She immediately regretted saying that. It wasn’t a kind thing to say about one’s mother – even if it was true – and the duke blinked, as if surprised.
The music began, and Lavinia hurriedly grabbed at the duke’s shoulder, taking his hand in hers. His free hand landed tentatively on her waist, as the dance required, and she could feel the warmth of his palm seeping through her gown.
Best not to think about it.
“You seem concerned for your sister’s health,” the duke said, after a moment of dancing. It was not a vigorous dance, and they both had plenty of breath and opportunity to talk. Lavinia concentrated on staring at his shimmering cravat pin, instead of craning her head back to look at his face. “Perhaps she should dance a little less.”
“Perhaps you should suggest that to our mother, then. She doesn’t listen tome.”
Another improper and deeply unladylike speech. Lavinia flushed, glancing up at the duke’s face to see if he were shocked.
He was only smiling wryly, however.
“You speak your mind, Miss Brookford. I admire that. It’s not a quality I possess myself, but I admire it in others.”
“I don’t admire it in myself. If I were to receive a penny for every instance my tongue has led me into indiscretion, I should be in possession of a considerable fortune at this very moment.”
He chuckled at that, and Lavinia shot an amazed glance upwards, to double check that he was, indeed,laughing.
“Goodness, your Grace, did I just hear you laugh? And here I thought you were carved from stone.”
He laughed again, shaking his head.
“Miss Brookford, you remind me of my youngest brother.”
“Lord Alexander Willenshire? I shall take that as a compliment.”
“Itisa compliment.”
They whirled round the dance floor, picking up speed. This dance, Lavinia guessed, was going to be short. Dinner had come and gone, but there was to be a small supper spread in the supper room soon enough. It seemed that the Willenshires intended to keep London hours, with an additional meal conducted after midnight and followed by more dancing. After all, when one could sleep until midday and beyond the following day, why not stay up late?
She was aware of glances thrown her way. Most of the looks were not pleased. It occurred to Lavinia, just a little too late, that she was dancing with the most eligible man in Londonorin Bath at this moment, and she herself was a penniless spinster.
What was more, she had made himlaugh.
He’s not going to talk about our unfortunate meeting earlier in the Season,Lavinia realised in a rush. The relief was immense.He is being a gentleman and pretending it did not happen.
Or perhaps he’s simply forgotten, and I am not as memorable as I would have liked.
That last thought was not particularly pleasant, and she dismissed it at once.
The music ended with a flourish, and the two of them pulled apart.
She found that she missed the warmth of the duke’s hand on her waist. Nowthatwas a disorienting thought.
The duke’s gaze flitted around the room, dwelling on one corner in particular. Lavinia had a feeling that if she looked over, she would see the Bainbridges there.
“May I escort you to the dining room should you wish for a repast? I fear you may be fatigued after such a long and eventful evening,” the duke said, in a rush.
The simple answer was no. Lavinia did not like beingescortedanywhere. She was a grown woman with perfectly good legs, and certainly did not require support to reach the dining room, of all places.
But, of course, the duke wouldhaveto escortsomebodyin, and he suddenly seemed keen to escort her. As opposed to any number of the eager, grasping young ladies who would make something of the invitation.
“Why, yes,” she said, as if there was any other reply. “Thank you, your Grace.”
Dozens of gazes fixed on Lavinia’s face. The Dowager led the way, of course, on the arm of her youngest and favourite child, Lord Alexander. The duke came next, with his siblings trailing behind him with their respective spouses, and then the rest of the party.
Lavinia was well aware that at least half of the ladies there – and even more of their mammas, she guessed – had coveted her place. With the duke escorting her into the dining room, she would be able to sit beside him and have the opportunity to converse. She wondered whether her mother would ever forgive her for snatching the opportunity from Gillian.
