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Dash grinned at Perdita, watching her fight not to say more. She had always been so easy to bait and so predictable. He doubted she’d be as easily led now.
Lady Beaumont placed her hand on Perdita’s arm. “My dear, you must accept Beldon’s invitation. It is most unremarkable for you to dance with a family friend.” Lady Beaumont lowered her voice. “I will not allow your perfect night to be marred by all the old tabbies spreading rumors that you refused to dance with the earl.”
“Of course. I won’t allow anything to ruin tonight.”
He would take her anger and even hatred over the resignation he heard in her voice. In his empty, lonely days, he always believed that Perdita would still care for him. She wasn’t the type of woman to give up on anyone. He didn’t want to know if she had changed. He should leave. He hadn’t come to draw attention to Perdita or himself by dancing with her. But he never could resist her, needing her to keep pushing him, to challenge him to be a better man. For the last little while, he felt more alive than he had in years.
“My lord, you do me such an honor. But alas, by your late appearance, I’ve only a dance open later in the night. I’m sure you have other entertainments planned for the rest of your evening.”
“It will be my honor to be granted any dance, Lady Perdita.” Dash bowed. Going against all better judgment, he would stay and dance. One last look at a life he might have had.
Perdita rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath which Lady Beaumont must have heard since she chuckled.
“It is time for us to dance together, Roddy.” Perdita linked her arm with Roddy’s. “Aunt Euphemia, since Beldon has a close acquaintance with you, he can escort you to your friends and attain punch and a plate. You’ve been standing far too long.”
Knowing Perdita, Roddy was going to get an earful from his sister. Roddy would never betray that he hadn’t promised a dance with Dash.
Lady Beaumont patted Perdita’s cheek. “You’re very sweet to watch over me, my dear. You must not worry. I’m fine. Tonight is your night, and my role is to take care of you.”
Perdita pressed her hand against Lady Beaumont’s. “I’m grateful to have you beside me. And I will be watching if you don’t rest.”
Memories of Perdita’s comforting touch broke through Dash’s glacial heart. Perdita was still loving and generous. He was the only one who had lost the right to her warmth and affection.
Dash offered his arm to Lady Beaumont. “Where would you like to be seated, my lady?”
Lady Beaumont leaned against his arm. “Thank heaven. My feet are killing me. I could never tell that to my darling Perdita, but I can’t wait to sit down.”
“She would understand.”
“Yes. She would. She is a very compassionate and caring woman, just like her grandmother. It broke Annette’s heart that her daughter had no time for her children. Perdita suffered from the selfishness of her parents. She was abandoned by her parents and, if I’m not mistaken, by a man too.”
“My lady, I don’t think Lady Perdita would welcome your speculation.”
“Oh, don’t get all lordy on me. Cordelier, my powerful nephew, has tried for years with no effect. I don’t intimidate easily.”
“I never believed you would.”
“I intend to find her a worthy man. A man who will protect her and provide the love she deserves. After her dismal childhood, I will not fail Perdita. It is quite amazing that she still shows no restraint in loving despite disappointment and betrayal. She loves wholeheartedly, and the man who captures her heart will be a lucky man.”
“I’m sure Lady Perdita will have many worthy men to choose from.”
“Attempting to seduce her with flattery and smoldering looks or commanding her will not work. You should try for sincerity. A woman like Perdita values honesty over false admiration.”
“My lady, you speak out of turn.”
“Of course, I do. It’s the benefit of achieving my age. I can say anything I please. Be warned. Lady Perdita is under my protection. And there will be consequences for anyone who harms her.”
“My lady, I have no intention of harming her. I’ve no intention toward her at all. And you know very well the reason. I could never risk her wellbeing.”
“During these dangerous times, is there a better man than yourself to protect her?” She batted at his arm. “Why do I waste my breath on men? You never listen, anyway. Go ahead and get me a plate and a brandy. None of that insufferable punch. Managing the young is exhausting, and standing in that blasted line made me ravenous. Bring me a second plate with Cook’s sugar cookies.”
Dismissed again. No wonder Perdita loved Lady Beaumont; they were both bossy. It was absurd to believe that Perdita was in danger in London. The woman did nothing that would warrant needing protection, attending balls and soirees and walking in Hyde Park.
And why did he feel cared for by Lady Beaumont’s scold? No one had cared about him in a very long time except for Perdita and Roddy, whom he had both hurt and alienated. He didn’t want their pity or understanding. It was much easier to reject their appeals than expose them to his dangerous enemies.
