Page 26 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Are you sure we should approach them so directly?” Olivia asked. “It would make us an odd number which could prove awkward for dancing.”
“The best approach is a direct one. After all, we would not want to encourage a larger group than five or risk Lord Briston also being distracted.” Lady Cotswalts guided her charges through the room towards the men.
Olivia glanced at Jane, but the mask on her face made it hard to read her expression.I am sure it will be fine.
“Good evening, ladies,” Nigel greeted them as they approached, smiling.
“Good evening, Duke Glassley. Lord Briston.” Lady Cotswalts smiled at the men and then to the woman with them. “And I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meeting your companion.”
“I am Lady Vanessa Everett.” Lady Everett smiled and curtsied — her voice was rather higher than Olivia had expected, and she found that for some reason it irritated her.
What does it matter what her voice sounds like? It is not like you will have to speak to her.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance…” Lady Everett trailed off.
“This is the Duchess of Cotswalts, her daughter, Miss Jane Pembleton, and Lady Olivia Rokesby, the sister of the Duke of Emberly.” Nigel helpfully filled in, gesturing to each of the women as he introduced them.
Olivia curtsied to Lady Everett before turning to Lord Briston. “It is lovely to see you again, Lord Briston. Have you been well?”
“Yes, very well. Thank you,” Lord Briston noted. “And yourself?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Olivia smiled and tried to think of something else to say but kept being distracted by Lady Everett’s strangely high voice.She sounds practically like a child.
The orchestra struck up a familiar song, and Olivia’s heart sank. It was a quadrille.Poor Jane.Yet before she could do anything, another gentleman appeared and whisked Lady Everett from their party.
“Ah, how fortuitous, and just in time for the next dance.” Lady Cotswalts smiled, and Olivia half suspected she had somehow masterminded the entire thing.Though I cannot see how.
“Would you care to dance, My Lady?” Lord Briston extended a hand.
“Of course.” Olivia took it, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nigel asking Jane to dance with him.
As the orchestra continued its tune, they began their dance. Olivia felt an odd stumble in her chest as she struggled to find something interesting to say to Lord Briston. The familiar pressure of a ball filled her.Say anything. Ask him about his hobbies. Remember you are trying to get him to court you.
“Do you, uhm… What do you think of the orchestra?” Olivia asked, trying to sound more confident of the topic than she felt.
“They play well. Rather more modern than I had expected,” Lord Briston replied.
“Do you not care for the more modern numbers?” Olivia had just noticed that she and Lord Briston were almost the same height.At least he doesn’t seem embarrassed by this.
“Not particularly. Though I do enjoy some of their accompanying dances,” Lord Briston observed.
Olivia tried to think of something witty to say, but her mind seemed unhelpfully blank. Before she could think of anything, it was time to swap partners, and she found herself dancing with Nigel. The subtle scent of nutmeg and cinnamon washed over her, and she found herself remembering that morning several days ago.
“I had not thought that you would be drawn to someone like my cousin.” Nigel’s remark took Olivia by surprise and pulled her back from the embarrassing memory.
“And what exactly is that supposed to mean?” Olivia bristled. “Am I not good enough for your cousin either?”
Nigel shook his head, looking down at her. “Oh, no. Exactly the opposite. You could do much better than Lord Briston.”
“Perhaps I like Lord Briston.” Olivia tried to sound nonchalant.
Nigel laughed softly. “Come now! I am sure my cousin has his virtues, but I fail to see how they might appeal to you.”
Before Olivia could reply, it was time to swap partners, and she found herself back in Lord Briston’s company. Distracted by Nigel’s irritating comment, she accidentally trod on Lord Briston’s foot.
“Oh goodness, I am so sorry!” Olivia tried to compensate for her earlier error which resulted in Lord Briston stepping on her foot.
“Now it is my turn to apologise. Dear lady, did I hurt you badly?” Lord Briston asked.
