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Marianne frowned. “My sister is a little overcome with heat at present, my lord....”
Jane stood up. She was shaky on her feet. She took a deep breath. “I am quite well, Marianne. Yes, I will dance with you, Lord Carlisle.”
He looked pleased. Marianne’s eyes widened, but then she smiled. Jane was just grateful that Lucy wasn’t by their side to witness it. Her cousin must be busy talking or dancing with someone else.
Lord Carlisle offered his arm. She took it. The next minute, he was leading her to the dance floor.
Jane didn’t even try to understand what she was doing. She had the perfect excuse to refuse him—her sister would have backed her up. Instead, she hadchosento dance with him. She was actively encouraging him. Perhaps it was just about her reaction to seeing him dance with Beatrice Prescott. She couldn’t entertain the idea it might be something more.
I am sorry, Mama, she thought, her heart lurching. I will keep my promise to you. But can I not act like a regular woman, just for a little while? Just for a bit longer.
Chapter 13
Percy watched intently as Lady Jane, Marianne, and their cousin Lucy bid farewell to the host of the ball before walking out of the Lethbridge house. He was surprised by the intense disappointment he felt that Jane was leaving the ball. Now, all he wanted to do was leave as well.
Freddie appeared by his side, interrupting his reverie. “You look a trifle sad that the Metcalfe ladies are leaving, old chap.” His eyes were sparkling.
“I am,” said Percy, frowning slightly. “I wanted to dance with Lady Jane again.” He rolled his eyes. “Although it is somewhat a relief that Lady Lucy is departing. She has followed me around the entire evening, batting her eyelashes at me, waiting for me to ask her to dance. I had to give in eventually out of politeness, but I fear it has only encouraged her.”
Freddie laughed, clapping him on the back. “That one is determined! She shall not give up without a fight.” He hesitated. “But I am pleased to hear that Lady Jane is not discouraging your attention any longer. I saw you dancing with her earlier. Youdoseem to have broken through that reserve of hers at last, Carlisle.”
Percy nodded. His friend was right—Lady Jane did seem to have thawed. She had agreed to a dance, at least. But after talking with her briefly afterwards, she had suddenly disappeared. Marianne had mentioned that her sister wasn’t feeling particularly well this evening, and indeed she had been pale and distracted. He was filled with concern for her, hoping that she wasn’t coming down with a sickness.
And now, the Metcalfe ladies had left early. His chance to keep up his pursuit of her was done for the night. More was the pity.
Percy turned to his friend. “Do you mind awfully if we leave, Morland? I know the night is still young, but I am in no mood to spend the rest of it spurning matrons eager for me to dance with their daughters. The thought of it makes me feel weary.”
Freddie laughed. “Let me have just one more dance with Miss Matilda Grey, and I promise we can be on our way.”
Percy sighed. “So be it.”
His friend clapped him on the back, then drifted away towards Miss Grey. Percy watched them walk to the dance floor. They had eyes only for each other. For some reason, the sight of their clear regard for each other made his heart clench. They both looked like they were in the first flush of love.
I have never let myself look upon a lady like that, he thought, his heart clenching again.I have never allowed it. What must it be like to let oneself give in to such a strong feeling?
Suddenly, he was conscious that someone was by his side. He turned, shaking away his melancholy, trying to smile. It was Miss Beatrice Prescott.
“My lord,” she said, a half-smile playing upon her lips. “You seem at loose ends. And it seems that so am I. Alas, I do not have any dances on my dance card for the next half hour.” She pouted in a pretty way, staring at him pointedly.
Percy gave her a tight smile. He knew exactly what she was insinuating. The lady wanted him to ask her to dance again. He hesitated. It would fill in the time while he waited for Freddie, but did he want to encourage her any further?
He had already danced with Miss Prescott twice this evening. The lady was getting more overtly flirtatious with him every time. He recognised that she was indeed an artful player of the game, just as Marianne had told him.
He studied her carefully. Miss Prescott looked beautiful in a dramatic rose-coloured gown with her silky raven hair done up in an elegant chignon, studded with glittering diamantes. She was also a clever conversationalist. On the surface, she would make a fine wife. But her ambition was her downfall. She was targeting him because of his title, and he knew it. Just like all of them.
All except Lady Jane, he thought, his heart clenching. She is different to the others. She is like day to their unending night.
“My lord?” Miss Prescott’s voice permeated his consciousness.
Percy shook himself. “Indeed. Well, would you care to dance with me now, Miss Prescott?”
Her eyes lit up. “I thought you would never ask, my lord.” Her accompanying laugh was low and husky.
He led her to the dance floor. As they were walking, she glanced up at him. “Are you fond of Lady Jane Metcalfe, by any chance?”
He smothered his surprise at her abrupt question. “Lady Jane is lovely.”
Miss Prescott laughed. “She is an odd one. She usually spurns all suitors and has done so for years. She is a wallflower.” Her eyes narrowed. “I have heard whispers that you have called upon her twice since you have been in Seaborne.”
