Page 55 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Catherine laughed. “Oh, Duke, I do like this girl.”

“Will Amanda even be here?” Rachel asked. “She only gave birth last week.”

“Amanda loves to dance,” Luke said. “She would have to be on her deathbed to miss the opening event of the Season.”

With that, Merrifield led her away from the boisterous St. Clairs. They walked the length of the ballroom, taking in the decorations, as he asked questions about her new businesses. By the time they started back, she saw the first guests arriving, noting that Leah and Alex had also joined the receiving line. A footman handed her a card and her escort immediately took it from her.

As he wrote his name beside the second dance, he said, “I’ve been told I may only have one dance with you tonight. Rachel insisted you meet as many people as possible.” Then he began writing again.

“Whose name are you writing in then?” she asked.

He chuckled. “I had my instructions. You’re to dance the supper dance with Luke and sit with him and his family at supper.”

“I see.” She hoped she didn’t betray her excitement at that news.

He wrote another name. “That’s Everton’s dance. You should be honored. He never partners with anyone other than his duchess.”

After that, Caroline met so many people that she knew she would never remember all of their names. Her dance card filled quickly with names of gentlemen that Merrifield introduced her to.

“You must be Lady Caroline,” a woman said and moved close to her. “Luke told me Merrifield would be introducing you around. I’m Lady Stanley but you must call me Amanda.”

Caroline noted not only the woman’s friendliness but her great beauty.

“I’m pleased to meet you. All the St. Clairs speak of you fondly.”

“My brother, Marcus, and I have been friends with them for years. I hear from Leah that you’re about to open a bookstore in Mayfair. Where is it?”

Caroline told her the location and then said, “I’m having a small preview tomorrow at three, followed by tea. Would you and Lord Stanley like to attend?”

Amanda beamed. “That would be lovely. I look forward to it.” She paused. “Oh, it looks as if Jeremy and Catherine are ready to open the ball.”

She glanced at her dance card and saw her first dance hadn’t been claimed. Then she realized no one would be dancing but the Duke and Duchess of Everton. They went to the center of the ballroom and the orchestra struck up a tune.

“Jeremy likes to dance with Catherine alone. He’s a great romantic at heart,” Amanda said. “They are the perfect couple.”

She had to agree. Catherine’s rich, auburn tresses and lilac gown were a nice contrast to Jeremy’s dark looks and evening wear. The pair moved with ease, never taking their eyes from one another as they swept around the ballroom. It was obvious this was a couple deeply in love. A tug of longing pulled at her, wishing it were her and Luke out there and that he gazed at her with such affection.

That was impossible, though. Her mind had accepted that a romance with Luke St. Clair would be impossible. It was taking her heart longer to realize that, though.

The dance ended and Merrifield appeared. “Ready for our dance, Lady Caroline?”

“Lead the way,” she said bravely, though her insides wobbled like jelly.

Luckily, it didn’t matter. Her partner was a superb dancer, moving her about the floor with ease. She found herself relaxing and even enjoying the dance.

It ended and she said, “Thank you, Lord Merrifield. That was my first dance at a ball. My first time at anytonevent.”

“Truly? I would never have guessed. You are very graceful. Why haven’t you danced before?”

As he returned her to Rachel and Leah, who awaited her with smiles, she told him she’d been stuck in Boston as the war raged and had only returned to England with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

“I hope you will enjoy this Season, Lady Caroline. I look forward to seeing Evie’s tomorrow—and dancing with you again.” Merrifield bowed and left her with her friends.

She danced numerous times after that, knowing in the back of her mind that Luke would claim her for the supper dance. When he arrived at her side, her heart began beating wildly, like a small butterfly trapped in someone’s hands.

“I believe this is our dance. At least it is if Merrifield wrote my name beside the right spot,” he teased.

“Thank you for dancing with me,” she said as he took her to the center of the floor.

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