He was an irascible creature who liked to challenge every idea. If one said the sun was bright, Lord Bentley would wonder if it had not been brighter on other days.
Lord Marlrymple and Lady Felicia were also in attendance and Balthazar was not surprised. They seemed to be everywhere together these days. It was presumed that the spinster and the widower were to be a match someday soon.
They were still missing four people and Balthazar had restrained himself from asking who they were. He was discomfited to examine how much he hoped Lady Rosalind was among them.
Somehow, Lady Hightower’s counsel to examine his own heart would not leave his thoughts. He understood that his reasons for not considering marriage at this time were full of good sense.
However, other ideas that might be of equal sense had begun to present themselves. He was drawn to Lady Rosalind as he had been to no other lady, he could not deny that. If he were not carefully monitoring the direction of his thoughts, they often ran in her direction.
She was a stunningly beautiful and interesting lady. Not to mention original. There would not be a string of others like her coming to Town.
Was that not something to think about? What was he to do when he was ready to marry and there was not a Lady Rosalind in sight?
And then, the even darker idea of whatherfuture would hold. She was not a lady who would drift from season to season. She would be snapped up as soon as a gentleman could manage it.
That vile gentleman, whoever he was.
How was he to like it then? Seeing Lady Rosalind as Lord Whoever’s bride?
He would not like it. He had to face that fact.
So, he supposed the real question was did he dare place his own inclinations over that of the queen’s? That was a question he could not yet answer, and until he could his hands were tied.
There was a commotion at the drawing room doors…and there she was.
Looking very smashing in a dark green silk, too.
Miss Mayton waved wildly in his direction. He pressed his lips together to stop from laughing.
Lady Worthington said, “Goodness, who is that alarming creature?”
“That is Miss Mayton and she is indeed alarming,” he said. “She is a spinster in widow’s weeds, is prone to saying off-putting and wildly inappropriate things, and I believe she has been a very unsteady guide to Lord Westmont’s daughters.”
“I see,” Lady Worthington said, “I missed the eldest’s debut last season, I assume that young lady just now coming in with the unsteady Miss Mayton is daughter number two. Darden has often mentioned his five sisters at home. Goodness, he is looking well.”
“Do I detect some interest in Lord Darden, Lady Worthington?” Balthazar asked.
“No, you do not, you devil,” she said laughing. “It is too soon for me to think of such things, and he is a little too boyish. I am sure he will age well, though. His father is a handsome old gentleman.”
The family in question now approached, led by the intrepid Miss Mayton.
“Your Grace,” Miss Mayton said, barreling forward, “we are still all aflutter about the attack in the park, though we do not forget your daring assistance.”
“Miss Mayton,” Balthazar said, determined to ignore the ludicrous reference to his daring assistance, “Lady Rosalind, allow me to introduce you to Lady Worthington. Earl, Darden, I believe you already know the lady.”
“Indeed we do,” the earl said. “I am glad to see you looking so well Lady Worthington.”
Lady Worthington nodded graciously. “Now what is this I hear about an attack in the park?” she asked.
“It was nothing at all,” the earl said. “Some young cur made off with my daughter’s handkerchief.”
“But it was not nothing, Father!” Lady Rosalind said. “It was very violent and the duke stepped in so bravely. That must be remembered.”
“Indeed,” Miss Mayton said, “we all witnessed the bravery. It was really something.”
Balthazar felt he was very near losing the ability to control his laughter. The bravery, indeed.
This was made worse by Lady Worthington’s raised brow. The lady was astute and not likely to believe in the frightening violence of losing one’s handkerchief. He must just hope no mention was made of the circumstance being named as Lady Rosalind’sdarkest hour.
