“It is not for a lack of dance partners, I can assure you of that.”
“I have no doubt.”
Lady Persephone turned her attention towards the gardens. “It is lovely out here,” she said. “The moon casts such a spell over the gardens.”
He walked over to the iron fence that lined the veranda and leaned back against it. “How is your family?”
“They are well, but I have missed your visits.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had much time for house calls.”
Lady Persephone pouted. “That is too bad.”
“Perhaps I can call on you tomorrow, assuming my meetings in the House of Lords do not run late.”
Her pout quickly formed into a smile. “That sounds lovely.”
The music came to an end, and he watched Cosgrove escort Miss Bentley to his mother. Lady Persephone followed his gaze. “I haven’t seen that young lady before this evening,” she said. “Is she a relative of yours?”
“No,” he replied. “My mother is hosting Miss Bentley for the Season.”
“Is that so?” Lady Persephone asked, watching him closely. “She is a pretty little thing.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t noticed,” he lied.
Lady Persephone took a step closer to him, but still maintained proper distance. “She seems popular enough,” she said. “With any luck, she will be married off before the end of the Season.”
“I doubt that.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I’m afraid she has no dowry, but she is determined to make a match this Season.”
“Oh,” Lady Persephone murmured. “That does constitute a problem, then.”
Roswell looked heavenward. “I have tried my best to get rid of her, but she refuses to leave.”
“Have you tried offering Miss Bentley a sum of money to leave?”
“I have not,” he replied with a shake of his head.
“If anything, you would be doing her a favor,” Lady Persephone pressed.
“Do you truly believe so?”
“Just think what that money could do for her future,” Lady Persephone said. “Besides, a young woman without a dowry has no place amongst members of Society.”
“I’m afraid we are the only two that share that attitude.”
Lady Persephone batted her eyes at him. “You will find that I am most agreeable when it comes to you.”
The music started up again and he held his hand out. “May I have this dance?”
“You may,” she said, slipping her hand into his.
Ellie woke to the sun streaming into her bedchamber and slowly blinked her eyes open. She’d had the most delightful time last night at the ball. She had danced nearly every set and had been introduced to the most wonderful gentlemen. Nothing would sour her mood this morning, she was sure of it.
A knock came at the door before it opened. Her young, red-haired lady’s maid stepped into the room with a tray in her hand. “You are finally awake,” Mary said, meeting her gaze.
