“Lord Vincent Griffin. He’s a wealthy gentleman, and one can’t simply ignore him. I had to invite him, but I never thought he’d accept.”
“Why not?”
“Well, we have some card tables, but none of us will be playing high enough for his taste, I warrant. Oh, goodness, he’s coming over.”
Indeed he was. There was no point in pretending they hadn’t seen him. Lucy clearly disapproved of Lord Vincent, but Lucycouldbe a little judgemental at times. Everybody had their faults. Lord Vincent no doubt hadhisfaults, but Felicity couldn’t see one in his face.
“Lady Lucy Langley,” he said smoothly. “Do introduce me to your friend.”
“Lord Vincent Griffin, this is Miss Felicity Thornhill,” Lucy intoned.
Bows and pleasantries were exchanged. The conversation moved smoothly on from there – Lord Vincent had plenty to say, and Felicity had to admit that she did not feel lectured at, at the very least.
“I believe that the dancing is starting soon,” he said, after a few moments. “Lady Lucy, I do hope you’ll reserve me at least one set, but I assumed that you would be standing up with our dear Lord Lanwood for the first dance? Of course, I know Arthur of old, and he isnotfond of dancing. I would not put it past him to dance with his mother, if he must dance at all.”
Felicity longed to laugh at this, but Lucy’s face was stony and disapproving, so she pressed her gloved fingers over her lips instead. Lord Vincent’s bright blue eyes glanced her way, just for a half-second, and his mouth twitched as if he sensed her amusement.
“Lord Lanwood and I are indeed dancing together for the first set,” Lucy responded smoothly. “Do excuse me, Felicity.”
Without another word, she glided away into the crowd, leaving Felicity behind. It would be undignified to scramble after her friend, so Felicity stayed where she was.
Besides, Lord Vincent seemed like the most entertaining man in the ballroom. A number of very pretty ladies had walked past them, shooting envious glances her way.
“Oh, dear,” he remarked with a grin. “I have offended your friend. I am sorry, but Arthur issucha rigid and conservative individual.”
“I barely know him, I must confess.”
“Really? You’re staying in his house.”
Felicity hesitated. Lord Lanwood was notlikeable, exactly, but it didn’t seem fair to tell this near stranger just how neglectful he’d been of his guests.
“Well, you know how busy a brand-new earl must be,” she said lightly. “I daresay we’ll get to know him more in the future.”
“Hm,” Lord Vincent said, with a half-smile. “I wonder, Miss Thornhill, if you would do me the honour of standing up with me for the first dance?”
A warm flutter passed through Felicity’s chest. It always feltgoodto be asked to dance, especially by such a handsome, pleasant gentleman. In a room of beauties and heiresses, he’d chosenherto talk to.
“Of course,” she said, a little more breathlessly than she’d intended. “I’d be honoured.”
“Excellent. May I write my name in your dance card, then shall we get some punch before the first dance?”
She nodded, and he bent over her hand, writing his name on the card. She could smell a strong scent of cologne and hair pomade coming from him. He straightened up, still smiling, and offered her his arm. Felicity took it, hoping against hope that her mother could see her. It wouldn’t sound nearly so impressive when she told the story later.
The refreshment table was, naturally, crowded. The musicians were in place, tuning up their instruments, and many young people had already divided into pairs, eager to dance.
Lord Vincent procured the two glasses of punch and found a quiet corner for the two of them to stand. She spotted Lord Lanwood at last, standing grimly at the side of the ballroom, staring at the musicians as if facing down a firing squad. Lucy stood beside him, one hand resting on his arm as if for comfort.
“It’s generally thought that Lord Lanwood will marry Lady Lucy,” Lord Vincent commented. “It’s not as if he needs an heiress, and it would tie up the loose ends nicely.”
Felicity glanced up at him. “I shouldn’t think so. They’re fond of each other, but I believe it’s more of a brother-and-sister relationship.”
“That means nothing, Miss Thornhill, let me tell you. If Lady Lucy marries, poor Arthur will have a large portion to shell out. Ifhemarries her, the money can be kept. It’s just good sense.”
Felicity bit her lip. “I don’t think Lucy would like that.”
Perhaps something in her tone indicated that she was not enjoying this subject, and Lord Vincent smoothly changed the subject.
“Do you see that Miss Elliot is here tonight? Do you know her?”
