Despite that, she enjoyed dancing with him, and she was not prepared for the set to end. When his hand left her waist, all the warmth left as well.
All too soon, he was escorting her back to her aunt.
“Which balls do you plan to attend this week?”
“To be honest, I do not know. My aunt receives and accepts the invitations.”
He seemed perturbed as his deep blue gaze focused on her. “I would like to request a set at each of the balls or other entertainments that will have dancing.”
Only one dance? Surely if he was interested in courting her he would ask for two. That brought her back to the way he hadcourtedher friend. It was as if he did not care enough to request more dances if only to spend more time with the lady he professed to be courting. Any man Elizabeth married would have to enjoy spending time with her in whatever form it took. Nevertheless, perhaps it was more than he had requested before. “Very well. I do not know which ones are available.”
He stopped their amble to her family. “I would like the supper dances, if you have them.”
She gave him a small smile. “If they are available, they are yours, my lord.”
They joined her brother and aunt. Once in the supper room, Gavin quickly found a table for them. He held a chair for her aunt, and Lord Harrington held Elizabeth’s chair.
Ever since the evening her cousin, Lavinia, had attempted to arrange for Lord Merton to compromise Elizabeth, her brother had insisted he escort Aunt and Elizabeth to their entertainments. Not that their aunt had anything to do with what her cousin had done. Aunt would have been appalled. Elizabeth did not think Gavin could be having much fun, but she was thankful all the same. She felt more secure when he was around. Papa would never think it was his duty, even though it was.
When her brother and Lord Harrington went to obtain food and drink, her aunt leaned toward her. “How is it going with Harrington?”
“I am not sure.” She faced her aunt and spoke in a low tone so as not to be overheard. “I have never had a gentleman be so happy that I was able to speak other languages or discuss politics. Although, considering he will be a diplomat, that might not be surprising. He made a point of asking me for one set at every ball and dance, but no more.” Elizabeth was sure he had felt the same connection she had, but he did not appear to wish to spend more time with her. She had never been so confused by a gentleman’s behavior. “I do not know what that means, what he means.”
“That he’s a slow top,” her aunt said with disgust. “It is exactly this type of wishy-washy conduct that caused him to lose Lady Charlotte.”
“I think you might be right,” Elizabeth said slowly as she thought how differently Lord Kenilworth treated her friend. He hardly left her side, and when Charlotte danced with other men, his entire focus was on her and no other. Merton and Rothwell had—and still did—behave in the same fashion with Dotty and Louisa.
Lord Harrington appeared interested in Elizabeth. Yet he did not act like a man who needed the woman he would marry for herself. She was certain more time in her company would allow them to grow closer. Would that change his behavior, or would she have to find a way to bring him around, or was he not interested inher?And if it was up to her, what should she do? She did not know how to suggest they spend more time together. Elizabeth felt like throwing up her hands.
Gavin and Lord Harrington returned to the table followed by a footman carrying a tray, bringing an end to her musing.
“Your brother was kind enough to show me the foods you liked best.” Harrington smiled at her as he took the seat next to hers. “I hope you agree.”
She glanced at the plates filled with her favorite fare and selected a macaroon. “I do indeed. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure entirely.” He smiled again before applying himself to a lobster patty.
The conversation—for the third time today—revolved around the coming conflict with Napoleon and the difficulty Wellington was having assembling his old staff and other officers.
“I heard that they are bringing regiments back from America as quickly as can be,” Elizabeth said.
“They are indeed.” Lord Harrington gave her another approving look. “But whether they’ll arrive in time is anyone’s guess. Not only that, but there are too many raw recruits.”
She had heard from one of Gavin’s friends at the Horse Guards that Wellington wanted his old Peninsular army back. “At least the peace treaty with the Americans has been signed, and the longer Napoleon remains in Paris, the more likely it is that Wellington will be able to gather the army he wants.”
Lord Harrington turned to her. “How come you to be so well versed?”
“I believe it is important to be informed,” Elizabeth said. Not to mention that her friends, Louisa and Charlotte, were also adamant about knowing all there was to know about politics and the situation in France, and they had spent a great deal of time discussing the state of affairs and what it meant for England.
When Harrington smiled at Elizabeth this time, it almost reminded her of the look her dancing master gave her when she had done particularly well. Wonderful. First her governess, now her dancing master. That was not the type of response she wished to see in a potential husband.
Aunt Bristow rose and Gavin and Lord Harrington scrambled to their feet. “This is all very well, but it is time we took our leave.” She inclined her head. “My lord, perhaps we shall see you later.”
“I look forward to it, my lady.” He bowed to Aunt before taking Elizabeth’s hand. She sucked in a breath as her fingers began to tingle under his touch. “Until tomorrow evening.”
She dipped a shallow curtsey. At least he had touched her hand this time. Yet her response was entirely inappropriate considering she did not even know if he liked her. Perhaps her aunt was right and he was just a slow top, and did not know how to express himself. “Until then, my lord.”
Gavin escorted her and their aunt to the hall. “It looks like things are going well.”
