Page 72 of Tempting the Marquess

He turned and gave White a granite-hard glare. “I sincerely hopenot.”

* * *

Aunt Janeabsolutely loved hosting balls. In the past, Stephen had apparently tried to limit her spending to just two small fortunes per Season, but this year he’d conceded her a third. Judging by the enormous crush of people attempting to get into Forsyth House, the ton were delighted at this altruisticact.

Her eyes wide, Samantha gazed around the ballroom. It had never looked so beautiful. Gold and cream silk draped the walls, oversized vases held colorful arrangements of hothouse flowers, and the polished crystal chandeliers glittered and shimmered like diamonds. In one corner an orchestra played, while in another a champagne fountain gurgled and trickled next to tables of mouth-watering delicacies.

And yet she wished she were anywhere buthere.

Taking a small sip of lemonade, Samantha gritted her teeth against a wave of nausea. After a few days respite it had returned with a vengeance, and the scent of sweat and unwashed bodies mixed with cooked food had nearly seen her throw up all over her silver-trimmed ivory gown on two occasions already.

“Samantha? You’re rather quiet, m’dear. Everything all right?”

“Yes, Papa,” she replied dutifully. Actually, she still couldn’t believe he’d offered to accompany her here tonight. “Just a little overwhelmed. There are so many important peoplehere.”

“Well, it is to be expected; Stephen is a very important man himself. And m’sister of course, unquestionably a grande dame. Plus they do serve excellent brandy. Some will come for drink alone.”

“Never you say,” she gasped in mock horror.

Her father’s lips twitched. “Impertinent baggage. Now, where are your friends? Sure I saw them somewhere.”

“I think they are next to the red rose arrangement.”

Lord Claremont nodded, and they slowly inched their way through the crowd of men in immaculate formalwear and ladies swathed in silks and jewels, until she spotted Stephen in a circle with Aunt Jane, Caroline, Lord and Lady Trentham, Lord Ardmore and, she noted with some relief, Mr. Underwood. Excellent. She hadn’t frightened himaway.

“Westleigh, Jane,” said her father, bowing. “Lovely party, as always. Evening to the rest of you aswell.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” replied Stephen stiffly. “Will you have a brandy?”

“Love to, m’boy, but I must drop my pretty package off and away. Politics and hunting to discuss, you know how itis.”

“Of course. Enjoy your evening.”

“Will do, will do,” said her father, and in seconds he hadgone.

“My goodness!” Samantha said too-brightly into the awkward silence. “Aunt Jane, you’ve outdone yourself. The ballroom looks wonderful.”

“I should hope so,” Stephen muttered. “She spent a bloody king’s ransom. An entire estate’s worth of flowers and a champagne fountain.”

“Oh, give over, Westleigh,” laughed Lord Ardmore. “You secretly love propping up the British economy each year. And my merchant ships live to serve your darlingmama.”

Aunt Jane smiled approvingly at the Scottish marquess. “Thank you, Ardmore. Stephen, my angel, the cost of tonight’s festivities will be worth every guinea.”

“Hear, hear, Janey,” drawled Mr. Underwood. “Westleigh, dear boy, don’t be a penny pincher. You should be applauding her exquisite taste like your lovely cousindid.”

“My lovely cousin won’t be receiving the bills,” Stephen said irritably, and Samantha flipped open her fan to hide agrin.

“Oh, pish posh. Enough of such boring bill talk. Now, Sam darling, since these other gentlemen have no manners whatsoever, may I escort you to the refreshment table for some champagne?”

Her stomach lurched at the thought, but she pasted a smile on her face. “That would be lovely.”

“Excellent,” Mr. Underwood replied, tucking her arm through his and leading her away from the group.

“Actually,” she said hesitantly, “I did want to speak to you privately.”

“Oh yes? What about, pet?”

“The other day, in HydePark.”