Page 4 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
“Edith suggested that although I do not see the baron as a marriage prospect, I should make myself appear more approachable by accepting his invitation to dance.”
“Excellent advice,” her brother replied smoothly. “The lady did make a brilliant match.”
To her relief, she spied Edith walking around the edge of the dance floor toward them.
“Leopold!” Edith smiled briefly at Louisa’s companion. “As delighted as I am to see you, your presence beside your sister might drive away possible suitors.”
He frowned. “Drive them away?”
“It is well known that you and your brothers are highly respected amongst the ton as sportsmen. That and your elevated rank might intimidate some of the young bucks.”
“I hadn’t considered that possibility,” he replied thoughtfully.
“You should.” Edith added softly, “Lord Danner cannot hope to measure up to you or your brothers.”
“Perhaps I will speak to Lord Sidmouth on the other side of the ballroom.” Leopold sketched a shallow bow and walked away.
“You are a genius!” She grinned at her friend.
“Lord Danner is returning,” Edith replied.
“Don’t leave me. Please. I’m afraid he means to propose to me again.”
Louisa accepted a glass of lemonade from Lord Danner as the gentleman greeted Edith. Edith’s own baron, Nathaniel, approached, and Louisa nodded to him.
“Lord Harbury, how lovely to see you.” She jerked her head ever so slightly toward the other couples dancing.
Nathaniel must have understood the movement as he asked, “Shall we take to the floor, Lady Louisa?”
“Oh yes! I feel much refreshed now. Excuse me, Lord Danner.” She handed her glass of lemonade to Edith, took Nathaniel’s arm, and walked to where couples had lined up for a country dance. “Thank you, Nathaniel! You are a true hero.”
The gentleman grinned. “Edith asked me to come to your rescue if need be this evening.”
Louisa wasn’t surprised at the gesture as Edith was the kindest, most thoughtful person she knew. Growing up with four older brothers, Louisa wondered if their influence had made her less of a gentle soul. Not inclined to introspection, she was determined to think of something else.
Lord Harbury had seemed dull to her before she’d come to know him better last season. His sunny demeanor had been a ruse to hide the guilt and despair he felt over having survived the wreck of the HMS St. George when so many of his former shipmates perished. With the love and support of Edith, she believed he’d finally found a measure of peace and happiness.
When they finished the set, and Nathaniel escorted her back to where Edith stood, it was to find her friend no longer with the squat baron but a tall, handsome viscount: Lord Wycliffe.
Chapter Two
Cecil wasn’t quite sure how he ended up at a ball. He must surely be going mad as his friends were now married, and he suddenly felt alone. It hadn’t mattered before if he saw Ashford or Nathaniel often. They were always there when Cecil needed them.
Everything had changed. Ashford married first, and then Nathaniel had followed him into the parson’s snare. He’d looked in at Nathaniel’s mansion in Grosvenor Square and came away with the intelligence that his friend and spouse were at Lady Cairs’ ball. So off he went to Cavendish Square even though he had no intention of dancing.
“Lord Wycliffe!” Lady Cairs blinked at him several times and put one hand against her ample bosom. “Do my eyes deceive me?”
He answered blandly, “No, my lady. I am here in search of a friend.”
“You don’t say. I did see Lord Harbury a moment ago.” The matron looked about the room. The ball was a crush, a triumph for any hostess.
He spied Nathaniel dancing with Lady Louisa rather than his wife. The young lady, although prickly, was a graceful dancer and the best-dressed female in the room. Not that he would ever tell her that, of course. Louisa was too self-assured as it was for a debutante.
“Cecil!” Edith stood nearby and, having spotted him, waved a hand in greeting.
He excused himself from Lady Cairs.
“Good evening, Lady Harbury,” he said with a shallow bow when he reached her side.
