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“Glad to be amusing, Lady Eleanor.” He lifted his gaze and then allowed his eyes to skim down her figure. "You are a vision in that gown."
“Thank you.” A hint of a blush tinted her cheeks.
That was a miracle. The lady never allowed anything to ruffle her feathers. “It appears your entourage stayed with the duchess.”
“I told them to stay with her. We’re trying to convince Her Grace to support a new endeavor of ours. We want to form a ladies' society that supports the Royal Academy of the Arts.” Before he could inquire more, Eleanor surveyed the dance floor. “What’s wrong with Elizabeth and Robert? They are not mingling.” Her face contorted into a grimace. “Instead of dancing, they should be talking to the other members of the House of Lords and their wives.” She huffed her disappointment. “Why don't you go over there and cut in? Send Robert my way, and I’ll make certain he talks to the appropriate people.”
Interrupting their dance would be a mistake of epic proportions. That would turn everyone's attention to the three of them. Not to mention awkward. There was no need to court rumors and innuendos about their relationship. It was best to leave them be and not risk stirring up any gossip or speculation about their relationship.
But it begged the question, why was Eleanor even asking such a thing? She was the one who was so worried about her family’s reputation.
“Lady Eleanor, you don’t want me to do that.” With a smile, he clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the dancefloor. “Everyone is enjoying the sight of Lord and Lady Overton waltzing. The dance will be over soon. They make a lovely couple, don’t you agree?”
“I suppose,” she grumbled. “But this is a rare opportunity to talk with some of the most important members of the House of Lords. Overton could garner extra support for the upcoming election.” She tilted her head as she studied the couple. “What do you personally think of Elizabeth?”
“Besides the fact she’s lovely, well-mannered, intelligent, and an interesting conversationalist, you mean?” Without waiting for Lady Eleanor to answer him, Ash continued, I could go on singing her platitudes.”
“So, you have feelings for her?” Eleanor slowly turned her brown eyes Ash’s way. “Don’t be vague either.”
He swallowed the unease that threatened to choke him worse than his cravat. With a defiant tilt of his head, he stared straight at her. “Of course, I have feelings for her. She’s one of my closest friends and confidants.”
“And what does Robert think of you paying so much attention to his wife? Or have you not told him?” A sickly-sweet smile tugged at her lips. It was in direct contrast with the evil that flashed in her eyes.
Her expression made his skin crawl, so he turned to stare at Robert and Elizabeth and pasted a smile on his face. Anyone looking at them would think that he was flirting with his best friend’s aunt.
“Madame, I think you should address that question to the marquess. I would hate to speak out of turn and misrepresent his thoughts.” He slowly turned his attention back to Lady Eleanor. If she wanted to threaten him, he would do the same for her. He always believed in tit for tat. “But know this, my lady. Lord and Lady Overton are my dearest friends in the world. Anyone who tries to hurt them will have to deal with me.”
Her nostrils flared like a predator about to strike, as if she knew that she’d hit a tender spot. “But aren’t you hurting them by always being near? If I notice your interest in Elizabeth, others will as well. You’ll hurt Robert’s chances to gain political power if they thought Elizabeth would take a lover.” Her eyes widened. “Opponents would see him as having poor judgment, not to mention believe him weak if he lost her to his best friend.”
He inhaled slowly, tamping down his growing ire. “Anyone who would believe such a tale doesn’t know Robert and Elizabeth.” Or him. “They’re devoted to one another. Robert and I are best friends. I offer him comfort when he’s troubled. I offer advice when he asks for it.” He lifted a single eyebrow. “And that’s quite often.”
“You are good for him.” She clucked softly and laid her hand on his arm as if comforting him. “Just don’t offer so much comfort that rumors start.”
Ash looked across the dance floor where Robert and Elizabeth were dancing. Their expressions brought everyone’s gaze in their direction. They were happy.
And he’d be damned if he let the harpy in front of him taint what they all shared.
“Excuse me. I’ll leave you to enjoy the soiree.” Ash nodded as he took his leave. He strolled slowly around the small ballroom acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He smiled at everyone who caught his gaze. It was the only way he could calm his anger and ensure that no one thought the old woman had riled him.
Tonight she’d transformed from a busybody relative to a threat to his marriage and family.
But no matter what she planned, Ash would do everything in his power to thwart her and that meant going to White’s for the evening, then so be it. After taking his leave of Elizabeth and Robert, he said good night to the Duke and Duchess of Southart. Within minutes he found a hackney that quickly delivered him to White’s.
As he started up the stairs to the front door, a voice called his name.
When Ash turned, a man at the bottom of the steps gazed up at him.
He couldn’t be a member of the gentleman’s club as he was dressed as a laborer of some sort. “Sir, may I help you?”
“Aye,” the man said gruffly as he examined Ash from head to toe. “I’m John Trimble, the owner and editor of the London-Town Tattler.”
At the mention of the gossip rag, Ash stiffened, but thankfully, he kept his expression of pleasant curiosity. “Good evening, Mr. Trimble. I’m not looking to buy a newspaper. Especially at this time of the night.” He swept his hand toward the front door of the club. “I’m about to go inside.”
The man grinned, showcasing his crooked teeth. “I’m not looking to sell them directly to you. But you can help me give my readership what they want if you’ll answer a few questions.”
A chill skated down Ash’s spine, but he forced himself to take a calming breath. In his best devil-may-care voice, he asked, “I don’t think your readers are interested in me.”
“I beg to differ. Care to share what you’re doing in town?” He gestured to the club entrance behind Ash. “You’re not really part of the nobs, are ye? I know you’re more of the land steward type.”
