Page 19 of When the Viscount Seduces
“I’m eager to hear your thoughts, and I am open to revision.”
“Are you?” She sounded surprised. “Well, I can’t imagine what I could contribute, but I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You are very clever, Miss Price. I’ve no doubt you could contribute a great deal. Never doubt that.” He glanced towardthe door. “I suppose I must go, since I arrived first. I’ll see you this evening.”
She nodded, and Lazarus reluctantly left the library, leaving the door open and casting her a final glance before making his way toward the entrance hall.
“I trust you had a fruitful meeting,” Droxford said, coming from another room into the entrance hall.
“Quite. We should like to meet again in two days. Same time, if that is convenient.”
“I’m sure it will be.”
Lazarus fixed Droxford with a grateful stare. “Thank you. Truly. This is very helpful to me.” The man could have no idea how much.
“I’m pleased to hear that. I’m here for whatever you may need.” Droxford clapped him on the shoulder.
As Lazarus took his hat and gloves from the footman, he realized he’d never felt more optimistic about reading. He wasn’t sure he could ever aid Miss Price in as meaningful a way as she was helping him. But he would try. If she wanted a husband, he would ensure she had the best one in London.
“I’m so pleased I chose that emerald velvet for your costume for the Phoenix Club ball tomorrow night.” Gwen’s mother said from beside her in the coach. They were stopped in an interminable line of vehicles approaching the Oxley ball. “And I’ve asked the modiste to fashion a circlet for you as well. You will look like a princess of old.” That was because the ball’s theme was a medieval fair.
“I didn’t think we were going to the trouble.” Gwen was never as interested in clothing as her mother.
“A viscount has danced with you, called on you, and promenaded with you in the park,” her mother said with a glint of pride in her eyes. “People will be watching you now. You must look your absolute best.”
Her mother was giddy at the prospect of Gwen snaring a viscount. Which was, of course, not going to happen.
Torn between not wanting to disappoint her mother and hating that she was lying to her, Gwen couldn’t find the words to tell her the truth. But she must—soon. Perhaps after she attracted another suitor or two. Hopefully, that would happen tonight.
Unless people were paying more attention to the way Eberforce spoke of her rather than the manner in which Somerton was nearly courting her. If that happened, Gwen’s Season might truly be finished, regardless of what the viscount tried.
She thought back to their meeting that afternoon. Working with him had been more satisfying than she’d expected—and she’d anticipated it would be most exhilarating. It was beyond that, however. Somerton had revealed himself to her in ways he likely hadn’t with anyone else, and she honored that very much. She was desperately eager to do all she could for him.
As soon as she’d arrived home, she’d read his speech. It was wonderful, and she could hear his baritone strongly delivering it over the House of Lords. The original copy was folded and tucked into the rather small pocket of her gown so she could return it when she saw him.
As the coach approached the entrance to the Oxleys’ home, Gwen looked over at her mother. “Mama, I do hope you aren’t counting on a betrothal from the viscount. We have not at all decided if we will suit.”
“I understand, my dear. You must be sure, particularly with a man like Somerton.” She’d cautioned Gwen about his reputation—that he hadn’t yet been serious about marriage and was a terrible flirt—but had still maintained her enthusiasm for his interest in Gwen. “I confess I wonder if he would be the right husband for you, but his attention is certainly most welcome at this particular stage of your Season.”
It did seem her mother wouldn’t at all mind that Somerton was merely helping her, that his interest wasn’t romantic. Relieved, Gwen opened her mouth to tell her mother the truth, but then the door opened, and a footman helped them down from the coach. The evening was chilly but dry. Gooseflesh rose on Gwen’s skin as they hurried into the entrance hall.
A short time later, Gwen and her mother entered the ballroom. The fragrances of dozens of kinds of flowers filled the air, and the light of hundreds of candles made everyone sparkle. Couples were just moving onto the dance floor as the orchestra, situated in an alcove overlooking the ballroom, struck up a melody.
Though it wasn’t Gwen’s first ball, she was still awestruck by the spectacle. Perhaps she always would be. The idea that she might have to execute such an event as a hostess someday was incredibly daunting. Not just because she didn’t know where to begin, but because she honestly wondered if she would find it boring.
She hadn’t inherited her mother’s taste for fashion or her ease with planning dinners and soirees. Her mother hadn’t ever hosted a ball, but Gwen felt certain she could. However, she was also just as certain that her father would never agree to the expense.
Tamsin and her husband’s aunt, Sophia, Lady Droxford, approached them and exchanged greetings. As the two older women began to talk to one another, Tamsin sidled closer to Gwen.
“What does Somerton have planned for you this evening?” Tamsin asked.
“Nothing in particular,” Gwen replied. “I’m to behave with him as if he’s a suitor, meaning I shouldn’t speak about books or share too much information about myself or my family. I’ve a tendency to chatter on.”
“I love that about you, but I am not a suitor,” Tamsin said with a faint sigh. “I am so pleased Somerton is helping you. Honestly, I’d have thought he was too roguish for that.” Her features tightened briefly. “That isn’t kind of me to say since he is my cousin.”
“Heisa rogue, isn’t he?” Gwen asked, thinking of how they’d defined rogues when they’d come up with their rogue rules nearly two years earlier. “He flirts excessively, frequents gaming hells, and has even been known toentertaincertain widows on a regular basis.”
Tamsin’s eyes rounded. “I’d forgotten about the widows. But not the Rogue’s Den. Don’t forget that he is seen there regularly as well.”
