He winked. “I promise to behave.”
She considered his request for a moment, and then her lips curved into a sly smile. “On one condition.”
Uh-oh. He knew he wasn’t going to like it.
“I will dance with you if you take yourself off to the card room afterward and leave me in peace.”
“Rule number four: I must approve all your dance partners,” he said.
She released a long sigh. “Rule number four is nonsensical. In a country dance, I will exchange partners.”
Of course she was correct, but that only reminded him of something important he’d forgotten. “Rule number seven: No waltzing.”
“Hah! There were only six rules,” she said.
“I reserve the right to add new ones as circumstances change,” he said.
“We will discuss that at a later time. For now, however, I am desperate to be rid of you and will accept the bargain.”
He didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone with a roomful of lascivious men, but if he trailed after her all evening, others might conclude he had romantic intentions. His only recourse was to pop into the ballroom periodically and ensure all was well.
“I will accept, with an addendum,” he said. “You must remain in the ballroom, and you will abide by rule number two: No more than one glass of wine or sherry.”
“Agreed,” she said.
When they reached the dance floor, he stood across from her, along with a dozen other couples. The orchestra struck up a lively tune. He glanced at the top of the line and grimaced at the first gentleman, who pranced forward and back diagonally. The lady directly across repeated the movement. Then the couples alternately clasped hands, turning and switching places in the line.
When his turn came, he merely walked forward. Julianne pulled a face, but he didn’t care. He refused to skip like a girl.
Eventually, the movements changed, and he led Julianne to the top of the line.
“You’re striding,” she said. “This is a dance. You are supposed to move gracefully.”
“I do not prance.”
They moved forward and back and then turned to each other. “An elegant gentleman shows his refinement while dancing,” she muttered.
“Have I ever struck you as refined?”
“You don’t even try.”
He clasped her hands, turning with her. “I have a bad reputation to maintain.”
“I concede the point, my lord.”
They faced forward again. Step forward, step back… egad, this dance is asinine. “Is this almost over?” he asked.
“I hope so,” she said. “You are a terrible dancer.”
“I waltz divine,” he said.
She scoffed. “You are too modest.”
He clasped hands with a new partner, turning and changing sides. Julianne did likewise with an elderly gentleman. Hawk would prefer she dance with only old men, but spry men over the age of seventy were in short supply at balls.
At long last the dance ended. He bowed, took Julianne’s arm, and led her away.
She pointed. “The card room is that way.”
He clapped his hand to his heart. “You wound me.”
“We struck a deal.”
He released her arm. “For both our sakes, try to stay out of trouble.”
Julianne figured Hawk would return soon and hunt for her. Meanwhile, she meant to test her latest theory in the pamphlet. As she meandered through the crowd, she saw gentlemen watching her, but she pretended not to notice. She greeted others and flitted from group to group. In the past, she’d never given much thought to social pleasantries. Mingling with others had come naturally to her, but now she found herself a bit tongue-tied. She felt ill at ease, because her efforts seemed calculated.
She glanced at the wallflowers sitting with the matrons. They looked so miserable. Lady Eugenia sat among them, her eyes downcast. Julianne decided to ask Eugenia to walk with her. Then she would introduce her to others. Perhaps a gentleman would ask her to dance. Delighted with her plan, she started in that direction.
A familiar, snide voice called out her name. Lady Elizabeth Rossdale, the cruelest belle in the ton, stood only a foot away, surrounded by her flock of sheep. Julianne couldn’t ignore them, but she planned to greet them briefly and make a quick escape. “Ladies, I hope you are enjoying the evening.”
Elizabeth’s particular friend Henrietta Bancroft regarded Julianne with a sly smile. “Wherever is your beau? Oops, I mean your guardian.”
The other girls snickered behind their hands.
Elizabeth’s green cat eyes gleamed with malice. “Henrietta, dear, you know very well he considers her almost like a sister.”
Julianne lifted her chin and turned her back on them, a cut direct. Let them laugh. She despised those rotten girls. Though she told herself she didn’t care, humiliation burned through her. She’d known others had overheard Hawk’s comment, but having it flaunted in her face hurt.
Immersed in her depressed thoughts, she searched the crowd for Amy and Georgette. She didn’t notice Lord Ramsey until he intercepted her.
“Lady Julianne, what a pleasure to see you,” he said.
She suppressed a groan. His insufferable pursuit irritated her, but she would fob him off. “Lord Ramsey.” She curtsied. “I am looking for your sister and Miss Hardwick.”
“I’ve been searching for them as well and can’t find them anywhere.” He surveyed the crowd. “It’s unbearably warm in the ballroom. Perhaps they stepped out onto the landing. Shall we have a look?”
His request sounded innocent enough, but she’d promised not to leave the ballroom. And she couldn’t forget the way he’d goaded Hawk on two previous occasions. “That is unnecessary. I’m sure I’ll find them eventually.”
When she took a step to walk past him, Ramsey grinned and blocked her path.
“My lord, was there something else?” she said in a cool voice.
“I’m not letting you get away so easily,” he said.
We shall see about that. “Excuse me, I must find Lady Rutledge.” She turned and walked away.
He caught up to her and smiled. “Ah, the lady wishes to play cat and mouse.”
She kept walking. “I’m in no mood for games.”
“I mean to catch you.”
His overconfident demeanor annoyed her. “You may try, my lord, but you will not succeed.”
“I only want to spend a little time with you.”
“You know Hawk would not approve.”
“He is in the card room and will never know.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You are asking me to defy him?” As she spoke the words, she noted several guests watching them.
When he tipped his head, a curly blond lock fell over one brow. “Then let us find a quiet corner so that we may talk.”
She realized Ramsey would not relent until she told him in no uncertain terms to desist. But she did not want anyone to overhear her words. “Follow me to the wall niche beyond the pillars,” she said.
When he offered his arm, she could not refuse without drawing unwanted attention. But every step of the way, she resented him.
After they reached the wall niche, she released his arm and struggled to rein in her temper. “I have no wish to give offense, but you are placing me in an untenable position.”
“Because Hawk has forbidden me to court you,” he said.
“He is my guardian, and I must abide by his wishes.” Of course, she didn’t welcome Ramsey’s addresses, but it was a convenient excuse.
“It should be your decision,” Ramsey said. “His objections are unreasonable.”
Ramsey’s argument sounded eerily like the one she’d made recently, but she knew he had ulterior motives for pursuing her. “Whether they are or not does not signify. It is evident to me that there is animosity between you and Hawk. And it is clear that I am a pawn in your feud with him.”
His expression registered shock. “He has persuaded you that I am a s
coundrel, but he is the one—”
“Lord Ramsey, I’ve no intention of arguing the point. As far as I am concerned, you are Georgette’s brother. She is my dear friend. For her sake and mine, I ask that you cease your addresses to me. It will end badly if you do not.”
“You ask me to forget you, but I cannot.” He put his fist to his heart. “My feelings—”
She held up her hand. “Say no more. I have given you no encouragement. I am very sorry, but this must be the end of the matter.”
A pained expression crossed his face. “It is as I feared. You hold tender feelings for him.”
Shock cascaded over her. “What?”
“That night at the Beresford’s ball, everyone remarked upon your waltz with Hawk. He led everyone to believe that he cared for you, and then he denied it all by saying you were practically a sister to him. I saw your ashen face and thought I had caused your vexation. But others said you have held a torch for him for years.”
Her heart beat madly. Oh, dear God. Everyone knew.
“He is a vile deceiver.”
“You have twisted matters when you know nothing,” she hissed.
He regarded her with pity. “No matter what he has told you, my intentions are true and honorable. Please do not let him keep us apart.”
“Good evening, my l-lord.” She fled, hating the way her voice had shaken. All she wanted was to put as much distance as possible between herself and Ramsey. When a group of matrons looked at her askance, Julianne immediately slowed her steps. She skirted the perimeter of the ballroom to avoid the worst of the crowd and fanned her hot face.
Her stomach roiled. Elizabeth and Henrietta knew. Ramsey knew. Everyone knew. She’d made a fool of herself, because she’d worn her heart on her sleeve.
Julianne wanted to go home, but home was miles and miles away. And what would she tell her brother and mother? She didn’t want her family to know she’d humiliated herself before the entire ton.
Her throat clogged. Mama had warned her repeatedly about infatuation. She’d told her to keep her own counsel in society and adopt a tell-nothing countenance. But she’d ignored the warnings, thinking her mother too cautious. All these years, she’d openly adored Hawk and misinterpreted his teasing as a sign he returned her feelings.
He probably knew. How could he not when she’d followed him about like an eager puppy?
Her chest hurt. She’d never been so mortified in her life.
Halfway into her circuit of the ballroom, she happened upon Sally Shepherd and managed a weak smile. “Sally, it’s been ages since I last saw you.”
Sally’s round face lit up. “Have you heard? There is to be an announcement tonight.”
“What announcement?” she said, not really caring.
“No one knows for certain,” Sally said. “Lady Durmont is keeping mum about it.”
“I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.” She started to excuse herself, but Amy and Georgette arrived, their expressions excited.
Georgette’s blue eyes twinkled. “Something is afoot. Sally, do you know what will be announced?”
“No, but everyone is on pins and needles.”
Julianne’s chest tightened. How could she bear to mingle among the crowd and pretend nothing was amiss?
While Sally and Georgette continued to speculate about the announcement, Amy walked over to Julianne. “You do not seem yourself tonight,” she murmured.
Amy’s sensitivity made her keenly aware of others’ feelings. “It is nothing. I will be myself again soon,” Julianne said.
“If you need someone to listen, you need only ask,” Amy said.
Julianne nodded, but the wound was too raw. Only a little over a week ago, she’d rejoiced upon learning Hawk had agreed to be her guardian. She’d been so certain this would be the year he would make all her dreams come true. That night at the Beresford’s ball, she’d thought his rejection was the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She’d not known everyone mocked her.
Lord Beaufort and Mr. Osgood joined the group. Sally questioned them, but they knew nothing about the impending announcement.
Beaufort turned his gaze to Julianne. “I say, where is your customary smile, Lady Julianne?”
Evidently her emotions showed on her face. She vowed to work on adopting a serene expression. “I was merely lost in thought.” She would have to pretend for the rest of the evening that nothing was wrong.
Georgette walked over to her. “I can guess the reason for your vexation,” she muttered. “Hawk is striding in this direction. Honestly, he is a domineering brute.”
Amy frowned and held her finger up to her lips. Julianne glanced around and found Hawk almost upon them. Her throat constricted. How could she even bear to look at him when she’d made such a cake of herself?
Hawk stopped beside her. “A footman interrupted the card games for an announcement.”
“We’re all anxious to hear the announcement,” Sally said. “Do you know what it is about?”
He shrugged. “I’ve only heard a rumor.”
Sally’s eyes brightened. “What rumor?”
The orchestra played a short, lively tune, interrupting their conversation. Then Lord and Lady Durmont took up a stance before the musicians. Lord Durmont held up his hands, and eventually, the buzzing voices dwindled.
“As you know by now, my lady and I have an announcement to make tonight.” He looked thoroughly pleased with himself.
Lady Durmont simpered. Then her husband turned to Elizabeth. “Daughter, will you and Lord Edgemont join us?”
Julianne’s heart knocked against her chest, realizing the significance of his words.
“No,” Georgette said, drawing Julianne’s attention.
Amy’s eyes filled with tears as she covered her mouth.
Lord Durmont’s voice rang out. “We are overjoyed to announce the engagement of our daughter Lady Elizabeth to Lord Edgemont.”
As thunderous applause erupted, Lord Edgemont gazed into Elizabeth’s eyes. Then he raised her gloved hand for a kiss and said something. Though the words were inaudible, Julianne knew he’d said he loved her.
A stinging sensation rushed up her throat and cheeks. She blinked back her own tears. The most hateful girl in the ton had found love. The irony only made her feel worse. Because Elizabeth had gotten what Julianne had dreamed of since the night she’d danced with Hawk at her come-out ball four long years ago.
Julianne’s determined smile made Hawk suspicious.
He wandered about the ballroom, stopping frequently to speak to friends. The entire time, he kept a surreptitious watch over Julianne. She never lacked for a dance partner. Between sets, the younger blades surrounded her, vying for her attention. The cubs were none the wiser, but Hawk realized something was amiss. He knew her too well not to recognize the artificial quality of her pasted-on smile.
When midnight struck, he decided to seek out Julianne and his aunt so that he could escort them to the traditional supper. He pressed through the crowd, nodding genially at the ladies, who eyed him as if he were a haunch of beef they’d like to sink their teeth into.
He spotted Julianne exiting the dance floor with Beaufort and strode in that direction. At last, he caught up to them and addressed Julianne. “I will escort you and my aunt to supper.”
“Lord Beaufort already offered,” she said in a cool tone.
Beaufort looked uncomfortable. “With your permission, sir.”
Sir. The cub made him feel ancient.
Julianne regarded Hawk warily as if she expected his refusal.
Well, hell. He had no reason to object. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
Julianne looked taken aback at first, but she turned that artificial smile on Beaufort. The young man bowed and led her away. Hawk watched the pair until they became lost in the crowd heading for the doors. For some odd reason, he felt bereft.
Not long ago, she’d enjoyed his company. Now she only wished him to leave her in peace so that she
could dance and flirt with her beaux.
In the not-so-distant future, she would marry and have children. Nothing would ever be the same again.
A hollow sensation settled in his chest.
Later that night, Julianne tossed and turned in bed. Then she punched the pillow. She wanted to weep like an infant over her stupidity, but she’d long since passed the awkward schoolgirl age. If she’d not clung to her girlish infatuation, she could have saved herself from humiliation.
Tonight, she’d paid the price for wearing her heart on her sleeve. The most vicious girls in the ton had mocked her, and Ramsey had pitied her. She’d danced the night away to show everyone she held no tender feelings for Hawk. But the damage was done.
The blame fell squarely on her shoulders. If she’d not been such a fool, she would not be in this predicament. Not once had she ever questioned her feelings for Hawk. She’d been so certain she was in love, but she’d been in love with the fantasy of him.
She prayed he didn’t know, but he probably secretly found her infatuation amusing. Oh, God, how could she face him?
The worst part was that she couldn’t avoid him. For the rest of the season, she must meet him on a daily basis. But when the season ended, he would escort her home for the babe’s christening. Somehow she must find a way to endure, without letting her wounds show.
A tap sounded, startling her. Hester opened the door. “Ah, you are awake.”
She took a deep breath, willing a calm expression. “I hope I did not disturb you,” she said, sitting up.
“No, I only wanted to check on you.” Hester’s frilly wrapper billowed as she crossed the room and set the candle on the bedside table. The mattress dipped when she sat beside Julianne. “You were unusually quiet during the carriage ride.”
“I was a bit weary,” she said.
“Little wonder. You danced your dainty feet off,” she said. “You were the belle of the ball.”
“No, that title belongs to Elizabeth.” Just when she’d thought matters couldn’t possibly grow worse, Elizabeth’s engagement was announced.
“You seemed displeased by the news of her engagement,” Hester said.
“Elizabeth is cruel. I don’t like her or her friend Henrietta.”
How to Seduce a Scoundrel Page 10