AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re a very candid woman, do you know that, Miss Moore?”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I find it interesting. I like a woman who prefers to be sincere and straightforward. You know where you are with a woman who is like that.” Galliston’s smile was warm. “You are certainly going to bring a lot of attention with the way you talk about certain subjects.”
Isabel winced.
“You’ve heard me?”
“I did overhear a few stories you were telling. I thought it was rather strange that you would talk about the flora and fauna of the country.” Galliston arched an eyebrow. “Not quite the conversational topic I would have expected of a lady, but you seemed to carry it off really well.”
Isabel winced.
“That went really wrong. I shouldn’t be talking about that. It’s not a very enlightening conversation.”
“Like I said, it was strange. But entertaining. Everyone seemed to be hanging onto your every word.”
Isabel was relieved about that. She had been talking a little too much about her little expeditions around the countryside, and when she realized she was talking too much about something that wasn’t appropriate, she tried to laugh it off and jest about it. That had people laughing. At least they thought she was fascinating, and being at her first ball, she could get away with it, for the most part.
Just not too much. Isabel didn’t want the ton to turn their backs on her. Lady Blythcourt said when the ones who were very respected of their opinions made a decision about you, it was best to make sure it was a good opinion. If she didn’t, then she was going to be constantly chasing a good impression.
It would be far too embarrassing that she messed it up on her first evening.
“Miss Moore?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re shivering.” Galliston touched Isabel’s hand. “Do you want to go back inside?”
“What? Oh, no.” Isabel shook her head. “I’m fine; it was very warm inside. I’ll just take a moment to have some air, and then I’ll go looking for Mother and Lady Blythcourt.”
Galliston peered at her. Then he sat back and watched her curiously.
“Lady Blythcourt is a friend of yours, is she?”
“Do you know her?”
“Of her. She’s known around Society. A very ... vibrant woman.”
Isabel giggled.
“That’s one way of describing her. She’s actually a cousin of my mother’s. A second cousin, I think. She’s been helping me find my feet in London.”
“She seems rather protective of you.”
“I’m glad she is. She’s made me feel less nervous about stepping out for the rest of the ton.” Isabel looked at her hands twisting in her lap. “It feels scary going from the country to the capital city with huge crowds completely focused on me. I didn’t think I would be able to cope.”
Galliston smiled.
“You’ve coped very well. You are going to have plenty of admirers after tonight.”
“Do you think so?”
“I know so. I’ve not been able to take my eyes off you all evening. Even when you’re dancing, you completely draw my attention.” His eyes drifted over her face. “You’re just a remarkable young woman, Miss Moore. The man who gets your attention is going to be a lucky man.”
Isabel’s breath caught in her throat. Did that mean she had the attention of a duke? Should she even try to start some sort of flirtation?
Could she do it?
