Page 47 of A Siren for the Duke

Elena squeezed Jemima's hand, her voice filled with pride.

"Welcome to our Jamaican ballroom, my dear. The beauty of the tropics is unlike anything you've ever seen, isn't it?"

Jemima could only nod, her gaze transfixed on the breathtaking scene before her. She felt as if she had stepped into a paradise, a world where nature's beauty coexisted with human opulence.

Elena's laughter mingled with the music that floated through the air.

"Come, let us immerse ourselves in this enchantment."

As they moved farther into the ballroom, Jemima felt the collective gaze of the guests turning towards them. Whispers of admiration filled the air, and she could see the curious glances of the gentlemen and the envious looks of the ladies. But Jemima's attention was focused on one person alone—Lionel, who stood at the far end of the ballroom, his eyes locked on her.

With each step, Jemima's heart quickened, a mixture of nerves and excitement surging through her. She could see Lionel's lips part in awe as he beheld her radiant form. His blue eyes sparkled with adoration, and she relished it. He’d looked at her with such an amorous gaze before, but this felt different. It made her feel alive again.

Jemima's hand tightened around Elena's arm, finding comfort in her presence. As they reached the center of the ballroom, Jemima finally tore her gaze away from Lionel. She let her eyes sweep over the crowd. The room was a symphony of movement and color, couples swaying in a graceful dance, the vibrant gowns of the ladies twirling like petals caught in a gentle breeze.

“Ah, there you are, my sweet flower!” said a man Jemima did not recognize, but she could only assume was Mr. Sherwood, the ambassador.

Elena quickly confirmed such suspicion.

“Lady Jemima Upton, my husband, Mr. Harold Sherwood.”

Mr. Sherwood took Jemima’s gloved hand and bowed deeply, kissing it as he did so.

“A pleasure indeed! Lionel mentioned you in our conversation, but he failed to give adequate testament to your beauty. We shall have to reprimand him,” he said teasingly. Immediately, Jemima decided she liked him.

“Oh, I’m sure I do that enough already, Sir,” she said, and the Sherwoods erupted with laughter.

“What a wit! I hear you are considering staying with family in Jamaica. It shall be very fine indeed to see you more often. Unless, of course, you become the new Duchess of Kent,” Mr. Sherwood said, wriggling his eyebrows and gesturing toward Lionel.

Jemima followed his gesture to see the man in question talking animatedly and laughing with another lady she didn’t recognize. A pang of jealousy cut through her.

“I highly doubt that, Mr. Sherwood. I’m sure I have annoyed him enough for the rest of his life on the journey over.”

“I would not be so sure,” Mr. Sherwood said. “He spoke highly of you when we discussed business earlier today.”

“Oh?” exclaimed Jemima, feigning surprise.

“It was lovely to meet you, Lady Jemima. I must make my rounds now, but stop by my study tomorrow—I have had the pleasure to meet your aunt many a time. She was supposed to be here tonight, actually, but had an impediment. I will be sure to contact her as soon as possible to arrange a meeting.”

They bowed and curtsied as was proper, then Mr. Sherwood darted away to greet his many guests. Jemima turned her attention again to Lionel.

“Who is that lady with him?” she asked Elena without tearing her eyes away from the sight.

“That is Mrs. Florence, a socialite from the former thirteen colonies. Her father made a fortune in tobacco and slavery,” Elena said sourly, her gaze following Jemima’s.

Jemima turned abruptly to look at her.

“That’s awful!”

“It was the way of the world not so long ago. Her father enjoyed great profit from it, and so did her husband, before his passing. Now she spends a good deal of time here in Jamaica, collecting paramours. Looks like your Captain Hunt may become one of them if you do not go rescue him,” Elena warned.

Jemima was determined to hide her jealousy, but clearly, she wore it on her face.

Thankfully she did not have to make any such rescue, as Lionel spotted her and weaved his way through the crowd to reach her.

“I’ll leave you two alone. Come find me afterward; I can introduce you to more of the guests.”

Mrs. Sherwood whirled away amongst the vibrant colors, and soon Lionel was standing right in front of her.