Page 47 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

“No. You must not go to him. He must come to you,” she whispered. Then her aunt smiled brightly. “We will leave you with your friends, my dear. I know they will take good care of you and introduce you around to those of your own age.”

As her aunt and uncle moved away to join their friends, Minta’s heart beat rapidly as Lord Kingston approached her. Then from the corners of her eyes, she saw Lord Boxling also making his way in her direction and suppressed a smile. The pair arrived at the same time.

Lord Boxling spoke first. “It is a pleasure to see you here tonight, Lady Danbury.” He kissed Louisa’s hand. Turning to Minta, he did the same.

She smiled at him, wanting Lord Kingston to also speak up and greet her. Glancing in his direction, she saw him looking tongue-tied.

Then he seemed to swallow his fears and he greeted both her and Louisa.

A footman arrived and offered her a dance card. She accepted it and, immediately, Lord Kingston said, “Miss Nicholls, you have promised me a waltz. Might I sign your programme?”

She handed it to him and said, “Our host informed us two waltzes will be played at tonight’s ball. One for supper and one to close out the ball.”

Minta watched as he scribbled his name and returned the programme to her. She noted he had signed for the supper dance. She tamped down her disappointment of him not claiming both waltzes and smiled at him, knowing that being his supper partner meant they would dine together, giving her additional time with him.

Lord Boxling said, “Since Lord Kingston only claimed one waltz, Miss Nicholls, I would be pleased to take the other.”

She gave him her programme and he scrawled his name on the last slot. As he returned it to her, the viscount winked. She hoped no one had witnessed that as she bit back a smile.

By now, Adalyn and her duke had joined their circle and her friend said, “Come along, Kingston. I have several ladies I wish to introduce you to before the dancing begins.”

Lord Kingston nodded to Minta and said, “Until later, Miss Nicholls,” and left with the duke and duchess.

Lord Boxling said, “I have several friends who are eager to meet you, Miss Nicholls. May I bring them to you?” He looked to Louisa for approval and she nodded.

Tessa told Minta, “The viscount is one of the most handsome, eligible bachelors in Polite Society. He has a pleasing manner, as do his friends.”

“To dance the final number with him will certainly bring attention to the two of you,” Louisa added. “Dancing the last dance of the evening with Lord Boxling will certainly let other gentlemen know that he is most interested in you. I only hope it does not discourage any particular gentlemen.”

Minta knew Louisa referred to Percy.

Once the viscount left, others made their way toward her and Tessa and Louisa introduced her to a good number of gentlemen.

Lord Boxling reappeared with three men in tow and made the introductions, each friend of his also signing her dance card. By now, it was filled and Minta relaxed, relieved she would not be a wallflower.

Minutes later, Lord and Lady Blakeney opened the ball and she joined her first partner, a Lord Markham. Fortunately, she had a knack for recalling names, as her father did, and the one time she did not remember an upcoming partner’s name, she merely glanced at the programme to confirm his identity.

Once, as she danced a reel, Lord Kingston and his partner were a part of their set of four. The marquess was light on his feet and seemed to be enjoying the dance, unlike when she had caught sight of him earlier as Adalyn ushered him about the ballroom, making introductions. At least he enjoyed dancing.

The supper dance arrived and she watched as he confidently strode her way.

He arrived and said, “I see we have an orchestra this time to play for us as we waltz, Miss Nicholls.”

He led her onto the dance floor and they assumed their positions as the musicians struck up the first note. The instant his hands touched her, joy filled her. He stepped close, closer than he had during their dance lesson, so close that her breasts grazed the front of his waistcoat, causing her nipples to stand out. She licked her lips and his eyes dropped to her mouth, making her mouth grow dry as he began guiding her about the ballroom.

Dancing with the marquess was like floating through the clouds. Although she had become quite familiar with the steps of the waltz, thanks to the additional practice with Uncle West, Minta simply gave herself over to the music and his guidance as he twirled her about the ballroom floor. She wished the dance could have gone on forever but the final strains sounded and then the music ceased.

Lord Kingston released her and took her hand, tucking it possessively into the crook of his arm.

“Shall we go in to supper?”

She nodded and they made their way along with the masses to the supper room. She might have known the Second Sons would take care of their friend because he led them directly to a large table where they were taking their seats.

Lord Kingston seated her and asked what she might like from the buffet.

“Since I have never gone through a midnight buffet before, you may surprise me,” she said playfully.

He smiled at her and left with his fellow Second Sons. Immediately, Adalyn turned to her and said, “You looked divine dancing that waltz, Minta. I think every bachelor’s eye was upon you during the dance.”

She felt the blush warm her cheeks. “It was all Lord Kingston,” she told her friends. “He is a marvelous dancer and partnering with him made me appear to be better than I am.”

“Are you enjoying your first ball?” Tessa asked.

“I am. But I have never danced so much in my life,” she declared. “I will be quite worn out by the time this ball ends and will probably fall asleep as I tumble into bed.”

Louisa laughed. “I always find that I am exhausted after a ball myself. I noticed you will close the evening by dancing with Lord Boxling.”

“Yes, he claimed the final dance of the night. I have not seen him since he came for tea and we took a drive in his curricle a couple of weeks ago. It was thoughtful of him to ask to dance with me this evening.”

Minta recalled the wink the viscount had given her and wondered if Lord Kingston would be jealous of Lord Boxling ending the evening with her.

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