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He caught sight of Robert standing with Elizabeth at a nearby table. Robert smiled in a gesture of welcome and cheerfully called Ash's name. Ash forced a polite nod in response and readjusted his cravat.
"Come, come," Robert said, motioning him to stand next to him. Ash hesitated briefly. He felt out of place among the ton members, but he knew that if he left now it would start rumors of why he’d even come in the first place. He reluctantly walked over and joined them.
Every eye in the room seemed to be on him, judging him for his late arrival. Ash felt like he couldn't breathe. “Good lord, I don’t remember soirees being this oppressive. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so anxious to attend.”
Robert slid his gaze around the ballroom. “It’s normally not. But something happened earlier that upset the party, I’m afraid. Lord Hearne’s countess became distraught when she saw him dance with Lady Markham. She walked over to them dancing and shared a curt word with both of them.”
“What happened?”
“She pulled a folded copy of the London-Town Tattler out of her reticule,” Elizabeth said softly so no one could hear. “Then quite loudly accused them of being lovers before she started sobbing.” Elizabeth’s eyes were empathetic. “Poor woman. Lord Hearne put his arm about his wife, and they went home.”
“Those gossip rags do more damage every day.” Ash placed his arms behind his back and gripped one wrist with his hand. “This is the Duchess of Southart's soiree. Only the loftiest members of the ton would attend tonight. And that bloody gossip rag makes an appearance by manipulating and hurting others. It’s an outrage.”
Elizabeth shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately, Lady Markham’s husband didn’t see the confrontation. He’s out in the garden with her now, trying to find out what happened.”
“Will he be angry?” Ash asked.
Robert shook his head. “No. He loves his wife. Lord Markham and Lord Hearne were supporting a bill they both wanted to introduce next week. I hope this doesn’t hurt their collaboration.”
“I’m glad I missed it,” Ash confided. He tugged his collar in an attempt to relieve the sense of strangling he’d had since he’d walked through the door. “I can hardly breathe in this place.” His gaze shot to Elizabeth. “Can you breathe, all right?”
“Yes, Ash.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes, then smiled. “I don’t need a nursemaid. Dr. Camden was already here and evaluated me. He said I’m just fine.”
“But you seem out of sorts.” Robert’s eyes shimmered in amusement. “Elizabeth has been perfect this evening.”
Ash raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m fine. But I’ll have you know that nursemaids never take the night off. That’s why I’m here. And don't take Lizzie’s side.”
Robert held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'll try to keep my opinions to myself. But I was relieved when I spoke with Dr. Camden.”
A footman dressed in the ivory and gold Southart formal livery approached and offered Elizabeth a glass of champagne.
She picked up two glasses and held one to Robert, then the other to Ash. She took the remaining glass from the tray. “Thank you.” She nodded to the footman, then held her glass up in a toast. “Here’s to us.”
Ash noticed her subdued tone. "Are you certain you're feeling well enough for tonight?"
Elizabeth huffed quietly. "I don't feel any different than I did this afternoon. I'm fine."
He stared at her for an instant. "That’s good, I suppose. However, I’m a bit put out that you don’t feel extraordinary.” He lowered his voice and leaned toward them. “Our lovemaking was exceptional this afternoon," he said softly.
He raised the glass to his lips. The champagne was rich and almost creamy in taste with a hint of orange. It was an expensive vintage, and he swallowed it with ease.
A group of ladies stood several feet away from Robert and Elizabeth. Ash recognized the Duke of Southart’s duchess, a classic beauty with black hair and gray eyes. The duchess excused herself and came toward them. The delicate lavender silk dress, was a style that reminded him of something Elizabeth might wear. It was elegant and understated. But anyone who was close enough to examine the dress knew it was a rare beauty. Just like the duchess. And more importantly, a rare beauty like Elizabeth.
When she arrived at their sides, the duchess studied him. It was only for a brief moment, but he held his breath, hoping she wasn’t offended that he had arrived late. Both he and Robert gave the customary bows. Elizabeth curtseyed.
The duchess nodded her head with a smile, then turned to Robert and Elizabeth. “Good evening, my lord.” She turned her attention to Elizabeth. “It’s truly lovely to see you again, Lady Overton.” The smile on her face was genuine. "I'm so delighted you both came. I was thrilled when Southart said he’d invited you.”
“Thank you for having us,” Elizabeth answered.
“Your Grace, may I introduce you to Mr. Hawksworth?” Robert waved a hand in Ash’s direction.
“I would like that,” she answered, giving her full attention to Ash.
“Your Grace, this is Mr. Hawksworth from Wickford. Elizabeth and I grew up with him.”
“Your Grace,” Ash said with a slight nod and a deeper bow than he had given before.
“Mr. Hawksworth, it’s a delight to meet you.” She turned to Elizabeth, “So you all three grew up together?”
