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Lady Cantwell laughed again. Taking Elizabeth’s arm, she walked her away from the crowd. “My dear child, we all know that the duke is not your cousin.”
“Wh-what do you mean?”
The woman’s bony hand tightened on Elizabeth’s arm. “You know exactly what I mean. A father does not leave his youngest unmarried daughter with nothing.”
“I have a dowry,” she said defensively. Not much of a dowry, but it was something.
“When you want to speak truthfully about this, please call on me.” Lady Cantwell left Elizabeth standing by a potted palm.
Elizabeth glanced up to see Will walking toward her. Oh, God, not now. She couldn’t speak to him with her emotions in a knot. The last time she had tried, she ended up on a sofa in the music room with him.
She turned and stepped onto the dance floor in an attempt to lose herself in the crowd. Hopefully, she would find someone she knew to talk with before Will found her. If only Avis and Jennette had attended. Or better yet, Sophie.
Elizabeth could really use Sophie’s advice. Not paying attention, she walked into the man in front of her.
“I am dreadfully sorry,” she started as the man stopped and turned.
“I most certainly am not,” Lord Somerton said. “And since you are so dreadfully sorry, I believe you must repay me with a dance.”
“A dance?” she squeaked.
The crowd on the dance floor parted as the dancers took their position. She wanted to refuse his request. But glancing behind her she noticed Will coming upon them quickly.
Somerton held out his arm as his hazel eyes stared at her. “You don’t seem like the type of woman who would refuse me due to my past transgressions. Are you?”
She had no time to make this decision. “Of course not, my lord. I would love to dance with you.”
They moved together on the dance floor. Elizabeth felt as if everyone was staring at them, mostly her. Perhaps she should make conversation with him.
“I have not seen you at many balls, my lord.”
“I normally detest them. But I am finding this one quite entertaining.”
“Perhaps you are ready to turn over a new leaf. Put away your rakish ways.”
Somerton smiled down at her in such a way, Elizabeth felt as if she were about to be devoured.
“I don’t think so,” he replied.
Chapter 13
Will halted his stride as he watched Elizabeth take Somerton’s arm and start a waltz. He clenched his fists as Somerton held her close and looked down at her as if she were a treat. Will would have to kill him. Jealousy raged in him as the couple danced.
A man near him chuckled softly. “Good God, Somerton, what are you up to now?”
Will turned to the man. “You know Lord Somerton?”
“Indeed I do.”
“How well?”
“Only as well as Somerton will let anyone know him.” The man finally turned to face him. “Do I know you?”
“William Atherton.”
The man’s blue eyes shone with surprise. “Your Grace,” he said with a quick bow. “Banning Talbot, the Earl of Selby.”
Did everyone have to bow down to him like he was a god? “Selby, then. What can you tell me about Somerton?”
