Page 8 of Redemption of a Marquess

“I was trying to take a walk—”

“Not that,” she cut in. “What are you doing at this party?”

“I was invited, just like you.”

“Not like me, I think,” Lydia snapped, and looked at Valan. “You invited her?”

“This is not my party.”

Lydia slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and addressed Miss Matheson. “Lord Northington and I are going for a stroll. Find your own gentleman.”

Miss Matheson laughed. “What a wicked girl you are, Lydia. I saw you in the ballroom with that short, pudgy gentleman. You were not at all proper. Now you are walking in the gardens with a different gentleman.”

“How interesting that you notice impropriety in others,” Valan said.

“I did not come to the garden with a gentleman,” Miss Matheson said. “So, I am not guilty of impropriety.”

“How dare you?” Lydia breathed. She tugged his arm. “Are you going to let her speak to me in that manner?”

“You are angry only because it’s true,” Miss Matheson said.

Lydia stamped her foot. “I can’t help it if gentlemen like me better than you.”

“It isn’t you they like, Lydia.”

Valan forced back laughter, unable to speak for fear of encouraging the lass. His efforts were in vain, however, for she cocked her head and said, “See, even his lordship agrees with me.”

The dark-haired beauty drew in a sharp breath. “A true gentleman would not allow a lady to be spoken to in this manner.”

“If I were a gentleman, I wouldn’t be here with you in the garden,” he replied. “As for you being a lady…”

She yanked her hand free and took a step back. “I have never been treated so shabbily.” Without another word, she whirled and marched back toward the mansion.

Valan watched her retreat for two heartbeats, then faced Miss Matheson. “You have a knack for interfering with my plans. Tell me, who invited you to Lady Douglas’s ball?”

“Lady Douglas, of course.”

“The two of you are acquainted?” he asked in surprise. Perhaps, like Lydia, she had found herself a protector.

“Lady Peddington sometimes obtains invitations for us to attend other balls,” she said.

“Does Lady Douglas not chaperone you?” he asked.

“She filled my dance card and sent me off. I have been dancing for two hours. My feet hurt, and I am tired. I came out here for some fresh air. That gentleman found me and was not very polite.”

“Neither were you, my dear,” Valan said.

“What? Should I have let him take liberties?”

“It didn’t occur to you that you should not be out here at all, that perhaps it wasn’t proper?” he asked.

“A lady shouldn’t have to fear being accosted when she takes a walk.”

He tsked. “I fear you’ve wasted the money your poor mother spent to send you to Lady Peddington’s school. How do you propose to teach young women to become ladies when you do not act the part?”

“Oh, that. I need no’ be a lady to own a school.”

“Interesting logic. Where, pray tell, will you get the money for this school?”