Page 28 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

Lord Haversham, however, was settling his sister onto a section of wall—not a corner, thank goodness—and speaking with his aunt. Then he darted across the ballroom floor, but not toward her.

Disappointment sent an arrow darting into her chest, but she really must not read too much into Lord Haversham’s attentions this afternoon. She’d helped him with suggestions for his sister’s shyness, but the gentleman owed her nothing save some thanks, which he’d already given her. And an extremely amusing afternoon. Kate had to admit she’d not had so much fun in quite a while. Well, she’d never said Haversham was a stick in the mud.

“Good evening, Miss Locke.”

Kate jumped and whirled around to find Lord Haversham grinning. “Good evening, my lord, although having the devil scared out of one is hardly the definition of a ‘good evening.’”

“Did I startle you, Miss Locke? My most abject apologies.” He placed his hand over his heart and bowed, though he kept his mirthful gaze on her. “I did, however, wish to bring your attention to a little drama about to take place across the ballroom there.” He nodded to the wall where his sister and aunt stood conversing, as usual.

“There is drama to be had in such a normal conversation, my lord?” Kate raised an eyebrow. “I did not know your life was so…unexceptional.”

“The drama is about to begin, Miss Locke.” He nodded again to Lady Letitia, except now a young gentleman had joined the conversation. “I just suggested to Mr. Symmons that my sister might be agreeable if he asked her for the first dance.”

“Bertie Symmons?” Of all the young gentlemen present, why would Haversham choose him to lead lady Letitia out?

“I know the gentleman, who is definitely not a scoundrel.”

“No, Bertie may be many things, but he’s definitely not that.” Kate had to admit her old friend was every bit as honorable as Haversham.

“And what is more, Letitia knows him from some garden party last year.” He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, “Look.”

Holding her breath, Kate watched rapt as Bertie approached Lady Letitia, making his usual awkward bow then launching into a conversation regarding Heaven knew what. But whatever topic Bertie had decided to lead off with, the lady smiled and nodded, seeming almost to hang on his every word.

Wide-eyed, Kate turned to Lord Haversham. “Do you think—”

Haversham simply nodded toward his sister, and Kate returned her gaze to the couple to find Lady Letitia now on Bertie’s arm as he led her to the dance floor. “I have you to thank, Miss Locke, for this little miracle.” Lord Haversham grasped her hand and kissed the gloved knuckles.

A tingle, charged like the air during a lightning storm, ran up her arm, making her heart race unaccountably. What an odd thing to have happened. For once, Kate was struck speechless.

“Is…is this first dance a waltz?” Kate asked at last, unexpectedly hoping his next words would claim her for his partner.

“You should know better than that, Miss Locke.” He gave her a skeptical look tinged with humor. “While I encouraged Letitia to dance, and am delighted she has chosen to do so, I hope you do not think me so remiss I would allow her to waltz around the room in the arms of Mr. Symmons?”

Kate bit her cheek to keep from smiling. That would give Haversham too much satisfaction. Of course, he had a point about Bertie. Waltzing wasn’t her old friend’s strong suit, by any means. Lady Letitia deserved an excellent partner for her first performance of that most exquisite dance. “Perhaps I take your point on that, my lord.”

“At last, the lady sees sense!” Haversham broke out in a huge grin as the orchestra began to tune up. It sounded like it was to be a country dance set.

She was promised to him for the first waltz, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t dance this one as well. Looking up at Haversham, she smiled and waited for him to ask for the dance.

To her consternation, however, he scanned the room until his gaze came to rest on a not-so-young lady standing with her mother, looking about eagerly. The lady’s gown was not the first stare of fashion, although it was serviceable enough. Her hair was plainly dressed, with flowers rather than jewels, but it became her well. Haversham continued to gaze at her, until curiosity got the better of her. “Do you know her, my lord?” She nodded toward the lady in question.

“Miss Anne Bartholomew. We were introduced last year.” He still hadn’t taken his eyes off the lady.

“So this is her second Season?”

“Her third. She has not found favor with the young gentlemen this year. Which is a pity as she is quite charming.” He hesitated, peering intently at Miss Bartholomew as a gentleman approached her.

The lady’s face lit up, her smile eager, but the gentleman who seemed to be making for her continued past her toward a somewhat younger blond lady.

Lord Haversham’s lips thinned into a straight line. “Her fortune is meager, alas, which has likely hampered her chances at a decent match.” The musicians continued their preparatory squawks and squeals. He sighed. “If you will excuse me, Miss Locke? I am called to rescue another wallflower, but I will return to claim my waltz and the supper dance, if it is still available?”

“Yes, it is, my lord.” Kate gazed at him, seeing him anew. He was about to do a kindness to Miss Bartholomew, to keep her from the embarrassment of having no partner in a room full of dancing couples. Much as he’d done for her the other night. Was that Haversham’s personal mission then, to engage those ladies who might not be the most popular in the ton?

In light of this revelation, she didn’t even care that he’d left her to be a wallflower for this first set. Miss Bartholomew needed him more than she did. Besides, he’d already asked her for two dances. Kate followed his progress across the ballroom to the lady whose whole countenance seemed to glow as he approached.

“Good evening, Miss Locke.”

Kate jumped. She really must pay more attention to who was sneaking up on her. Turning, she smiled and curtsied to Lord Montrose. “Good evening, my lord.”