The baron walked up to them, greeting Lady Evans first before grabbing and bowing over Lydia’s hand. “Miss Weston.”
“Baron Oakley,” she said with little emotion, pulling her hand back.
“My dear, I assume you’re free for this waltz, like always.” He leaned toward her, ogling her ample bosom, and whispered, “I don’t mind the stink of trade on you.”
Lydia gasped. “My lord!”
Helena hadn’t heard the baron’s insulting comment, and from the baron’s smirk, Lydia knew he’d insulted her on purpose, believing he’d soon have her hand in marriage. Her father must have told Oakley he’d make a final decision on his suit by June. She had to find an alternate suitor before then, and the best way of attracting one was to dance and be seen. But etiquette required that she sit out the rest of the night if she turned down any offer to dance, and she didn’t want to be a wallflower.
The baron held out his hand, waiting for her to take it.
“There you are, Miss Weston. I believe you promised this dance to me,” said a deep baritone voice.
Lydia knew that voice, and it sent delightful shivers down her spine. She turned to look into the intense green eyes of Lord Hutchinson and smiled, her heart swelling with an impossible love at the sight of him. He looked so handsome in his evening kit, although she noticed a kind of sadness in his eyes. She wanted to soothe it away. Of course, that wasn’t possible. She could never get enough of his company, but tonight, she’d settle for a dance…anything to be near him. “I do believe I did, Lord Hutchinson,” she said without hesitation.
Oakley puffed out his puny chest. “Spenser, I claimed this dance,” he said.
Hutchinson looked down his nose at Oakley, who was half a foot shorter. “First of all, it’s Hutchinson, and secondly, the lady has already accepted my request to dance, so you’re dismissed. If you’ll excuse us,” he said, holding his arm out to Lydia.
Baron Oakley had no choice but to walk away if he didn’t want to cause a scene. He didn’t look happy. Lydia would have to avoid him for the rest of the evening. Oakley struck her as the mean, petty type, and she wanted nothing to do with him, this evening or ever.
As Lord Hutchinson led her out onto the dance floor, Lydia said, “Thank you for saving me from that odious man, my lord.”
“It was my pleasure, Miss Weston. I saw the look on your face when the baron approached you and knew you needed rescuing.”
“As much as I appreciate what you did, you shouldn’t be dancing with me. What will everyone think?”
“It’s merely a dance, Miss Weston. Do not concern yourself with others’ opinions; they mean nothing to me.”
“I thoroughly enjoy being with you, but I don’t wish for you to be shunned or chastised in any way for dancing with me, my lord.”
When he looked into her eyes, Lydia nearly melted into his arms. She loved him desperately and always would. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a husband—kind, loving, and generous of spirit—and she knew she’d never find his equal.
“I’ll take a thousand chastisements, my dear lady, to see that smile on your face.”
Before she could say another word, Hutchinson pulled her into his arms, and they began to waltz around the room. It was heaven on earth to be in his arms again, and she never wanted to leave the comfort of his embrace. Much to her dismay, the dance was over all too soon, and he was escorting her back to Lord and Lady Evans.
“Lady Evans, you look as lovely as ever,” Hutchinson said when they reached their friends.
“Thank you, Lord Hutchinson. I’m so very pleased to see you this evening.”
“You can thank your husband for convincing me to attend.”
“Hutchinson, care for some fresh air?” Evans asked.
“Yes, it’s quite stuffy in here. Ladies, if you’ll excuse us?”
Lydia watched the two men walk through the French doors out to the balcony and sighed.
Helena leaned toward her. “Are you all right, my dear? You’re quite flushed.”
Lydia nodded. “Yes, I’ll be fine, although I think I’ll go to the retiring room. I feel like the eyes of thetonare upon me even more than usual, especially after that dance.”
Helena linked arms with her. “Yes, let’s take a break. This room is quite hot.”
It was good to have powerful connections, and Lydia would be forever grateful for Helena’s friendship. As the two women walked around the ballroom, Helena introduced her to a number of gentlemen, and a few of them requested a dance. Lydia was so relieved. At least now, when Baron Oakley approached her again, she would honestly be able to say she was already engaged for the dance. That would make the ball much more tolerable.
Hutchinson followed his friendto the far end of the balcony. “Much nicer out here.”
