Page 29 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
Without caring about barging into a private conversation, Alexander barged in between the mother and daughter, noticing the resemblance Lady Margaret shared with her father. Her eyes were not evil or cunning like the rest of the family, and she clearly appeared to be innocent.
Lady Leicester stopped with her round of insults the moment Alexander walked in and smiled.
“My Lord,” she said, flustered, “This is my younger daughter, Lady Margaret.”
“Delighted to make your acquaintance, My Lady.” Alexander smiled, taking her gloved hand in his to place a kiss over her knuckles.
She blushed deeply.
“May I have the pleasure of your company for a dance?”
“Me?” she appeared slightly confused. Alexander felt guilty because what she might view as affection was nothing but a ploy to extract some information from her for him. Although, he did wish to rid her of her mother’s stern gaze.
“Yes.”
“I would love to.”
He nodded at Lady Leicester, who seemed confused before whisking Lady Margaret away to the dance floor. The couples were already settling in, and they quickly assumed their positions as the set started. Within the first few seconds of the waltz, Alexander understood that she was clearly rustic at the steps, stepping on Alexander’s feet rather often.
“Look at me, Lady Margaret,” he said to her, for she was only staring at their feet, trying to do all the steps right. His tone made her look at him.
“Yes?” she stuttered out.
“You must keep all your focus on me and me alone. Alright? I will guide you through the dance.”
She nodded, fear shining in her eyes, but Alexander easily took control of her movements and guided her along with him. His expert hands twirled her in a way that he stayed completely out of the way, and she moved with perfect momentum, not faltering even slightly.
Her fear was replaced by another happy emotion, her eyes beginning to shine slightly as she looked at Alexander. He was glad to see she was enjoying herself. He could see she was very unlike her brother and sister, but that hardly meant she had no part in Eliza’s humiliation. She was weak herself, but she could still be dangerous, and Alexander was not going to underestimate her at all.
“Tell me about yourself, Lady Margaret.”
“About myself?” She seemed confused as if no one had asked her this before. “Well, I enjoy playing the pianoforte, and I do love dancing, even though I am not very good at it.”
She laughed.
“All it needs is practice,” Alexander said, smiling. “You must dance at every ball, and you will be rather perfect in no time.”
“I hope so.” She stared at him shyly.
“Your house here is rather beautiful, and the ball your parents have thrown is rather grand. I have lived away from London too long and have only returned a few days ago. I am glad I chose this gathering to be the first gathering of being in the middle of the ton again.”
“I am quite glad you like it.”
“Although, I do have a few questions if you would care to clear up my confusion?”
“Anything, My Lord.” She looked too eager to help him.
“Last time I was in London, which I must tell you was many years ago, this estate belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Grafton. Did it not?”
“Who?” Lady Margaret gulped nervously, her nervousness beginning to show on her face. Sheens of sweat began to form on her forehead, and Alexander wondered if he pressed her enough, would she divulge something worth knowing?
Although, he could sense she was much too weak to make such a mistake. This was not the right time.
“The Duke and Duchess of Grafton? I do not know if I remember this correctly, but I believe they even had a daughter. Lady Elena, or was it Eliza? I seem to be forgetting. It was many years ago, of course.”
“Lady Eli … Eliza?”
Her movements once again became still as tension filled her shoulders, and Alexander was scared that if he pressed her any more than he already had, she would run away from him.
