Page 34 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Uncle West held out his arms and she stepped to him, assuming the position the marquess had taught her. Humming, her uncle guided her smoothly about the bedchamber. He was an accomplished dancer but she thought Lord Kingston moved more gracefully.

Coming to a halt, he released her and gruffly said, “Kingston did an adequate job. We will practice tomorrow morning after breakfast in our ballroom.”

“That would be wonderful,” she agreed. “The more I can practice, the better I will be at the steps.”

He smiled at her. “A good waltzer is always in demand. We’ll find you a husband for certain, Minta. We should get downstairs, though. Your aunt will be waiting.”

After the short carriage ride to the Danbury townhouse, they entered, the butler greeting them by name and leading them upstairs to the drawing room. She spied Lady Danbury, along with the Duke and Duchess of Camden. The others apparently had yet to arrive.

“Lord and Lady Westlake, how good of you to come this evening,” Lady Danbury said. “And Miss Nicholls, always a delight to see you again.”

They exchanged pleasantries as Lord and Lady Middlefield entered the room, accompanied by Lord Kingston. Minta took several deep, slow breaths, hoping her pounding heart wouldn’t run away and cause her to faint.

The marquess looked so handsome tonight in his dark, formal clothes, which were impeccably tailored. His shoulders looked even broader than usual.

More greetings were exchanged and she saw he made a point of looking her aunt and uncle in the eyes and making a few remarks instead of tersely saying hello and turning away. It touched her at the effort he made.

Then he looked to her and her heart caught in her throat.

“Miss Nicholls,” he said, his voice deep as he claimed her hand and kissed her fingers. Even with both of their hands gloved, she felt the scorching heat and swallowed.

“Lord Kingston,” she said, her voice quivering just a bit.

He held her hand a moment longer than he should have and then released it as a newcomer joined them. Minta caught the slight frown before the marquess composed his features.

“Ah, Lord Boxling,” Lady Danbury said. “I am so happy you could join us for dinner.”

“I know I am no substitute for Danbury,” he said affably. “I hear your husband is off in the country helping his friend.”

“Yes, the Duke of Woodmont,” Lady Danbury confirmed. “He recently came into his title and my husband is spending a week in Essex with him at Woodbridge, the ducal country seat.”

“Then I will take my turn,” His Grace said. “Middlefield will finish up. We are each spending a week with our old friend, helping him find his way through the mountain of responsibilities.”

“I think you know everyone present except for Miss Nicholls,” the countess continued, glancing at Minta. “Viscount Boxling, may I introduce Miss Araminta Nicholls, niece to Lord and Lady Westlake.”

The viscount turned his gaze on her. He was six feet, with dark hair and eyes, and one of the most handsome men Minta had ever seen.

Taking her hand, he held it a moment as he gazed at her, then kissed her fingers. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Nicholls. I do hope you are in town to attend the upcoming Season.”

“I am,” she said breathlessly, taken aback by his good looks.

“Boxling and I knew each other from university,” the duke said. “He is one of the smartest individuals I have encountered—and that includes Wellington.”

“Is anyone as clever as Wellington?” the viscount asked.

Minta saw Lord Kingston frown slightly and wondered why he didn’t seem to like Lord Boxling.

Two footmen came around with trays of drinks and she took one, sipping on it, glad to have something to do with her hands. They talked as a large group for the next few minutes until the butler announced dinner.

“Cook has promised us a surprise,” Lady Danbury said. “Shall we go in?”

The married couples paired up quickly, leaving her and Lady Danbury to be escorted by the two single gentlemen.

Lord Kingston said, “Might I escort you in to dinner, Miss Nicholls?” and offered her his arm, leaving Lord Boxling to do the same with Lady Danbury.

Minta took it and they were the last to leave the drawing room.

“Why don’t you like Lord Boxling?” she asked quietly.

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