Kitty felt a vast relief in saying so, though she was aware she’d been shockingly rude and therefore not very ladylike. The baroness always said that you must be kinder to the people you dislike than you were to your friends, as too much honey was as poisonous as nightshade but nobody could ever fault you for it.
For his part, Lord Grayson did not reply. Nor did he say anything for the rest of the set.
At least she had stopped his insults against poor Sir John.
*
Giles had felta temper rising in him ever since he had squired Miss Dell through the first quadrille. He did not often have a temper, as he was so rarely displeased with life. Even finding himself near-penniless at the present time had not dampened his outlook.
Just now, though…
How had the conversation gone in such a bad direction! When he’d had a look at Sir John’s bumbling through the steps, he’d thought his work had been done for him. All he need do was point it out. It was not as if he’d invented anything against the fellow. He was a terrible dancer!
But Miss Dell had not cared anything about it. No, she was only impressed by the man’s membership in the Royal Society.
What could she mean by it? He understood the lady to be a bit of a bookworm, but how was that to affect who she preferred? Did she somehow imagine that if she were to contract herself to a dry thing like Sir John, that he would consult her on his readings or experiments or whatever he did that had not left time for dancing lessons?
He could not believe it to be so.
As his rare tempers were wont to do, eventually his consternation began to fade. It was replaced by his naturally buoyant optimism. Certainly, Miss Dell did notreallyprefer the likes of Kullehamnd. Perhaps she only toyed with him to increase his ardor.
Well, if that was the lady’s game, she was skilled indeed. He’d never been so determined to win a lady’s favor.
He had thought it unfortunate that Sir John was to take Miss Dell into supper, but now he began to think differently. A man like that would only expose his dullness over a protracted encounter.
Giles was determined to be nearby as it happened and had been hurrying Miss Danworth toward the supper room to accomplish it.
Miss Danworth, never very carefree anyway, came along with him, but not without staring at him annoyed.
Chapter Four
Kitty had quiteregained her spirits over the course of the evening. Lord Burke had been his ever-charming self, though he seemed somewhat wistful these days. She had noted it at Newmarket and it was with him still.
She had also danced with other gentlemen who she had not known prior. Frederick, apparently believing it was his purview, had attempted to signal his approval or otherwise as each partner led her to the floor. Sir Allen was a yes, though Kitty found him tedious. Mr. Weymouth was a no, though he was good-humored and made her laugh.
Frederick had only shrugged at Sir John.
Kitty knew that Sir John was not the most exemplary partner, having viewed him with Miss Blessy, but she was confident they should get through well enough.
Theyhadgot on well enough, though it was not particularly inspired. Sir John was still stiff, but improved now that he did not have to keep track of which direction Miss Blessy was heading off to.
They’d had a fascinating conversation on the nature of hemi-parasitic plants. Kitty was looking forward to what else they might discuss over supper.
All was as it should be, until Lord Grayson practically rushed the table and sat Miss Danworth and himself across from her and Sir John. The parties were quickly, albeit reluctantly on her end, introduced.
Aside from her aggravation at Lord Grayson pushing in, Kitty was leery of Miss Danworth. She was a lovely lady, with a mass of sunshine blond curls fighting to escape her hair combs. Her dress was exceedingly elegant. She was everything a lady should be, but there was a coldness in her manner. It was not in her words, which were commonplace enough, but something in her manner. She reminded Kitty of a neighbor in Devon who looked coolly upon all the world as an enemy, until they were proven otherwise.
“Sir John,” Lord Grayson said, “I understand you are a member of the Royal Society.”
Sir John nodded. “I have the honor.”
“What do you fellows do all day?” Lord Grayson asked. “I presume fencing and shooting are not the thing, else I’d join myself.”
“We conduct research and present our findings,” Sir John said curtly.
Kitty was incensed. Lord Grayson was going out of his way to mock Sir John and there was no doubt that Sir John knew it.
“Have you discovered anything noteworthy, Sir John?” Miss Danworth said pleasantly.
