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Chapter Eight
Cam didn’t want to like the woman. He had received such a terrible first impression of her. And certain things about her really set his teeth on edge. Her attitude on occasion was just like his mother’s. But sometimes, he just couldn’t help but be drawn to her.
Whenever she laughed, it caused a strange flutter in his midsection that made him think he ought to call the family physician. Thankfully, she didn’t laugh too often. He couldn’t understand why she considered herself plain. While it was true that her older sister was the prettiest girl he had laid eyes on, even in comparison, Hilaria didn’t suffer too much. But now that Rosabel was out of the way, married to Cam’s cousin and off on a tour of Wexford’s properties, Hilaria stood out for the fact that she didn’t try so hard to be fashionable. She seemed far more natural than most of the young women of theton.
Cam couldn’t explain why she wasn’t considerably more popular than she seemed to be. He supposed her acerbic use of her tongue didn’t help matters, but Cam suspected she did that on purpose, to keep people at arm’s length from her. He wondered who had so hurt her that she thought she needed to be that way.
“It is likely my mother has already received messages from her friends today about the attention I showed you last night. If anyone saw us in the park today and then dancing this evening, they will be sure to send word to her again. I am expecting to hear from her within days. Perhaps hours. And then she will, no doubt, be upon my doorstep quite soon after. Unfortunately, I don’t expect her to be terribly discreet about her disapproval, but I wouldn’t expect her to cause a scene or publicly put you to the blush.”
To his surprise, Hilaria actually grinned.
“It might be amusing to see her try,” she declared when Cam’s eyebrows had inched toward his hairline. “I can only imagine my mother’s reaction.”
“It might be incendiary.”
“To say the least,” she agreed. “And that might work to my advantage,” Hilaria mused. “Some noblemen might consider it their chivalrous duty to come to my defence or aid.”
Cam laughed softly at the thought. “Would you consider it terribly romantic if I fought a duel or two in defence of your honour?”
She suddenly appeared horrified, and a faint gasp escaped her. “No! What a horrible thing to ask. I cannot imagine why you would think violence would make me feel good.”
It was fortunate that the musicians were loud. Cam didn’t think anyone could hear them. But he needed her to at least appear to enjoy his company or this scheme would be over before it had even gotten properly started. He forced a smile to his lips.
“I thought all young ladies wished for at least one duel on their behalf.”
“Well, you have been associating with very strange women if that’s what you thought. I don’t know of anyone who would feel that way.” She frowned up at him but then seemed to catch herself, realizing that she ought not to be displaying her ire. She too added a smile, but Cam could see that it didn’t come anywhere near her eyes. “My apologies, my lord. I should have just said no, thank you.”
“Is there a reason you are so opposed to the idea?”
“You were probably only jesting, anyhow, right? So, I shouldn’t have reacted so strongly. But the very thought of violence, especially on my supposed behalf, turns my stomach. I have heard you are reputed to be good at boxing and that you frequent Gentleman Jack’s salon, but I cannot appreciate this. In fact, I abhor it. The very thought of witnessing such a display makes me want to take to my bed.”
“Very well, my lady, you have made your point.” Cam’s voice was stiff and cold. He was again relieved that no one could hear them. He was also grateful that Hilaria hadn’t made a scene and left him behind on the dance floor. She seemed to be that upset on the subject. But she had sufficient self control that she didn’t do it.
When he glanced down into her face, he was surprised to note that even though her smile was still in place, there were actually tears glittering in her eyes.
“Hilaria, my dear, what is it? I am truly sorry. Shall I escort you outside?”
“No, no, please, I am perfectly fine. Just ignore me. I will be perfectly fine.”
She was repeating herself, surely not a good sign. Cam didn’t press her further but squeezed her hand and fought the urge to pull her scandalously close as they circled the dance floor. He did twirl her faster. Probably not the wisest course as it drew others’ attention, but she always seemed to like it and suddenly Cam couldn’t bear to be the source of her sadness.
But it worked. Within moments, her smile appeared to regain some of its genuineness.
“Tell me, what shall we do tomorrow?”
Hilaria frowned a little, not understanding his question. He explained further.
“We are going to see your anticipated display in two days, so that’s sorted out. But we didn’t make plans for tomorrow, did we?”
“It is our at home day tomorrow. I thought you were going to come and overstay your welcome, thus causing all the tongues to wag and raise expectations in my mother’s heart.”
Cam grinned over her wording but answered soberly. “I wasn’t sure if you would still want that. Raising your mother’s expectations seems unfair.”
Hilaria nodded. “I will try to ensure her expectations are managed. But I don’t see how else we can get people talking about a possible match between us if you never visit. It seems to be the most basic rule of courtship. The gentleman must visit the lady when she is receiving guests. Then he visits on his own. From what I’ve observed, that is the usual progression.”
Cam’s smile remained. “Is it always that way?”
Hilaria shrugged and nodded but still kept the steps of the dance perfectly. “It would seem so. Or perhaps that is just the public part.” She glanced around the room. “For example, that couple over there. Miss Perkins and Lord Hamilton. They appear to be quite enjoying one another’s company. But I haven’t heard a whisper of gossip about them. But surely, he will call upon her.”
