Page 41 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“Miss Knight,” Lord Vane said, giving an elegant bow and commanding her attention before Mr Lane-Fox could open his mouth. “Please excuse my unseemly haste, but I must get my request in for a dance with you this evening before my companion here can speak, as he too requests your indulgence. I suspect you must have few, if any, dances remaining.”

Evie blushed, a little taken aback at being sought out by the pair of them, especially as Vivien had told her of her desire for Mr Lane-Fox, but then, perhaps she could do Viv some good if she danced with him and told him how wonderful she was. Fumbling nervously with her dance card, she glanced up. “I-I have two dances left. The waltz that is about to begin, and a mazurka, if that suits you, Mr Lane-Fox?”

“I would be delighted, Miss Knight,” he said, smiling at her warmly. A little too warmly. Oh. He was looking for a quiet, docile wife, one that wouldn’t cause him any difficulties. Evie’s blush deepened. Lud. Now she was in trouble.

“Miss Knight, you are looking a little over-warm. Shall I take you for some refreshment?”

Evie turned to see Louis had appeared at her elbow and wished very much she could accept his offer. “You are most kind, monsieur,” she said, smiling at him. “But—”

“But my dance is about to commence,” Lord Vane said firmly, giving her his arm and shrugging apologetically to Louis. “Beg pardon, monsieur.”

Louis’ gaze darkened and Evie returned a small smile, but took Lord Vane’s arm, and walked with him to the dance floor with no little relief.

“I am astonished you had any spaces remaining on your card, Miss Knight,” he said, taking her in his arms as the first notes of the orchestra heralded the next dance.

“Many of my friends are here this evening,” Evie said, a little distracted by the sensation of being observed. She glanced back to find Louis, Mr Godwin, and Mr Lane-Fox watching her. Frowning, she turned her attention back to Lord Vane.

“You are too modest, I think,” he said, smiling at her. “No one speaks of you without smiling. Did you know that?”

Evie looked up at him. “Have you been speaking to my father, then?” she said, a little uncomfortable.

He laughed and shook his head. “No, and stop being coy. I think you have caught Mr Lane-Fox’s eye for one, and I know for a fact Mr Hadley-Smythe has spoken of little but you for days now.”

Fighting not to blush again, for she’d look like a tomato if he kept this up, Evie regarded the man with interest. She understood what Viv meant by him being an enigma. His reputation was not a good one. Women and drink, gambling, all the usual vices had been attached to him, though he had been in polite society far more often of late and appeared the model of gentlemanly behaviour. There was a world-weary air about him, which was at odds with his good looks and vitality. He was certainly handsome, but she did not know what to make of him.

“Forgive me. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. I was only interested in dancing with the young lady of whom everyone speaks so warmly. Though we were introduced some time ago, I have not had the pleasure of speaking with you since.”

“Well, here we are,” Evie said nervously, fighting not to laugh when Vivien caught her eye as she spun past.

Viv waggled her eyebrows in a mock lascivious expression that made a giggle bubble up inside Evie.

“Here we are, and with your suitors watching us with avid interest.”

Evie glanced back at the three men and chuckled. “Oh, they’re not my suitors.”

“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.”