Page 19 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

As the others talked, Laurel turned to her new friend. “Are you as nervous as I am?”

“Probably more so,” Lady Hannah admitted. “At least you have a large family supporting you.”

Laurel hadn’t told the young woman she’d only known about—and lived with—this family for six weeks. She supposed Lady Hannah would hear the gossip and make up her own mind whether she wanted their friendship to continue or put it by the wayside.

Several men approached them, signing their dance cards, and Lady Hannah asked, “Who is your first dance partner? My half-brother will be mine. Thank goodness we’ve practiced dancing together. I won’t feel so odd attempting to do so since I know him.”

“Lord Aubrey asked me for the first dance,” she replied.

“Oh, here’s Anthony. You must meet him.”

Laurel turned and saw a man striding in their direction. For a moment, she thought a golden god had come to life. His hair seemed kissed by the afternoon sun. He was as tall as her new brothers, with broad shoulders that nicely filled out his dark coat. His chiseled cheekbones seemed able to cut glass and his strong jaw marked him as a man who would tolerate no nonsense. But what caught her breath were his crystal-blue eyes.

“Godwin!” called Jeremy. “It’s good to see you.”

The two men shook hands and Jeremy said, “Godwin and I were at school together. He was a few years behind me. I’ve followed your career under Wellington. Well done. I hear you’re the new Duke of Linfield. I’m Everton now.” He paused. “Let me introduce you to my family.”

Jeremy made the introductions, ending with Laurel. She curtseyed to the duke and he took her hand. For a moment, she forgot to breathe as those intense blue eyes took her in.

“Your Grace,” she managed.

“It is a pleasure, Lady Laurel. Hannah mentioned meeting you at the dressmaker’s.”

He finally released her hand and Laurel told herself to breathe. “Yes, we met at Madame Toufour’s shop. My sister-in-law, Her Grace, said Madame is the best in all of London.”

“I am dancing with my sister this first time but might you care to do so with me?” he asked.

Laurel had one opening left on her card. The supper dance. Rachel and Leah had told her to save it for someone special. Without a doubt, the duke was the man who’d most impressed her this evening.

She offered him her programme and he signed his name to the final spot. The musicians began tuning their instruments and a hush went over the crowd as they anticipated the start of the first ball.

Suddenly, Lord Aubrey appeared at her elbow. He bowed. “Are you ready to help open a new Season, Lady Laurel?”

She wasn’t quite sure what he meant but accepted his proffered arm. She fought the urge to turn back and look at Linfield, knowing she needed to concentrate on her first partner. When she saw only the Rutherford family take the floor, she looked around, baffled.

“Why aren’t any others coming out?” she whispered, seeing a sea of faces watching but no one following them, only Lord and Lady Rutherford and Lord and Lady Stanley on the dance floor.

“We have a tradition of only Rutherfords dancing the first measures of the opening song which is played. Have no fear, Lady Laurel. Others will join us soon. After all, it is a ball. Dancing is expected.”

Panic filled her. “No one else is out here but us?”

Aubrey grinned. “Exactly.”

With that, the music began and he swept her into his arms before she could protest. Or faint. Thank goodness Catherine had insisted she have a dance master. Laurel had practiced many hours, learning all kinds of dances and taking to them with ease. Her brothers, Hudson included, had been drawn into partnering with her through hours of endless practice, though Hudson had protested, saying he needed to concentrate on his studies. Jeremy had told Hudson even the best, most serious scholars took time for a little fun every now and then. Her twin had obviously not agreed but had been smart enough to keep his mouth closed, knowing it was through Jeremy’s influence that Hudson even had a chance at university and a much different life from the one he’d left behind.

As they moved to the rhythm of the beat, Laurel relaxed.

“You enjoy dancing,” Lord Aubrey observed.

“I do,” she admitted. “I haven’t done it for very long, though. I’m sure you’ve danced with women much more accomplished.”

“I beg to differ. You’re marvelous at it,” he complimented. “I believe you’re talented at a good many things, my lady.”

She didn’t know how to respond and murmured a thank you to his compliment. Catherine had told her gentlemen would flatter her and the best response was a simple one.

The music continued and other couples began flooding the dance floor. When the music ended, the viscount squeezed her hand and led her back to where Jeremy and Catherine had been standing before he claimed her. The couple joined them, Catherine’s eyes shining at her husband.

“Thank you for the dance, Lady Laurel,” Lord Aubrey said. He turned to Catherine. “My sister has invited Lady Laurel to tea tomorrow. Would you and Everton care to act as chaperones for us?”

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