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“That’s Lord Pettigrew,” Reggie said, startling Henry a little. He hadn’t even noticed his approach, as he had been entirely fixated on Lady Arlington.
“Who?”
Reggie smirked but played along with his pathetic attempt to save face. “The man next to Georgiana. I mentioned him to you, didn’t I?”
Lady Arlington let out a delighted laugh, and Henry couldn’t stop himself from cutting a glance toward her. “No, you did not.”
“Ah, well, he’s a good lad. Inherited a barony last year.” Reggie then leaned in closer. “To be frank, the family is hoping it turns into something more.”
Henry’s shoulders tensed. Lord Pettigrew was young and dark-haired, with boyish good looks. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-two.
“I’d say it looks that way already,” Henry said dryly.
Reggie chuckled. “Only in his mind. For now. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in London, but my sister is in no hurry to remarry at the moment, I’m afraid. Though I do hope she doesn’t keep him waiting very long.”
Henry swallowed hard, as if that could rid himself of the bedeviling mix of envy and jealousy that bubbled up inside him every time he was reminded of her devastation over the viscount’s death. Lord Pettigrew found the strength to tear his attentions away from Lady Arlington for a moment and glanced back toward them. His eyes widened when he noticed Henry, and he immediately made his way over, making no attempt to hide his eagerness.
“Captain Harris?” He stuck out his hand and grinned. “I heard you were here. It issucha pleasure to meet you, sir. I read all about your exploits in Turkey. A simply marvelous adventure.”
Henry stared at the young man’s outstretched hand for an awkward moment before shaking it. “Is that so.” He longed to point out that two men had died during the course of thatmarvelous adventureand that he didn’t use this cane for fashion, but instead he merely attempted another bland smile.
The young man didn’t appear to notice his dry tone as he pumped his hand vigorously. “I heard someone is writing a book as well?”
“That is just conjecture, I’m afraid,” Henry replied. “There are no plans for a book written by anyone.”
He had been approached by a few publishers but turned them all down. Henry would not relive that month. Not for all the sterling in the empire.
Lord Pettigrew’s face fell in a near comic display of disappointment. Apparently he expressed every fleeting emotion that passed through his pretty head. “Oh, but theymust. It would be a sensation, I’m sure.” He then turned to Lady Arlington, who had joined them. “Don’t you think so, Georgiana?”
Henry met her eyes with a sardonic look.First names in public? Really?
Her lips twitched slightly, but she maintained her veiled expression. “I’m sure there would be great interest in anything about the captain.”
“Yes, absolutely!” Pettigrew said animatedly. “And if you need any introductions, I’d be happy to make them. I was at Cambridge with a chap whose father owns a publishing company.”
Of course he was. It had been so long since Henry moved in these circles he had forgotten how these things worked for the privileged class.
“That isn’t the issue,” he responded as politely as he could manage. “But thank you for the offer.”
Lord Pettigrew’s brow lifted, but he accepted the rebuff like the gentleman he was. “Well, I’d better return to my box. I’m here with Mother and a country cousin she is launching this season. You’re coming to her ball tomorrow, Georgiana?”
“Yes.”
“Splendid, splendid.” Then Lord Pettigrew turned to Henry. “You should come too, Captain! Oh, what a treat for all of us. And Mother would bethrilledif you danced with Cousin Lillian. I daresay it may well be the highlight of her season, poor girl. A bit awkward, that one.” Henry began to demur, but the young man shook his head. “I simply won’t take no for an answer. Convince him, will you, Georgiana?”
“I’m afraid the captain doesn’t enjoy balls. He’s likely to spend all evening on the terrace.” Then she turned to him. “Isn’t that right?”
Henry frowned at the reference to their long ago meeting and grumbled in response. Lord Pettigrew didn’t appear to notice as he was too busy making a great show of kissing Lady Arlington’s hand. “Until then, my lady.”
Henry had to look away as a faint blush stained Lady Arlington’s cheeks. Was she really taken by that dandy?
What do you care?
He silenced the voice in his head and managed to smile as Lord Pettigrew departed.
“Careful there, Captain,” Lady Arlington teased. “Someone might mistakenly believe you’re enjoying yourself.”
“I didn’t realize it was fashionable to bring children to the opera these days. That boy is barely out of short pants.”
