Page 70 of Only Pleasure Will Do

Chapter 29

“I never expected you, of all people, to make a conventional marriage, Maddy.” The laughter in Katarina’s voice was unmistakable.

For the first time that night, Maddy relaxed, a weight dropping from her shoulders. She’d been loath to disappoint her benefactors, even though they seemed hell-bent on having her marry a titled gentleman instead of Reginald. If they would not insist on such a stipulation, then perhaps all this fuss over having her dragged back into Society really was for her own good.

“I am certainly glad to hear that, my dear, for I could not bring myself to marry someone for whom I had no regard other than a grudging respect for a title.”

“We would not dream of asking you to do such a thing, Maddy.” The marchioness’s lips curled up in a sly smile. “Although some such marriages end surprisingly well, I hear.”

“As you speak from experience, Katarina, I will keep that in mind as I continue with my legion of partners this evening.” If anyone had told Maddy that the machinations of Tommy Redmond on a cold March night last year would have resulted in the love match between a spirited woman from the colonies and the haughty Marquess of Dalbury, she’d have declared the person an escaped inmate from Bedlam. Perhaps stranger things than a magistrate falling in love with a fallen woman had happened.

“Miss Forrester.” Another gentleman, some years older than Lord Arrington, dressed elegantly in deep red silk addressed her and bowed.

She curtsied, but shot a glance at Katarina. With all the gentlemen she’d met tonight, she had no idea who this one was.

“Lord Waverly, I see you are just in time for your dance with Miss Forrester.” Kat smiled pleasantly and dipped her curtsy as well. “The earl is a particular friend of Lord Dalbury, Miss Forrester.”

“Thank you, my lady.” He bowed to Maddy and smiled broadly. “I am very anxious to partner Miss Forrester this evening. I knew her father slightly and deem it an honor to make her acquaintance. May I say you do him proud, Miss Forrester?”

“Thank you, my lord.” Maddy’s stomach dipped. Had she met Lord Waverly at her father’s estate? Unlikely, since she’d still been in the schoolroom when Papa died. Still, she’d best be on her guard. “You are very kind to say so.”

“Shall we?” He offered his arm and she took it, but not before looking askance at Kat.

Leading her onto the dance floor, his lordship launched into a story about the baron, with whom Waverly shared a passion for fishing.

Perhaps the man thought he’d find more favor with her if he invoked memories of her father. Still, as the tale went on, she began to enjoy the man’s company. His interest in her father did go a long way toward disposing her to like Lord Waverly. The account was passing funny and she laughed with him as they took their places on the floor. At least they had the one thing in common.

This time they called a country dance in a longways set, so she had some small moments of conversation with Lord Waverly, which were passed pleasantly enough. Almost forgetting her nervousness, she was actually sad when the dance ended. Chatting about her home at Rayleigh, which his lordship had visited once, Maddy was surprised when they arrived at Kat’s side once more, joined by Juliet and Alethea.

“Thank you so much, my lord.” She sent him a genuine smile. “You have been an excellent partner.”

“I would say rather that you made the dance the most enjoyable one I will have this evening, Miss Forrester. Ladies.” He bowed and turned to go then turned back. “Might I ask for the first dance at Lady Trevor’s ball on Thursday night, Miss Forrester?”

The unexpected request startled Maddy, but she smiled and nodded. “I will be most happy to grant it, my lord. I will look forward to it.”

With another elegant bow, the earl returned to the throng of guests.

“I think the earl has made a more favorable impression than Lord Arrington, has he not, Maddy?” Kat was grinning from ear to ear. “You seemed quite happy with his conversation during your dance.”

“Will you spend the entire evening watching me dance, Kat?” Cheeks burning, Maddy fanned her face as best she could with her hand. She’d elected not to carry a fan this evening, deeming it one more thing she’d have to negotiate when her mind was in such a whirl.

“Only until my husband returns, my dear. I long to be out on the floor with him, but his business still keeps him, it seems.” The marchioness peered toward the doorway but after a moment shook her head. “He promised he would be back soon. Of course, Duncan’s idea of soon differs profoundly from mine.”

“I believe your next partner is on his way, my dear.” Alethea’s smile sent a sudden joyous hope through Maddy. She craned her neck, looking all about the room for Reginald, but without luck. Where had the man gotten to?

“No, my dear, this one.” Smothering a laugh, Alethea nodded toward a gentleman hurrying toward them, dressed in the unfortunate and unmistakable style of the macaronis.

His pea-green suit, with short skirts and very tightly cut sleeves, made him stand out against the other gentlemen dressed in less garish tones. The jacquard silk was further embroidered with little rosettes that matched both his deep orange waistcoat and the nosegay of flowers tucked into his uppermost buttonholes. The ensemble was finished above with a towering white wig—at least a foot tall, the long curls pulled back in a black tie—and below with a series of watch fobs dangling from his waist and enormous silver buckles on his shoes. A sword, perhaps ornamental, dangled from his left hip. And as if all of that were not enough to distinguish him from the other gentlemen, his face was powdered with the palest white rice flour, giving him the look of a fine piece of porcelain china.

“He does stand out in the crowd, Maddy.” Juliet shook her head. “I fear you won’t be able to lose him even if you try.”

“Dear Lord, hush, ladies.” Kat set her face into pleasant lines, though her eyes danced with merriment.

Maddy steeled herself. This gentleman she did remember from their introduction. How could she not? Viscount Verwood of Dorset had been most insistent about claiming a dance.

“My ladies.” The viscount swaggered a bit as he bowed before them, narrowly missing Maddy with his wig. “Never have I seen such an abundance of pulchritude in my life.” He poked his lips out in an exaggerated pout. “I feel I am the luckiest of gentlemen this evening, Miss Forrester, to be engaged to dance with one of these lovely muses.”

“You honor me, my lord.” Again Maddy had to summon the strict control of Amorina Vestry so that she would not burst out laughing at the ridiculous viscount.