Page 63 of Enticing the Devil

Chapter Twenty-three

The ballroom was beautifully decorated in swaths of snowy-white tulle and ivy garland. The parquet floor had been polished to a reflective gleam and the two chandeliers overhead cast the space in a golden glow. With the night so warm, the balcony doors lining one whole wall had been thrown open to the fresh air, allowing a cooling breeze to drift about the room. In addition to the Hartes’ houseguests, invitations had been extended to surrounding neighbors and already the large room was becoming quite crowded.

Anne was very careful to conceal the anxiety riding high within her as she began to stroll the perimeter of the ballroom. Her previous years in society had taught her how to make her way through crowds without appearing lost or out of place, no matter how intensely she might feel exactly that.

She expected there to be some curiosity about her swift departure after completing the reading last night. And she couldn’t imagine anyone missed the fact that Mr. Thomas had followed so quickly after her.

In all truth, she couldn’t bring herself to care what people thought of the incident. But she really didn’t want to have to endure any curious gossipmongers hoping to question her about it under the guise of concern.

She made it about a quarter of the way around the room when she spotted Miss Claybourne standing in a small alcove off the corner of the dance floor. Lady Wright was at her side and it appeared the two were engaged in a mild argument. When Miss Claybourne caught Anne’s eye, she quickly gestured for her to come over.

Lady Wright looked up as Anne approached and released a visible sigh. “Ah, Lady Anne, you’re looking verra lovely this evening.”

Anne smiled. “Thank you, my lady. As are you.”

It was true. Lady Wright’s deep emerald gown was stunning against her auburn hair. Anne could only wish she had the courage to wear such a bold color.

The Scotswoman gave her a slightly pleading look. “I wonder if you’d do me the favor of staying with Caillie while I step away for a moment. I cannae leave her alone or the crafty lass might sneak off to sample the ratafia,” she added beneath her breath.

“What’s that, Worthy?” the girl asked, all innocence.

“Nothing, lassie.”

“Of course,” Anne replied readily. “I’d be happy to remain with Miss Claybourne until your return.”

“Thank you, Lady Anne. You’re an angel.”

As Lady Wright disappeared amongst the guests, Anne turned to the girl. “Is it everything you imagined?” she asked with a smile.

“Verra much so,” Miss Claybourne breathed. “I cannae wait until I’m old enough to dance at my first ball.”

Anne suppressed a jaded sigh. “I’m sure your debut will be everything you hope it to be.”

But instead of agreeing, the girl gave a shrug. “I ken there’ll be some who’ll reject me out of hand for my illegitimacy.”

Remorse swept through Anne. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten that. Her comment was terribly insensitive.

But before she could utter an apology for her thoughtlessness, Miss Claybourne flashed a grin. “Of course, there’s always Roderick’s club. I’ve heard he hosts some of the best parties in town. If I cannae dance with the ton, I’ll simply secure one of his invitations.”

As Anne struggled to form a proper reply to the brazen suggestion, the girl lifted a gloved hand to her mouth to smother her laughter.

“Oh, Lady Anne, if you could see your own face just now.” She reached forward to pat Anne’s arm in a reassuring gesture. “I ken how scandalous such a thing would be.”

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