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The two crossed near the drinks table where Sir Arnold quickly departed, leaving Lady Elkins alone with her friend, the Marchioness of Rumpton. As Jeremy moved toward them, he could not hear their conversation, but he could see they must have been speaking of something illicit for they both blushed red and laughed deeply. Lady Elkins took a glass of sparkling wine proffered by her friend and tipped it back to her lips.
How many has she had?
When Lady Elkins wobbled on her feet, it seemed to answer his question. She’d had enough to make her lightheaded at least. She nearly lost her balance, just as Jeremy reached her side and brought up his hand to her back. He held her up, with her free hand reaching out and clinging to the crook of his arm.
A gasp escaped her lips, apparently only just realizing the way she was clinging to him as her dark eyes lifted to meet his.
“Your Grace,” she murmured as she retracted her hand from him.
“Please, hold onto me longer if you like,” he said softly, so only she and Lady Rumpton could hear him. From what he had heard of Lady Rumpton’s escapades, and could see now in her humored smile, she would hardly care if he spoke with flirtation. She was not one for propriety. “I would rather that than to see you fall, Lady Elkins.”
Lady Elkins kept her hand off him nevertheless and lifted her glass to her lips another time.
“A fine dancer you are, Your Grace,” Lady Rumpton said, capturing his attention. “The sight of you and my friend here dancing together was quite something.”
“Was it?” Lady Elkins said, twisting her head sharply to look at her friend before Jeremy could utter a word.
“Quite something indeed,” Lady Rumpton declared with a playful smile.
“Rachel…” Lady Elkins’ tone had become a warning as she stepped away from Jeremy’s hold. He inched to follow her, though he held himself back, worried she would totter on her feet once again.
“What did you think of Sophia’s dance partner, Your Grace?” Lady Rumpton said, still smiling up at Jeremy. From the way Lady Elkins was pulling on her friend’s arm, it was clear she thought the Marchioness was up to no good. “A fine gentleman, is he not?”
“Sir Arnold has a habit of making an impression wherever he goes. That impression is not always a good one.” Jeremy couldn’t resist the words. He and Sir Arnold would hardly ever be called the closest of friends but seeing him with his arms around someone like Lady Elkins made Jeremy’s blood boil.
She deserves someone better now she is free from her husband.
“You are worried for my friend in accepting his offer of a dance?” Lady Rumpton asked.
“Perhaps a little.” Jeremy kept his eyes on Lady Elkins, unsure what else to say. He hardly had the right to warn her off men like Sir Arnold.
“Well, as it happens, your timing is quite perfect, Your Grace.” Lady Rumpton appeared ready to walk away.
“It is?” Lady Elkins asked, her eyes wide.
“My friend has a favor to ask of you. Do ask him, Sophia.” As Lady Rumpton walked off, Jeremy returned his eyes to Lady Elkins, watching as she stood there dumbstruck, with her lips parted.
“What favor is it you wish to ask of me, My Lady?”
