“In what way?”
“I contend that there is nothing wrong with Miss Bentley, and you have developed an unfair grudge against her.”
“That is ridiculous.”
“No?” Townsend asked. “What exactly about Miss Bentley is vexing, besides the fact that she has no prospects?”
“If you must know, she is entirely too cheery.”
“Too cheery?” Townsend questioned. “That is what you are truly going with?”
“You know how I feel about idle chitchat.” His eyes scanned the room and landed on Lady Persephone. She was a handsome enough young woman with blonde hair, a square jaw, and high cheekbones. She met his gaze and smiled coyly at him. He tipped his head in acknowledgement and turned back towards his friend.
Townsend frowned. “Why do you pay Lady Persephone any heed?” he asked. “She is haughty and pretentious.”
“She is well-mannered, has a large dowry, and comes from an impressive lineage as the eldest daughter of Lord Walmsley.”
“I agree with most of what you just said, but I still contend she is high-handed.”
“She is a genteel woman and acts appropriately for her station.”
“Please say you do not intend to be shackled to that woman for the rest of your life,” Townsend said.
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“You would be miserable.”
“I disagree,” he replied. “Our marriage would be based upon mutual respect.”
“Why do I feel as if you keep trying to punish yourself?” Townsend asked, giving him a knowing look.
“Leave it alone,” Roswell growled.
Townsend took a step closer, compassion in his voice. “You never want to talk about that night.”
“And you think a ball is an appropriate place to discuss it?”
“No, but you are leaving me with little choice.”
Roswell scoffed. “Good night, Townsend.” He brushed past him and walked across the ballroom. He stopped behind Lady Persephone and waited for her to acknowledge him.
She turned around with a smile on her face. “Good evening, Lord Bideford,” she murmured before dropping into a curtsy.
After he gave her a slight bow, he asked, “Would you care to join me on the veranda for a few moments?”
Lady Persephone turned her attention towards her mother, who nodded her head in approval. She brought her gaze back to meet his. “I would be honored, Lord Bideford.”
“Excellent.” He offered his arm and directed his next comments to Lady Walmsley. “I shall bring Lady Persephone back shortly.”
“Please see that you do,” Lady Walmsley replied.
Neither one of them spoke as he led her out onto the veranda. Once they were outside, he dropped his arm and turned to face her.
“How are you faring this evening?” he asked.
“I am well, my lord.”
“I am surprised to see you are sitting this set out.”
