“Of all the sapskulls.” Aunt cast her eyes to the ceiling. “All I can say is well done, Gavin.”
“Well done indeed.” Elizabeth heaved a relieved breath. If Papa had given Harrington permission to wed her, which was exactly what everyone thought her father would have done, there would be no reason for him to court her properly, and for her to make sure he could love her.
“What have you got there?” Gavin asked.
She had almost forgotten about Harrington’s letter. And when had she begun to think of him in such a familiar manner? “A note from Lord Harrington. He sent it with the flowers. He has asked for two dances this evening, if I have them free, and would like to take me driving this afternoon.” She read over the missive again. “I have already promised Lord Littleton I would drive with him. I shall tell Harrington”—she had done it again—“that I have a prior engagement, but shall be happy to join him tomorrow.” Elizabeth considered denying him the second set, but decided not to. “I shall accept his request for two dances.”
“That will take the sting out of discovering you went driving with Littleton.” Her aunt nodded approvingly.
“I may go on the strut this afternoon.” Her brother grinned wickedly. “I’d like to see Harrington’s face when he finds you with Littleton.”
“Do you truly think he will be in the Park?” Elizabeth asked. She did not know why Harrington would be.
“He’ll be there if only to see who you are with.” With that, her brother sauntered off.
Chapter Ten
Geoff ripped open the answer from Miss Turley and growled.
Damn it to hell. He’d wager Miss Turley was riding with Littleton this afternoon. Geoff couldn’t believe he’d let the man get the better of him. But what if it wasn’t Littleton? What if some other gentleman had seen her, and admired her beauty, and asked her to ride with him? There was only one way to find out.
Geoff considered taking his phaeton, but decided to ride his gelding instead. The phaeton would be more impressive, but it couldn’t maneuver the way a horse could. And he did not wish to draw attention to himself. All he wished to do was ascertain with whom Miss Turley was with.
If it was Littleton, Geoff was sure he could still win the lady’s hand. But if it was another man, he must know what he was up against.
He sent a message to the stables that at five to five his gray, Hercules, was to be brought around.
* * *
He was halfway around his second circuit when he saw them. Littleton and Miss Turley. Her head leaned toward his and she laughed. Even though they were at a distance from Geoff, he could hear her light laughter on the air. Laughter that he should be causing.
Cursing, he rode back to his rooms. She was dancing two sets with him this evening, and he’d make damn sure she would rather be with him than Littleton.
* * *
Once again, Geoff escorted his grandmother and cousin to the ball. As soon as they arrived, he found them a pair of seats and began searching for Miss Turley. Her aunt, he knew, always arrived at the beginning of a ball. By this point, they would be deep into the ballroom.
He moved along the edges of the room, thus avoiding ladies with daughters to marry off. Finally, he saw her standing with her aunt and brother. She was easily the most beautiful lady in the room. Tonight, she wore a white gown with silver netting that caught the candlelight and twinkled when she moved. Pearls hung from her shell-like ears. Around her graceful neck she wore a double strand of matching pearls.
Littleton escorted her out for the first set. Still, Geoff had the first waltz and the supper dance. Keeping out of sight, he leaned against a pillar, waiting for his opportunity to stand up with her.
Two sets later, he bowed to Miss Turley, taking her hand. “My dance, I believe.”
“It is, my lord.” A small smile graced her lips. He wanted more from her.
“Thank you for agreeing to two sets.” He placed his palm on her waist and wanted to draw her closer.
She shrugged lightly. “I had a set open. Why should you not have it?”
Why indeed. The music began, but he waited until the turn before closing the space between them. Geoff was pleased she did not complain or attempt to move back. Gazing down at her, for the first time he could think of nothing to say.
Miss Turley’s head tilted slightly to one side as she gazed back at him. “Lady Somerville has done a wonderful job decorating.”
The ballroom was filled with gold and pink silk. Large bunches of lilies had been set in each corner and potted plants lined the sides of the room. The French windows, as well as the long windows lining the wall, were open, allowing a slight breeze into the ballroom. How would Miss Turley decorate for their first ball? “Yes, she has.”
When he said nothing more, he could swear he heard her sigh. “I read that some elements are creating a problem with funding for Wellington.”
“I have heard the same. Why can they not understand that he and the army is all that stands between us and Napoleon? We dare not allow him to win.”
