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Chapter Twenty-Six
Bertram was surprised to find that he was enjoying himself. He usually did not like the pretentiousness oftonevents including engagements, weddings or balls of any kind.
It was one reason why he joined the military. It gave him a perfectly good reason to be absent from Society. He’d felt lucky that Victoria had never shown interest in participating and he knew that Letty was impatient even with the idea of it all.
I have been lucky twice in my life. Thank you, God.
He felt a profound gratitude as he smiled at Letty, propelling her around the floor and allowing his guests to salivate over her. He marveled at the fact that she really had no idea how lovely she was. Her skin veritably gleamed like polished ivory in the candlelight, her chestnut hair glinting with red highlights, she was willowy and wispy, mysterious and ethereal.
His heart swelled with joy as he watched her, the slight furrow at her brow betraying her nervousness. There was no need for it because everyone could see why a Duke would choose her for a bride—title or no. Any man would be lucky to have her and she had chosenhim.
He smiled down at her and was gratified when her eyes lightened and she smiled back. The music came to an end and they stopped dancing to raucous applause. Letty curtsied very correctly, and Bertram bit his lip to cover his smile.
She must have taken lessons from Lady Fiennes.
Soon the orchestra struck up a new tune and the dance floor filled with people. Bertram turned to Letty. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes, please. Port would be lovely.”
She looked so relieved at the thought of refreshment that he almost laughed out loud. Everything was amusing. He knew that they were having this ball to fulfill a very serious purpose and his life was in danger but he could not suppress the bubble of laughter and happiness floating around in his belly.
He flagged down a waiter, and liberated him of two glasses, handing one to Letty. “I think this is sherry, will that do?”
Letty grabbed the glass. “That’s fine.” She took a large sip and her shoulders relaxed.
“Well? How are we doing so far? Did you see anyone who might be suspicious?”
“As a matter of fact, I did. There were two men, one tall, one short.” She gave him a significant glance.
“I see…” he took a sip of his sherry, looking around casually. “Do you see them now?”
She also took a sip of her drink while doing a little whirl to see the entire room. “Yes, I do. They are over there by the bay windows.”
“Should we go and speak to them?”
“Wouldn’t that arouse their suspicions?”
“Not if we speak to everyone between here and there.”
Letty turned to look at him with wide eyes. “What?” she whispered.
“Don’t worry, just follow my lead.” He took her elbow and led her to the first couple. “Lord Featherington! Lady Winchester! How lovely to see you again. It’s been some time.”
“Yes, it has,” Lady Winchester agreed, knocking him on the arm with her fan. “You hardly come down for the Season. We’ve missed you.”
“Well,” he turned proudly to Letty, “there hasn’t been any need.”
Lady Winchester flicked Letty a glance before pursing her lips as she looked away, “Yes, I see.”
Lord Featherington reached for Letty’s gloved hands, bowing down to kiss one, while ogling her breasts. “May I offer my congratulations on your engagement."
“Er, I thank you,” Letty replied awkwardly. She widened her eyes at Bertram as if to beg for his help and he smoothly stepped in, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow.
“Miss Strange and I have many people to meet so if you will excuse us…” he bowed to the Viscount and led Letty away, picking up his pace a bit lest the two men shift position. They greeted one or two other people along the way before they were able to stop at the table where the two men sat.
Bertram leaned forward to speak to the taller one. “You will pardon my rudeness, sir, but I do not think we have made your acquaintance before.”
The man rose to his feet, and Bertram was chagrined to realize he had to look up at him. “Horace Johnson at your service, sir.”
