Page 18 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Chapter Six

As they leftthe carriage, Laurel saw Rachel and Evan waiting for them. She was glad to have more of her family by her side as she embarked upon her first ball. Caroline and Luke had decided not to attend any events this Season, retreating to Fairhaven to await the birth of their first child in two months. Laurel would miss chatting with Caroline because she enjoyed her fiery spirit. Luke blamed his wife’s independence on the three years she’d spent in America, claiming its citizens had rubbed off on her. He did so with a fond look in his eye, though, and Laurel knew her new brother appreciated his wife because of her experiences there.

“Are you ready for the ball?” Rachel asked, slipping her arm through Laurel’s. “I love the pearls.”

“They were a gift from Jeremy and Catherine.”

“That was thoughtful of them. Evan and I should have done something for you, as well.”

“You have done more than enough, Rachel. You’ve introduced me to family friends. Lord and Lady Morefield. Lord Merrifield. At least I’m going into tonight knowing others. I also met a young woman at Madame Toufour’s shop last week when I went for my final fittings, a Lady Hannah. She’s also making her come-out this Season. She has never been to London and had never even met her half-brother since he was in the army the last decade. He is now her guardian. She is a bundle of nerves, worried about meeting people and remembering names.”

“You like her?” Rachel asked as they entered the Rutherfords’ townhouse.

“Very much.”

“I had Leah to share my come-out year. It’s good you’ll have Lady Hannah. I’ll make sure she is invited to our upcoming musicale.”

“That is kind of you. Catherine has already sent an invitation for the ball she and Jeremy are hosting tomorrow night.”

“Be sure to introduce me to her and this half-brother tonight,” her sister said.

The rest in their party caught up to them and they joined the receiving line. Laurel tried not to seem wide-eyed as she took in the magnificent gowns other women wore and the elegance of their surroundings.

They reached their hosts and Lord and Lady Rutherford welcomed them. She moved along the line, where Rachel had already pointed out the Rutherfords’ two grown children also stood.

“This is Lord and Lady Stanley,” Rachel said. “My sister, Lady Laurel.”

Lady Stanley gave her a warm smile. “I am delighted to meet you, Lady Laurel. My brother and I have been friends with the St. Clair family since we were children. I do hope to get to know you better. Would you be available to come to tea tomorrow?”

“I could escort you to my sister’s home,” said the handsome man to her right.

“Oh, this is Viscount Aubrey, my brother,” Lady Stanley said.

Laurel took in the tall, quite nice-looking gentleman. “That would be lovely, my lord. However, I will require a chaperone.”

His brows arched. “Oh, so you’ve heard I’m a rogue?” he teased.

“Admitting to a new female acquaintance that you are a rogue might not be the best way to start a friendship,” Laurel told him.

He smiled. “So, we’re to have a friendship? Of course, Amanda and I are already friends with your St. Clair siblings. I am glad we also will become friends with you.” He paused. “Might you save the first dance for me?”

She nodded. “If you’d like. That’s very kind of you, my lord.”

“Come along,” Rachel said, tugging on her arm. “Else Aubrey won’t have time to flirt with the rest of the pretty girls coming through the line.”

The viscount laughed heartily as they moved away.

Her family stood together in the ballroom and Laurel noted while others circulated, greeting old friends, everyone went out of their way to come to the Evertons. Jeremy had warned her that while there would inevitably be some gossip about her birth, she was a St. Clair and should ignore people who disparaged her. He’d also told her he’d make sure her dance card was filled with friends of his and other suitable gentlemen. As he promised, her programme began filling quickly, though she made sure to note Lord Aubrey as her first partner.

Then she saw Lady Hannah and her aunt and waved to them. The pair made their way over and Catherine greeted them, having previous made their acquaintance at the modiste’s shop the previous week.

“Thank you for the invitation to your ball, Your Grace,” Lady Constance said. “With my nephew only recently returned from war and myself having spent my entire life in the country, we haven’t had many invitations come in.”

“That will change,” Catherine assured the older woman. “My sister and Lady Hannah seem to have already become fast friends. It will be good for them to attend events together and have one another’s support.”

“Yes,” Rachel said. “Merrick and I will be hosting a musicale next week and you’re certainly expected to attend it. Lady Alford, my closest friend, is known for her garden parties. You’ll come to that, of course.”

Lady Constance smiled. “I appreciate that and believe with invitations from St. Clairs coming our way, it will be only natural for more to pour in.”

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