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“That’s a relief.”
“Why do you feel awkward? You know what to expect at a ball.”
“Yes, but I haven’t had to go out of my way to try to attract gentlemen. My father arranged all of the dances for me in the past. This evening, the duchess told him to let the gentlemen approach me instead. That puts a lot of pressure on me, you know. I have to remember all of the things she told me to do, and that’s not easy when I’m trying to keep up a conversation with them.”
“If it makes you feel better, you seem like it’s all coming naturally to you.”
She smiled in pleasure, and he was glad he’d been able to provide the reassurance she’d needed. After a moment, she asked, “You don’t still suspect Stacey of wishing me harm, do you?”
“Well, Stacey’s husband thinks very well of you. I don’t know how a wife couldn’t get a little jealous over the way he praises you.”
“He’s not interested in me romantically. He was just happy that I wanted to hear him talk about that book he’d been reading.”
Sensing the worried tone in her voice, he assured her, “You don’t have to panic. I’m not going to bring a constable over to Stacey’s residence later tonight. I am still considering other people.”
Her eyes lit up. “You’ve noticed something unusual, and it wasn’t from Piers or Stacey?”
He shushed her. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice what she’d said. “There is one possibility, but I can’t tell you who that is yet.” At the moment, he had so little to conclude from the Duke of Winnett’s words and actions that all he could do was watch him.
“All right, since you don’t want to discuss that, can I ask you about Lord Edon?” she asked.
“I don’t know him. I only met him right before dancing with you.”
“At the park, my father mentioned not liking Lord Edon. I’d like to know why. What is it that Lord Edon’s done to upset him?”
Byron shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“You’re not curious about it?”
“I don’t care what senseless gossip your father was talking about. It has nothing to do with my job.” Noting her disappointment, he added, “Why should you care? Lord Edon’s already married.”
“I have no interest in marrying him. I was just curious. My father spends so much time talking about people he likes. I can’t help but wonder what would make him not like someone.”
“Whatever it is, it probably involves something that is unfit for delicate ears.” Even Byron wished he hadn’t heard all of that nonsense about Lord Edon’s private activities in a carriage, and he was a gentleman.
“It must be interesting. When I was living in the country, I spent a lot of time in boredom. I thought once I came to London, I wouldn’t be bored anymore, but I was wrong.”
“Someone has malicious intentions concerning you,” he pointed out. “I don’t see how that can bore you.”
“Besides the incident with the carriage and at the theatre, what has happened to me?”
Nothing. Yet. Him stepping into the picture to play the role of her suitor must have changed things somehow. And that suddenly worried him.
“I really hope you don’t ruin my chances of being a member ofLadies of Grace,” she continued. “It wouldn’t be boring in London if I had some friends.”
Drawing his attention back to their conversation, he said, “I don’t want to ruin your chances of getting friends, but I have to consider all possibilities, no matter where it leads me.”
As the dance ended, a gentleman approached. At once, she went from being her usual self to being the flirtatious lady the Duchess of Ashbourne had taught her to be. She thanked Byron for a lovely dance before tapping the necklace around her neck and giving him a light laugh. Byron blinked in surprise. He knew she was only acting, but something deep within him responded to her flirtatious gesture.
A bit frightened since nothing like that had ever happened to him before, he hurried to walk away from her. Whatever was that strange feeling about? He couldn’t quite pin it down. It seemed to be a mix between a puppy who was eager to do what his master wanted and finding out he had solved a difficult case. Whatever that sensation was, he hoped he never experienced it again.
Realizing that Piers, Ethan, and Christopher were watching him, he decided to go over to Eleanor’s father. He wasn’t sure if they picked up on the flicker of emotion he’d just experienced, but he didn’t want to chance them mentioning it. It was embarrassing enough he’d gone through it.
When he reached Eleanor’s father, the Duke of Winnett was no longer with him. Byron scanned the room but didn’t see the duke anywhere. The duke seemed to have left. That was interesting. Byron wasn’t sure what it meant, but he was sure it was significant somehow.
“Your Grace,” Byron began, “I realize this has nothing to do with the reason you hired me, but why don’t you allow Eleanor to meet my sister? Eris is a wonderful lady who’d make her a good friend. There’s nothing remotely scandalous surrounding her, and she is financially well-off. The two have compatible social standings. You can check all of this out yourself if you don’t believe me.”
Her father took his gaze off of his daughter. “I have been looking into it. I finally came across a gentleman who knows someone who knows your sister’s husband.”
