Page 29 of Holding Onto Love

His smile faltered. Granted, a country dance was not as intimate as a waltz, but still, how awkward.

“You see,” the duchess went on, “we must squelch any lingering rumors. This ball will be the first opportunity for the ton to assess how we feel about…” she swirled her hand, “everything that passed. Our friends, of course, know that we are all excessively pleased with matters.” She squeezed a smile at Reg. “But people will say—”

“That I am small consolation,” Reg finished.

Jasper was appalled. Were people actually suggesting such a thing? But Reg laughed. He didn’t seem to care. “And what am I to do, Lieutenant?” He lifted his hands in a shrug.

The duchess laughed as well, turning a little pink at the throat. Evidently, Reg had found his own way to deal with his mother-in-law. “I don’t expect Alice will ever be left unpartnered. Not at her own ball. But if you see such a disaster may be imminent, do not allow it.”

“I would not,” Reginald said with a brisk nod.

“And then I would like both of you Taverstons to keep Hazard at bay. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but he really must withdraw. Or else agree to ask her in full expectation of being refused.”

Georgiana protested. “You can’t mean Hazard is scaring away Alice’s suitors. I thought she was succeeding wonderfully.”

“At first, yes. She had several admirers. Four were, I thought, very likely candidates. But she shows such a marked preference for Hazard’s company, I fear Mr. Gamby has begun looking elsewhere and Sir Mikton has stopped sending flowers.”

Georgiana’s expression grew worried. “Should I speak with her?”

“I have.” The duchess bit her lip. “But yes, a word from you might do more good. She merely tells me they are ‘only friends.’” Her voice dropped to an impolite mutter. “As if the ton permits such a thing between a bachelor and an unmarried lady.”

Jasper came back to the point. Which was evidently a battle plan. “So I am to dance charmingly with Alice. Then pleasantly with Georgiana. Then head Hazard off if he appears to be approaching Alice. It sounds simple enough.”

The duchess nodded. “But you mustn’t show a preference for Alice.”

Reg said, “And you certainly must not show a preference for Georgiana.”

His wife slapped his arm.

The duchess continued, “And you and Reginald must display warmth toward one another.”

“More of a challenge,” Jasper said dryly.

“And, of course, you must also dance with some of the other ladies.”

Jasper felt a wave of exasperation. He knew to do his duty at a ball. He would not leave wallflowers tapping their toes and holding back tears.

“Have you prepared a list?” He regretted the edge in his voice.

“Nonsense. You are not my project.” She hesitated, the expression on her face hovering between offense and guilt. She opened her mouth and then closed it. Then she said, “However, if you wish a suggestion, you might show favor to Miss Felicity Brewer.”

He knew her. A pretty chit. A little colorless. But then, compared to Vanessa, every woman lacked color. Miss Brewer had nothing particular to recommend her. Was her mother friendly with the duchess?

Courting intrigues wearied him. He asked outright, “May I inquire why?”

The duchess pouted defensively. “I suspect Sir Mikton’s bouquets have been diverted to her sitting room.”

Jasper’s jaw dropped. Matchmakers were cutthroats!

And then, two things happened at once.

Georgiana cried, “That is too much, Mama! It isn’t fair to raise Felicity’s expectations and ruin her chances with Sir Mikton. Moreover, if Alice had wished to hold his attention, I’m certain she could have done so.”

While she argued, Hovington stood and marched across the room. A flask appeared from some hidden pocket. He’d unscrewed the cap before reaching Jasper’s chair. Then he splashed a bit of something into Jasper’s tea.

“And this is why we don’t allow them in politics.”

Jasper smiled weakly and raised his cup in solidarity.