Page 41 of Redemption of a Marquess

Chapter Nine

Jeanine scanned the crowded ballroom. “I don’t see Grey anywhere. Do you, Miss Stone? Your superior height gives you an advantage.”

“I am afraid I don’t. It would seem everyone who received an invitation is here. I have never seen such a crowded ballroom.”

“Oh, I see him,” Jeanine said. “Is that him in the far left corner talking to that redheaded woman?”

“I believe you’re right,” Miss Stone said.

“We better hurry before we lose him,” Jeanine said, and started forward.

Miss Stone kept up with her, oftentimes parting the way when people didn’t see Jeanine.

“You’re so fortunate to be tall,” Jeanine said.

“If you say so, Miss Matheson.”

They skirted a large crowd of women and Jeanine spotted the marquess with the woman.

“She’s standing too close to him. Don’t you agree, Miss Stone?” Jeanine said in a whisper.

“The ladies today are too fast,” Miss Stone said in a prim voice.

The woman leaned even closer to him and laughed at something he said. Jeanine and Miss Stone neared him and he looked past the woman at Jeanine. She came to a stop in front of him with Miss Stone beside her.

His lordship smiled. “Good evening, Miss Matheson.”

“Good evening, sir,” she said.

Amusement tugged at his mouth. “Lady Claire, may I introduce my ward, Miss Matheson. Jeanine, this is Lady Claire.”

Jeanine curtsied. “My lady.”

Lady Claire gave a slight nod.

“And this is her companion, Miss Stone,” the marquess said. “Miss Stone, I present Lady Claire.”

Miss Stone curtsied. “My lady.”

Lady Claire angled her head in a graceful nod.

“Are you enjoying the party?” he asked Jeanine.

She nodded. “It’s very exciting. Miss Stone has already danced with two gentlemen.”

The marquess smiled politely. “How very fortunate for the gentlemen.”

“Lady Guilford made introductions,” Miss Stone said. “The gentlemen could do no less than ask me to dance.”

“That is not so.” Jeanine looked at the marquess. “I am correct, am I not?”

“Quite correct,” he agreed. “Rest assured, Miss Stone, my cousin simply knows how to pair up good dancers.”

Miss Stone angled her head in acquiescence. “As you say, my lord.”

Jeanine caught sight of a tall, wiry man standing just beyond the dance floor, scanning the large ballroom. “How grand. Look, Miss Stone, it is Mr. Craig.” She nodded in his direction.

“Mr. Craig?” the marquess asked.