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“I was nine at the time, if you’ll recall,” Louisa said in her own defense, feeling quite proud of herself because Alex had been all of thirteen, not to mention a foot taller than she.
“You had a black eye for a week,” Anthony said.
“I did at that.” Alex rubbed his cheek at the memory. “Now, back to the subject at hand: cirrostratus clouds have more substance than cirrus clouds do.” He came up the stairs toward her, leaning closer and raising his quizzing glass to study her appearance more thoroughly. He ran the flounce on her sleeve through his fingers. “Cirrostratus, hmm.”
Louisa glared at him and swatted his hand away.
He grinned. “Look at that frowning face of hers, Tony,” he said. “A storm appears to be brewing after all.”
“A cumulus cloud, then,” Anthony said. “She’s all puffy clouds with the threat of foul weather. We are at your service, Lady Cumulus.” He bowed theatrically to her as Alex offered her his hand.
She pretended to ignore them both, raising her chin as she took her last few steps down to the entry hall—and then she couldn’t help herself. She giggled.
Their parents entered the hall from one of the adjoining parlors at the same moment, obviously overhearing the exchange.
“What a vision you are, Louisa,” her father, the Marquess of Ashworth, said, taking both her hands in his and kissing her cheek. “Don’t listen to those rapscallion brothers of yours. They wouldn’t know a diamond of the first water if she were to stand two inches from their noses. One would think I had never taught them to admire beauty.”
“Don’t worry, Papa,” she replied archly. “They were merely discussing the weather.”
Alex laughed.
“You look absolutely exquisite, my darling,” Mama said, giving Louisa a hug, careful not to wrinkle either of their gowns. “The gown is divine and is the perfect choice for this evening.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Drat her pesky, adorable brothers!
“I assume the two of you are planning to make an appearance tonight since this is your sister’s first ball of the Season,” Papa said.
“Certainly, Father. We would never wish to disappoint our little sister. But does that mean I must also dance with her?” Anthony asked, rubbing his leg for effect, an innocent look of inquiry on his face. “Sore knee, you know. Boxing mishap at Gentleman Jackson’s the other day.”
“You never mentioned a sore knee to me,” Mama said, raising an eyebrow.
Alex was biting his lip to keep from laughing again.
“I didn’t wish to worry you unduly, Mama,” Anthony replied meekly.
“That is most unfortunate,” Papa said smoothly. “Because I expect you both to dance at least once with your sister and introduce her to some of your friends. The reputable ones, that is. And as for you, Anthony, I suggest you rub liniment on that knee before you arrive at the Wilmingtons’. Hopefully the smell of it won’t put off the other guests.”
“If those guests include the young ladies in attendance, that makes liniment a plus in my book,” Alex whispered loudly to Anthony from behind his hand. “Parson’s mousetrap and all that. Wouldn’t want to end up leg shackled before I’m ready, you know. Perhaps I’ll discover a sore knee, too, before we make an appearance.”
“Halford,” their father said, calling Alex by his title, which meant the words to follow were ones he intended to be taken seriously. “I expect you to lead your sister out for her first dance. See that you are there and on time, whatever plans you do or do not have for later in the evening.”
“Certainly, Father. I wouldn’t dream otherwise.” He waited a beat before continuing. “Nothing more fun than dancing with one’s baby sister, after all.” He winked at Louisa.
“You are incorrigible,” Louisa said, fighting back more giggles.
Alex only laughed.
“I suppose I must dance with Louisa as well,” Anthony said with a huge sigh, “despite my sore knee. I am that thoughtful of a brother, you know.”
“Your chivalry knows no bounds,” Papa said dryly.
“I am quite certain Louisa shall have no problem finding dance partners,” Mama said. “She has caught the eye of several young men already, including the Earl of Kerridge.”
“Unless she begins talking any of them into a stupor,” Alex said.
“Halford,” Papa scolded.
Louisa could feel her cheeks turn red, but really, Alex spoke the truth. Louisa knew that she occasionally had the tendency to rattle on in conversation.
