After a light supper, Seaford helped Jon dress for the dance. “There you go, my lord.”
Hartley’s nerves were on edge, and he didn’t particularly want Seaford to know it. He went down the stairs to his study, wherehe poured himself a brandy. He needed something to fortify himself for the coming evening. He gulped down the brandy before he headed to the stables.
The ride into Bath didn’t take too long. There was a queue of carriages for the Assembly Room, and Hartley waited until he could turn over Zeus’s reins to a groom. “I don’t plan on staying long. Keep my horse available.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Hartley nodded and joined the queue of guests walking into the Assembly Room.
His presence once again caused a stir, and the room hushed as everyone watched him walk by. For some of the residents of Bath, this was the first time they’d seen the enigmatic lord—the one they called the Beast of Bath. Hartley usually kept his hair loose to hide the scarred side of his face, but tonight, he’d tied it back in a queue with a piece of black leather. He was done hiding.
He looked around the large room, knowing Lady Harriet would be attending tonight. He just needed to find her table. It didn’t take long to spot her and he made his way to their table. “Good evening, Lady Dalling, Lady Collin, Lady Harriet,” he said with a bow.
Harriet stood and curtseyed. “Good evening, Lord Hartley,” she said with a brilliant smile that made his heart thump in anticipation of holding her in his arms again.
“Please do join us, Lord Hartley,” Lady Dalling said, indicating the chair to her left. “We’re expecting Lord Spenser, Miss Weston, and Mrs. Kennedy as well, so it will be a lively table this evening.”
Hartley wanted to groan but merely nodded and took the seat next to Lady Harriet. “My lady, would you honor me with the first waltz?” he asked.
“Of course, my lord. I’d be delighted.”
“Hartley! I had no idea you were joining us tonight,” George said, approaching the table with two ladies in tow.
“Last-minute decision,” he replied.
“Hartley, may I introduce you to Miss Weston and her aunt, Mrs. Kennedy? Ladies, the Earl of Hartley.”
“Good evening, my lord,” Miss Weston said with a curtsey.
“Lord Hartley, please forgive me for not curtseying. Old knees, I’m afraid,” Mrs. Kennedy said, taking a seat.
Hartley nodded at the newly arrived guests. This was more people than he’d anticipated, and he was anxious for the dancing to begin so he could concentrate on Lady Harriet. As if the gods were shining down on him at that moment, the first strains of the waltz could be heard.
“Lady Harriet, I believe this is my dance,” he said, standing and holding out his hand.
“It is indeed,” she said, grasping his hand.
She looked exquisite this evening in a light-pink gown with a darker pink sash under her bustline. Pearls and a pink ribbon wound through her intricate hairstyle, and all he wanted to do was undo the pins and run his fingers through her luxurious locks. He led her onto the dance floor, and for the moment, they were alone. “You look stunning this evening, my lady.”
Harriet looked at him with those beautiful blue-gray eyes. “Thank you. You look pretty magnificent yourself.”
“Ah, so that’s why everyone’s staring at me,” he said with a chuckle.
Harriet nodded. “Absolutely, and don’t you forget it.”
Soon more and more dancers joined in.
Hartley couldn’t tear his eyes away from her as he twirled her around the dance floor. He wanted to kiss every inch of her lovely skin. “I long to kiss you again, my dear,” he whispered in her ear.
Harriet missed a step, but he held her tight. “My lord, you cannot say such things to me in front of everyone,” she whispered.
“Are you saying you don’t want my kisses?” he asked, surprised to see other couples on the dance floor. He hadn’t noticed anyone except the beautiful lady in his arms.
“You know I do.”
Her response pleased him immensely. When the dance ended, he was loath to release her, but he held out his arm and said, “Lady Harriet, would you care for a walk around the room?”
She placed her hand on his sleeve. “Yes. That would be lovely.”
