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The group broke out into laughter, and warmth filled Amelia. She’d missed this, being among family and friends. She’d had it for a brief time when she’d gone away to school and met Mary, but it had been years since she’d felt as though she were among family.
Mary looked over Amelia’s shoulder, a broad grin spreading over her face. “Don’t look now, but your prince is approaching.”
Of course Amelia looked over her shoulder. Her heart stuttered when she saw the look on John’s face. His attention was centered squarely on her.
When he joined them, he bowed to the group before turning to look at Amelia. “You’ve been ignoring your duties.”
Somehow she kept her mouth from dropping open. “In what way, my lord?”
“You promised to keep me safe from the mamas and the young women who have tried everything in their power to tempt me into compromising them. Instead, I find you over here having fun without me.”
His words did much to reassure her. She hadn’t wanted to cling to his side, but it was clear he’d been hoping for just that.
She couldn’t help needling him. “Are you sure none of them tempted you?”
His soft scoff had the group laughing again. “Next to you, they don’t even exist.”
Amelia fought the urge to swoon. His soft smile, the way his gray eyes roamed over her face as though he’d been lost and now was saved… If she didn’t already love him, she would have fallen under his spell in that moment.
Louisa coughed discreetly into her glove, which was enough to remind them that they weren’t alone.
“I think it’s time to make our announcement.”
Her heart fluttered at the determined look on John’s face. He held out his arm, and she took it, the two of them proceeding to the area where the musicians had set up their instruments. He must have already spoken to them because the soft music they played between sets came to an end with a dramatic flourish. The climax of sound drew the attention of several guests. When they saw her and the marquess standing together, waiting for their attention, they spread the word to their less attentive neighbors that something was about to happen.
From the frowns on several of their faces, it was obvious they knew what was coming and they weren’t pleased.
The whispers came to a halt, and every eye in the room was trained on them. Amelia had to force back the urge to hide behind John’s broad shoulders. She held her hands clasped before her and pasted a neutral smile on her face as she waited for him to begin.
“I would like to thank everyone here for their most gracious welcome. When I was but a soldier in His Majesty’s army, I never dreamed I would be returning to England to assume the title of Marquess of Lowenbrock. From what Miss Weston tells me, her uncle was a great man, generous to his tenants and beloved by all in the surrounding neighborhoods. I can only hope to adequately fill the void he left behind when he passed.”
Amelia dashed the tear that had formed and threatened to roll down her cheek. John hadn’t told her that he’d planned to pay tribute to her uncle, but she shouldn’t have been surprised by his words. He hadn’t been raised to inherit the title and all that came with it, but she knew her uncle would be proud of him. And relieved that his holdings and tenants were being taken care of.
She looked out at the guests and could see that many were hoping his speech would end there. When he held his hand out to her, she could see the disappointment reflected on their faces. She looked to the man she had agreed to marry and placed her hand in his, unable to quiet the riot of butterflies in her belly. This was all the declaration of their intention to wed that many would need, but John continued, drawing her closer and placing her hand on his arm.
“I would like to announce that Miss Weston has done me the great honor of accepting my suit and will be the next Marchioness of Lowenbrock.”
A polite smattering of applause broke out. John turned to the orchestra and inclined his head. She shouldn’t have been surprised when they began to play the opening strains of a waltz.
He led her to the floor, and they took up their positions without another word. They moved together as though they had danced together a thousand times, and after almost a minute, other couples joined them on the floor.
They danced past his friend Cranston, who was smiling down at the woman who’d threatened to ruin her dress, as they joined the waltzing couples. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d partnered with her by design, to keep her occupied during the woman’s disappointment. She didn’t know the man well, but it seemed as though it was something he would do. She would have to thank him later.
She met John’s gaze when he chuckled. “What has amused you?”
He gave his head a rueful shake. “Ashford is going to kill me for not warning him.”
“You didn’t tell him about our engagement? Surely you don’t think he had any romantic intentions toward me. I assure you he has been a gentleman in his behavior.”
“No, it isn’t that. But the panicked look on his face after I made my announcement and he realized he was now the most eligible bachelor in the room was priceless. I really should have warned him, but I can guarantee he wouldn’t have joined us tonight if I had.”
Amelia laughed. “You’re awful. What is he doing now?”
He inclined his head to one corner, and she saw Ashford deep in conversation with Mary. Finally he held out his arm and Mary took it, following him onto the dance floor.
She had a moment of speculation, wondering if there was something between them, but that was dashed by John’s next words.
“I see he’s found a shield to hide behind.”
