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“I shall return as quickly as possible,” he promised with a bow. “Coming, Withy?”
The gentleman shook his head. “I’ve seen you trounce Chadbourne enough times to find it completely numbing. I think I shall stay, if you don’t mind.”
Cavendish hesitated only a beat before acceding. “Well then, since you’ve no desire to provide me with moral support, you may look after Lady Victoria in my stead. She was feeling a bit out of sorts earlier, and though she appears to have now recovered, I should not feel right leaving her without an escort.”
“It shall be my pleasure,” said Withington. He waggled a finger at Cavendish. “Now don’t get lax with Chadbourne. I’ve a small fortune laid on you at White’s, and I expect you to give the old sot a good drubbing.”
“I won’t lose your inheritance. Not all of it, at least,” said Cavendish with a quick grin as he turned.
Victoria’s pulse skipped. Lord, but he’s handsome when he smiles…
“Good man!” called Withington. “Give him my regards when you’ve thrashed him.” When his friend had gone, he turned back to address her. “Now, who is this ravishing creature that has so captivated my comrade? I never knew Richmond had two daughters.”
“Indeed,” Victoria replied, resigning herself to the fact that she was practically a nonentity. “Speaking of Papa, I should like to find him at once. I’m not feeling at all well at the moment, despite your friend’s optimism.”
“Too much dancing?” he asked.
“Too much champagne,” she admitted with a weak laugh. “Only, please don’t mention it to anyone.”
“I solemnly swear not to breathe a word, my lady. Your secret is safe with me.”
The mischief in his eyes belied his serious tone, and she couldn’t help but laugh again.
“I’ve heard that brisk activity can reverse the effects of too much drink,” he whispered, grinning. “May I escort you to your father by way of a dance?”
He’s chock-full of beans, this one. She decided she liked him. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to befriend him—as a friend of Cavendish’s, he would prove a good source of information. “Well, I suppose it couldn’t do any harm to try your remedy.”
“That’s the spirit!” he crowed. “Come, the next dance is a paspy. That should get you moving quickly enough to clear your head of any cobwebs.”
Though she disliked the passepied immensely, Victoria’s upbringing wouldn’t allow her to groan aloud. The dance focused on the execution of fast, intricate footwork rather than fluidity of form, and it made her feel awkward and graceless.
Her partner’s skill, however, was such that her concerns soon vanished. Withington made it easy, and before the music ended she’d actually begun to enjoy herself. Afterward, he led her to a chair and began telling her stories about Cavendish. In short order, she was laughing aloud.
“Ooh, you should have seen the look on his father’s face when he found out!” said Withington with unconcealed delight. “And that is only one example. Julius bedeviled our poor parish priest nearly into Bedlam. I’m surprised the man didn’t petition to have him excommunicated.”
“Victoria?” said a familiar voice from behind her.
“Amelia! Thank goodness!” she said happily. For once, her timing could not have been better—Cavendish was still safely away.
“Where have you been?” scolded her sister. “I looked all over for you earlier, but you’d simply vanished.”
“Nonsense!” Victoria retorted, still smiling despite the fury in her sister’s eyes. “I’ve been right here talking with Withy for at least half an hour. Oh, I suppose I had better make introductions, hadn’t I? Amelia, this is Marquess Withington. Marquess, this is my sister, Lady Amelia Lennox.”
He stood and bowed. “A pleasure, madam—and please, call me Withy. Only my parents ever call me anything else.”
Victoria noted with humor that Withington’s eyes had taken on that glazed look—the same look she’d seen on countless men’s faces when confronted by her sister’s beauty.
“A pleasure, my lord,” replied Amelia. “Victoria, we must find Papa. Immediately.”
“Whatever for?” Victoria asked with wide eyes, knowing full well that the modifications to her gown had been cataloged. “He’s probably up to his eyebrows in political debate by now, and you know how he hates to be disturbed.”
“Nevertheless, I must insist.” Amelia flashed Withington a beguiling smile. “My apologies, my lord. If you will excuse us?”
Victoria’s heart sank as he turned to her.
But instead of bowing and wishing her a fond farewell, he offered his arm. “As I said earlier, my lady, it will be my honor to escort you.”
Amelia’s eyes narrowed, threatening dire retribution should she accept.
