Page 97 of Doxy for the Ton
The hallway was enormous—a marble cavern, all pale floors and walls, and a chandelier ablaze with light. Mimi’s feet echoed on the stone floor as her companion led her toward a set of double doors, beyond which a small crowd milled about. Strains of music competed with excited voices.
Perhaps it was a ball—but with considerably more guests than Lady Walton’s.
“Let me introduce you to our hosts,” Alexander said, steering her toward a couple who stood beside the doors, next to a young man she recognized. “The Duke and Duchess of Westbury.”
The duke, a tall man with black hair and clear blue eyes, fixed his gaze on Mimi. He towered over the duchess, who regarded Mimi with interest.
“So this is the famous Lady Rex,” she said. Mimi glanced toward Alexander, who gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m afraid Lady Rex is not fond of compliments, Your Grace,” he said. “She is unused to them.”
“A travesty that must be rectified if my stepson’s account of you is true, Lady Rex,” the duchess said. “Is that not so, Edward?”
The young man offered his hand. Mimi took it, and he lifted her hand to his lips.
“Lady Rex,” he said, casting a glance toward her companion. “A-and Sawbridge, Your Grace.”
“Mr. Drayton, a pleasure to see you again,” Alexander said before Mimi could reply. “I fear I was most uncivil when we last we met, for which I apologize.”
The young man blushed, and the duchess gave him an indulgent smile before resuming her attention on Mimi. “Lady Rex, I hear you’re fond of Bach.”
“Bach?” Mimi said.
“Is that not why Sawbridge asked that we extend our invitation to you? Of course, your kindness toward Edward ensures you a welcome in our home at any time.”
“Jeanette, my love,” the duke said, “we mustn’t keep our guests waiting.”
The duchess rolled her eyes, though she exchanged a look of adoration with her husband. “I consider myself admonished, Henry,” she said. “Lady Rex, I trust you’ll enjoy the concert. Please—do go in.”
She gestured toward the doors, and Alexander led Mimi through them, into an enormous ballroom, paneled with mirrors along one side, filled with chairs set out in rows. At the far end, a quartet of musicians sat, tuning their instruments, beside a grand pianoforte.
“You’ve brought me to a concert?” Mimi asked.
He smiled and drew her arm through his. “The duchess opens her concerts up to everyone in Society. For a price, of course—to support her various philanthropic ventures. In fact, when she heard of your charitable efforts, she promised to pass a share of the proceeds to you. She’s particularly interested in easing the plight of disadvantaged women.”
“You shouldn’t have asked,” Mimi said.
“But if a man doesn’t ask, he’s in danger of never having his wish fulfilled.”
Desire flared in his eyes, and she turned away, casting her gaze over the crowd.
“Ah! There we are,” he said, picking through the crowd toward a pair of empty seats. Mimi’s apprehension lessened as she recognized Eleanor and her sister Lady Radham, together with Eleanor’s husband. Of Lord Radham there was no sign.
“Ah, Lady Rex,thereyou are,” Lady Radham said. “I was beginning to fear Sawbridge had frightened you off.”
Alexander stiffened at the sneer in her voice, but he steered Mimi toward the seats. “Lady Radham, Duchess—a pleasure, as always,” he said.
“Oh, I doubt that,” Lady Radham said. “I—”
“Juliette, remind us what you are to sing tonight,” Eleanor said.
Lady Radham let out a sigh. “Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude.”
“How fitting,” Mimi said, “given that Advent is almost upon us.”
Lady Radham smiled, her clear blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight. She really was the most exquisitely beautiful creature, but she lacked the vanity that generally came hand in hand with such beauty. She leaned across and took Mimi’s hand.
“How gratifying to find someone with a true appreciation of Bach,” she said. “I only trust I’ll not disappoint you with my lack of prowess. Perhaps you should play for the company tonight. Tell me—have you tried any of the pieces fromThe Well-Tempered Clavieryet?”
