Page 23 of A Scandalous Bargain
She dropped into a curtsey. “My lord.”
“Lord Worth, this is Lady Gresham, who is to marry my brother Harry very soon, and this is her sister, Miss Beatrix Whitford.”
The earl took Beatrix’s hand and pressed a light kiss to the back. “It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I should be honored if you would dance the next set with me.”
Beatrix shot a look of distress toward Selina, who knew that he was Beatrix’s half brother. Selina widened her eyes almost imperceptibly in silent communication. Owing to Society’s stupid rules, Beatrix couldn’t refuse him.
“That would be lovely,” she said, trying not to grit her teeth.
Maybe this would be fine. She could get to know him. Hopefully he wasn’t interested in her romantically. But why else would he ask to be introduced to her?
He offered his arm, and Beatrix went with him to the dance floor. “I understand this is your first time at Almack’s.”
“Yes. This is my first Season in London.”
“You are most fortunate. Many people are never awarded a voucher.”
“So I’ve heard. And you must be an exceptional dancer, for I’ve heard that is the easiest way for a gentleman to get one.”
He barked out a laugh. “You’re a saucy one! I think you just suggested I couldn’t get one on my own merits.”
Oh dear, she rather had. Wasn’t that a good thing? If he thought her rude, he wouldn’t be interested in her. “It’s my understanding that merit has nothing to do with who’s invited.” She lowered her voice. “Whether one of the patronesses likes you is far more important.” She glanced toward the dais where the patronesses held court and lorded over the attendees. “Which one likes you?”
He laughed again. “I’m not entirely certain, but right now, I only care ifyoulike me. What a captivating woman you are.”
Damn, she hadn’t meant to be captivating. Not to him, anyway. The music began, and she did her best throughout the set to step on his toes and be a generally bad dancer. Fleetingly, she wondered if her voucher could be revoked. Did she even care? Almack’s might betheplace to be and be seen, but so far, she wasn’t impressed.
When the set was finished, he guided her from the dance floor. “My, but you’re an…exuberant dancer,” he said.
Beatrix nearly smiled. She was beginning to like him, and with that realization came a desire to forge an actual sibling relationship.
“Thank you, I do try. Do you come to Almack’s every week?” she asked.
“Not every week, no. My father hopes I will wed this Season.”
“Your father is the Duke of Ramsgate?”
He nodded.
“Is he here this evening?” Beatrix hadn’t seen him, but perhaps he’d been hiding in an alcove.
“No, Father has no need to come. Though, he has threatened to attend and ensure I am making good use of my time.” Worth rolled his eyes.
“Why is he so eager for you to wed?” Beatrix wanted to know all she could about her father.
“By my age, he was married with an heir.”
“And what age is that?”
“Twenty-nine.” He looked at her askance. “You are full of questions.”
She lifted a shoulder. “How else can we get to know each other?” As soon as she said it, she wished she hadn’t. There was a distinct gleam of satisfaction in his gaze.
Worth was twenty-nine? That was about the age her father had taken Beatrix’s mother as his mistress. Beatrix wondered if Worth was aware of that.
“My turn for a question,” he said, stopping and turning toward her. “How many suitors do you have?”
“Er, none.”
