“I doubt I could manage to change Mr. Yorke’s opinion on any matter,” Caroline said, her voice a bit terse. “He strikes me as a man who knows his own mind and is not afraid to speak it. Were he to become a supporter of reform, it would undoubtedly be due to the merits of the cause rather than the person advocating it.”
Oswald cleared his throat.
“You do yourself an injustice, my lady.”
Caroline froze.
Half-hoping she’d imagined the comment, she turned slowly. Her eyes found Mr. Yorke, who had arrived without her notice. Heaven only knew how much of the conversation he had heard.
Her cheeks heated as though he had heard the entirety.
His brown hair was brushed and pomaded, his tailored coat hugged his shoulders admirably, and his eye sparkled with something—mischief? Determination?
He looked every bit the London man, and she couldn’t help admiring him, even amidst her consternation.
The group seemed to shift with unease at his sudden appearance—and at such a moment.
“If anyone could lay out the merits of reform in a sensible and intelligent way that might convince me,” Mr. Yorke said, “I have no doubt it would be you.” He gave a bow to the group at large and acknowledged Lord Penrosset specifically. “Forgive me, gentlemen. While I am quite riveted at the thought of hearing what conclusions about me you shall reach, they are forming a set, and I was promised a dance.”
His eyes met Caroline’s, and her heart thumped vigorously.
Hehadheard her defending him. Or had she been defending reform? Or trying to allay Oswald’s fears?
She hardly knew.
What Mr. Yorke said was true, though. She had been too preoccupied with the conversation to notice that an area for dancing had been cleared.
“And now you must forgiveme, Mr. Yorke,” Oswald said. “Lady Radcliffe promised me the first set.” He put out his arm for Caroline to take.
Mr. Yorke hardly seemed to notice that he had beenaddressed. The only acknowledgment he gave was to hold Lady Radcliffe’s eyes for confirmation.
Some part deep within her wished to counter Oswald’s claim, true though it was, if only to reward Mr. Yorke for being the sole person not to disparage the topic of reform. Such a choice would leave the group speechless—until their jaws started wagging in speculation.
But Oswald…
To humiliate him at the party she was hosting in his honor? It would be unforgivable.
She might be mildly annoyed at him and grateful to Mr. Yorke for defending her—or had he been defending reform?—but that did not change the circumstances or who she supported in the election.
“It is true.” Caroline accepted Oswald’s arm. “I did promise him, and heismy candidate, after all.”
Mr. Yorke gave a gracious bow, his eyes still sparkling with that confidence that pulled her toward him like a magnet. “I shall await the next set, then.” The way he regarded her made her pulse flutter.
Oswald smiled politely and led Caroline to the open floor, where several couples were waiting for the music.
As the dance began, Caroline tried to throw off the frustrations of the conversation and enjoy herself. Before Oswald could bring up the discussion, she inquired after his family, who lived in Devon. If they spoke of Lord Penrosset and reform—or Mr. Yorke—they would inevitably find themselves at odds, and that would not be conducive to the goal of the gathering.
Besides, Caroline had not been under any illusion that Oswald supported reform. She knew how he felt on the subject because it was how all the men she knew felt. So, while shedisagreed heartily, she was too aware that her views were heretical amongst her peers to take it personally.
It was simply that, ever since her call upon Eliza, she had been feeling frustrated with Oswald. He had apologized profusely when she had confronted him over the lack of gate, and they had come to an understanding.
But today was evidence to Caroline that she had not entirely forgiven him for it, petty as it might be.
As the two of them moved along the set, her eyes found Mr. Yorke, who watched her from the side, a drink in hand.
A little smile pulled at the corner of his mouth and ruffled her pulse.
She could not resist the responsive smile that rose to her own mouth—neither could she understand it.
