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Elizabeth inclined her head and walked toward Lady Jennette.
Will spent the next hour making inane conversation with some of the gentlemen while the ladies set up card games. He just wanted to leave. Catching sight of Lady Selby stifling a yawn, Will knew he had found his way out of this house. He walked up to Elizabeth and whispered, “I think we should leave soon. Lady Selby looks extremely tired and in her condition, she needs her sleep.”
Elizabeth turned and smiled at him. “That is a very fine thought, indeed. I will make our excuses. Perhaps if we leave, others will follow our lead.”
Will felt a little guilty since he’d only seen Lady Selby yawn once. But she was quite heavy with child. Surely she needed her rest. He watched as Lady Selby protested Elizabeth’s departure but finally nodded her agreement.
Elizabeth walked back toward him with a smile. “She tried to pretend she wasn’t tired but I could tell she was.”
“Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm to her.
“Yes.”
Will inhaled deeply and said another prayer that Somerton find that information quickly.
After two more tense days of waiting for Somerton to send him information, Will was about to give up and move out of the house. The strain at home was driving him mad. He could not stay in a room with Elizabeth for more than five minutes without fantasizing about her…and what he wanted to do with her. Now, she sat beside him in a small carriage as his sisters sat across from them. With each bump, her leg brushed against his, giving him more lecherous thoughts about kissing every inch of her body.
Thankfully, the ride to Lady Kingswood’s home was only a short drive. He climbed out first and assisted Elizabeth and his sisters. They entered the ball together, but knowing he could not stand another moment of being in her company, he quickly left for the gaming room.
After a large glass of whisky, he decided to sit at one of the tables. A small measure of tension eased from his body as a second glass of whisky followed the first. He placed a few bets, not worried about losing a small amount of money.
Richard sat two tables away tonight, with Caroline watching over him. His wife didn’t seem to give him any more good luck. Finally, she walked away with disgust written on her face.
Two hours later, Will had not moved an
d was down several pounds. He moved away from the table and headed to the ballroom to check on his sisters. After finding them both dancing with gentlemen, he scanned the room for Elizabeth. She was standing near her cousin Nicholas, deep in conversation. Nicholas noticed him and leveled him a glare. Her cousin did not seem to like him.
A large hand landed on Will’s shoulder. “You really need to come with me.”
“Please, tell me you have good news,” Will said to Somerton.
“The best.”
Somerton walked down a hall and turned into an empty receiving room. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and held it up for Will to see.
Will plucked the paper out of Somerton’s hand and quickly read the document. “You are absolutely certain of this?”
“He left in March and did not return until Christmas. So unless her mother went with him, there is no way you are her brother.”
“Oh, thank God.” Will relaxed for the first time all day. He folded the paper and placed it in his jacket. “How did you find the information out so quickly?”
“It’s what I do,” Somerton said with a grin. “Good night, Kendal.”
“You’re not staying?”
“Good Lord, no. I have a soft bed and a warm woman waiting for me.” Somerton inclined his head and then left the house.
A soft bed and a warm woman, exactly what Will planned to have later, too. Now that he was certain Elizabeth wasn’t his sister, there was no reason not to make love to her all night. Just thinking about her made him hard. He wanted to steal her from the room and leave this place now. But he knew she would never agree to leave this early. He waited a few moments before entering the salon.
He found her in the ballroom alone this time, and slowly approached her. “Did you save a dance for me?”
She looked up at him with a forced smile. “I do not believe that would be a good idea tonight.”
“Hmm, I think it would be an excellent idea.” Before she could refute him, he linked his arm with hers and led her to the dance floor.
“Will,” she hissed. “Please, let me go back to the refreshment table.”
“No,” he said simply. The musicians started and he pulled her closer. “You will dance with me tonight.”
