Page 9 of Just a Little Daring

“But I have just told you I suspect Mr Lane-Fox has an interest, and the others seem mighty fascinated by our progress.”

Evie laughed and shook her head, but was not about to explain that Louis was only being protective of her because he was her friend.

“You are close with Lady Elizabeth Demarteau, I think?” Lord Vane said, returning her attention to the conversation.

“I am,” Evie agreed.

“I should like an introduction, if I could be so presumptuous as to ask such a thing of you,” he said, his expression hesitant. “I will not be offended if you wish to seek advice before doing so. I am aware of the inherent risks, but my intentions are quite honourable,” he added with a rueful smile.

Evie considered this, deciding his manner was polite, and he appeared genuine. Besides, Eliza’s husband would be certain to frighten the man off if Evie made an error of judgement.

“Very well. I shall ask her if she objects. Lady Eliza can make her own mind up, I assure you. She’s very astute.”

“I know.”

Evie studied him with interest but could gauge nothing from his expression. When the dance had ended, he guided her not to where Louis, Mr Godwin and Mr Lane-Fox were still speaking, but to Vivien and Ashton as she requested. Then he thanked her politely for the dance and left her with her friends.

“Well?” Viv demanded.

“Just as you said,” Evie replied, still a little breathless from the dance. “An enigma. He wants an introduction to Eliza.”

“Interesting,” Ash said thoughtfully. “I wonder if it’s about her school.”

“The school? What on earth would a man like Vane want to know about her charitable school for?” Viv asked, which was a fair question. Vane’s reputation was not one for philanthropy. Indeed, he was something of a devil if half of the stories were to be believed, though after dancing with him, Evie wasn’t certain she did believe them. She’d rather liked him.

“I have a dance with Mr Lane-Fox later,” Evie told Viv. “I shall spend my time telling him how marvellous you are.”

Viv laughed and took her arm. “Thank you, darling. That’s sweet, though I think I shall need more help than that.” She gave her brother a pointed stare. He groaned.

“Very well. I shall go and ingratiate myself,” Ash muttered, and set off to befriend Mr Lane-Fox.

Viv nudged Evie. “I believe your next dance partner approaches.”

Evie turned to see Louis had found her in the crush.

“Are you avoiding me?” he asked, crooking one elegant eyebrow. “Or have you forgotten you gave me the next dance?”

“Of course not!” Evie protested, before spying Mr Godwin at his elbow. He was a nice man, good natured, if rather too talkative. She wondered if he had driven Louis mad yet. “Oh, good evening, Mr Godwin. How lovely to see you.”

“Miss Knight, a pleasure as always. You look in prime twig this evening, if you don’t mind me saying so.” His gaze drifted to Vivien and his colour rose dramatically. “Miss Anson,” he added reverently as he gave a deep bow.

Viv smiled in return, and Godwin looked as if he might pass out. Louis exchanged an amused glance with Evie, who hurried to put the fellow at his ease.

“Are you enjoying the ball, Mr Godwin? Mr Hadley-Smythe mentioned you returned from Brighton especially.”

“Oh, yes, marvellous,” he agreed, returning his attention to Evie with relief. “Good time to make merry and be with friends. Never liked New Year. Makes me gloomy. Don’t know why. Don’t like things ending, I suppose. Seems sad, don’t it? Like saying goodbye to an old friend.”

“Or perhaps greeting a new one,” Evie suggested.

“Oh, I say. Yes, that’s a better way of thinking of it,” he said, brightening.

Louis looked around as the orchestra struck up once more. “My dance,” he said, offering Evie his arm.

Evie smiled and nodded, though she felt rather guilty at leaving poor Mr Godwin with Viv, who obviously intimidated him. With one anxious glance over her shoulder at them, she followed Louis onto the dance floor.

Chapter 4

Dearest Aisling,