Page 36 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
“He asked to marry you?” the viscount frowned before his brow cleared.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” she replied dryly. “Three gentlemen proposed to me last season.”
“One set is sufficient?” the viscount asked as they joined a line for a country dance.
“Ample,” she replied in a low voice, feeling as if she’d been doused in cold water. Lord Wycliffe had reminded her that he danced with her only to gain access to her clock.
Louisa loved to dance, and very soon her mood lifted. Pleasantly surprised that the viscount was a more than capable dancer, she let the music wash over her and couldn’t help but smile at her partner.
After the country dance, they swung into a cotillion, followed by a scotch reel. Lord Wycliffe kept up admirably well and almost looked to enjoy himself. When the set was finished, they both clapped vigorously.
“I think it is time for some refreshment,” the viscount said as he took her arm and led her from the dance floor.
Edith was speaking with Nathaniel’s sister Alicia and Lady Kettering. Nathaniel was not in sight.
“Good evening, ladies.”
All three had glasses of punch, and the viscount left to fetch Louisa one.
“I can’t believe Lord Wycliffe was dancing,” Alicia said with a titter. “I wasn’t sure he knew how.”
“That is quite the coup, Lady Louisa.” Lady Kettering nodded to her. “I don’t believe I’ve seen his lordship dance in several years.”
Louisa felt heat on her cheeks as the other women stared at her, although she knew the viscount hadn’t danced with her because he’d wanted to. She was just a means to an end.
“Come along, Alicia,” Lady Kettering said with a smile. “There is someone you must meet.”
The two ladies moved away, and Lord Wycliffe returned with glasses of dark red punch.
“Thank you.” She cautiously took the glass from him, careful to avoid his fingers.
He nodded and sipped from his cup. “The only libation available this evening is Negus.”
Taking a drink, she grimaced. The punch maker had leaned too heavily on the lemon. Still, she was thirsty and continued sipping her drink, observing the nearby dancers to keep from staring at the viscount's handsome face.
“Make sure you bring flowers with you,” she said abruptly. “When you make your morning call, bring flowers.”
“But Lady Edith will be with me,” Lord Wycliffe replied in a low voice, bringing her gaze to him.
“You are to play the part of gentleman caller,” Edith countered firmly.
The viscount nodded. “Of course. Lady Edith, you’re bringing a hat box?”
“Edith, we must think of a reason for your bringing me a hatbox.” Louisa paused. “This is getting unwieldy. Lord Wycliffe, you visit Nathaniel in the morning and then offer to carry the hat box to Carstairs.”
“With flowers,” he replied wryly. “Why would I take flowers for you to Nathaniel’s home?”
She thought a moment. “Perhaps you need advice for the lovelorn.”
“Lovelorn?” Lord Wycliffe asked, knitting his brows.
“We should dance,” Edith said to the viscount quickly. “If we don’t, you will leave the ball having only danced with Louisa. We don’t want your interest in Louisa to be too marked. Cecil, you really must stay a while longer.”
The viscount nodded and finished his drink. He set his glass on a small table nearby. “If you will excuse us, Lady Louisa.”
When they had departed, two gentlemen approached her.
“How are you this evening?” a young man she believed to be Lord Nettles asked brightly.
