of the ballroom from where her brother waited to escort her home.
While slipping her arm through his, she allowed Fencourt to amble around the outside of the dance floor. “It seems an age since I saw you last,” he said. “I have missed you. And now it appears I have a rival for your affections.”
She glanced toward Devlin, who stood with hands on hips, glaring at them. Ignoring the way her heart flipped in her chest at the look of possessiveness in Devlin’s eyes, she replied, “My affections have yet to find a permanent home.”
“I am ecstatic to hear that news. Would it be too much to presume you would be free for a turn in the square tomorrow? Weather permitting, of course.”
Trying not to think of Devlin, she said, “That would be lovely. Shall we say two?”
Just then, a commotion in the crowd gained their attention.
The opulent ballroom, all eyes turned toward where Lord Devlin stood with her brother, and whispers rippled through the crowd. Lord Campbell, a proud and arrogant nobleman, stood in a small group of gentlemen, including Lord Whetton.
Lord Campbell, with a sneer on his face, spoke loud enough for all to hear.
“Ah, Lord Devlin, I have not seen you in society for some time. It seems the traitor's son has graced us with his presence. Tell me, do you come to the ball in search of more secrets to sell to foreign powers? Or is it merely a wealthy wife from those families desperate for a title,” and he made the mistake of looking directly at her.
Her hand came up to cover her mouth, and only Lord Fencourt’s hand on her arm stopped her from rushing to Devlin’s defense. She could see Lord Devlin’s fists tightening at his sides.
Lord Campbell, a few years older than Devlin, had lost a brother at the battle of Waterloo and hated the Devlin name with a passion all consuming. Devlin and Campbell had had previous run-ins. Why did he have to attend tonight?
“You do well to mind your tongue, Lord Campbell.”
“Or what?” and Lord Campbell moved closer.
Her brother, sensing the rising tension, stepped between them. “Gentlemen, this is neither the time nor the place for such confrontations. Lord Campbell, apologize at once.”
“For what? Speaking the truth?” Lord Campbell, undeterred, smirked at Lord Devlin. “I should not have to tolerate the presence of a traitor’s son.”
“Then I suggest you leave,” Devlin responded, his voice low and hard.
“Me leave? Why you…”
She knew what was coming and hoped Tobin would stop it, but Lord Devlin's eyes narrowed, his resolve clear and to her horror Devlin uttered, “If you find my presence insulting, perhaps we need to settle this permanently. Say a duel at dawn? Would that satisfy your honor, Campbell?”
“Very well, Devlin. I accept your challenge. Dawn it shall be.”
