Page 85 of How to Wed a Courtesan

With a final nod of his head, he departed.

Only then did it cross Lottie’s mind that perhaps they ought not to have spoken so openly. Perhaps those with long memories might question her loyalty to Evander. Even those who were friends.

She glanced around, seeking out her husband, and her gaze settled on Lady Caroline and Lord Rawley, dancing. Both appeared lost in one another, their gazes locked even as the dance pulled them away.

Violet appeared at Lottie’s side, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ‘Oh, I’ve just heard the most wonderful news from Seth,’ she said.

Lottie turned to Violet and Eleanor, who looked at one another and grinned.

‘Lord Rawley has asked to speak with Seth.’

Surely that didn’t mean...?

Lottie sucked in a gasp.

‘Yes.’ Violet bounced on her toes. ‘We suspect Lord Rawley will finally ask for Caroline’s hand in marriage.’

‘Oh, I truly hope that is the case,’ Lottie said wistfully.

‘As do I.’ Violet shook her head with a little laugh. ‘I remember last autumn we thought he’d finally ask to court her, but he’d simply come to ensure there wouldn’t be any shrimp at a ball we were hosting. So when he finally asked to court our dear Caroline, we were beside ourselves with joy.’

Lottie remembered exactly how elated they had all been.

She didn’t see Caroline or Lord Rawley for lessons any more. In fact, she didn’t see any of her students. Well, none except for Alice, whom she could not bring herself to let go when the woman was still in such need of her own blissful future. And Alice wasn’t even considered a student any longer. Now she was a friend and payment was no longer accepted.

It had been difficult to inform some students of the termination of their lessons upon Lottie’s marriage to Evander. However, parting with others—like the daughters of Lady Norrick and Lady Cotsworth—had admittedly given her a little thrill of pleasure. Indeed, it was delightful not to have to see some of the more entitled whelps of the ton any longer.

Lottie had the sudden nagging sensation of being watched from across the room. She looked about and found Evander on the other side of the dance floor, regarding her.

‘Forgive me, ladies,’ Lottie said. ‘I see my husband.’

Eleanor flicked a glance to the right. ‘I was just planning to lure Charles out for a dance.’

Violet waved at both of them. ‘Do go on. I’ll find Seth. I fancy a dance myself. I love my darling Juliette, but these nights of being with my husband are the ones I do cherish.’

Lottie squeezed her hand affectionately. It was still difficult for Lottie to hear of Violet’s new daughter. Guilt niggled deep in her heart every time there was a mention of the babe. She couldn’t hear about the little girl and not think of her own Lily.

Quickly, Lottie strode away. She was navigating around the dance floor when someone caught her by the elbow. She spun to see Lord Kentworth.

He bowed. ‘Forgive me, Lady Westix.’

‘Of course.’ She turned to go, but he pulled gently at her arm once more.

‘I require an audience with you.’ The lemonade in his hand was nearly empty, and smelled very strongly of spirits. ‘Now, if possible.’

‘By all means.’ She tilted her head patiently and waited for him to say what he wished.

No doubt it was something about Rawley and his relationship with Lady Caroline. She knew poor Kentworth was feeling rather out in the cold without his usual companion at his side. Rawley had made mention of it on several occasions—the fear that he was abandoning his closest friend. What was more, Rawley had confessed that he’d told Kentworth about his lessons with her. She wouldn’t put it past the Marquess to mention it—especially when he was clearly in his cups.

‘Is this about Lord Rawley?’ Lottie asked.

Kentworth furrowed his brow. ‘Lord Rawley?’ He shook his head determinedly. ‘No, no—of course not.’ He leaned closer and said, ‘Though what you’ve managed to do with the stodgy sod has been a bloody miracle.’

‘I’m glad you think so,’ Lottie replied warily, uncertain where this conversation might go. ‘It’s good to see him happy.’

Kentworth grunted and drained his glass.

‘Perhaps you’ve had a bit too much lemonade?’ she suggested.