by Boom, Naomi
“Unless I missed something, you have only danced attendance on one lady tonight. If you leave now, everyone will wonder why you suddenly attended a ball, only to commandeer the attention of a woman for a set, and then mysteriously disappear. Who is she by the way?”
His mother took that opportunity to add, “Your sister is right, you know. There will be a slew of gossip about your actions tonight. I already heard one matron ask another matron the identity of the lady you were conversing with. You seemed extremely taken by the girl.”
Gavin cursed his decision to come tonight. His mother and sister were right. He would have to stay for a while and dance with at least one other partner. Unfortunately, his sister did not count. “Fine. I will stay, but only to dissuade talk.”
****
Laura should have been more pleased to see Lord Dunbar, but she could not help the tide of misgivings that passed over her. Not that she necessarily wanted to remain with Lord Farris, but she was not sure she wanted Lord Dunbar as his replacement. Lord Farris did need to leave, though. He had completely ruined her night, and why? So he could tell her he was concerned about her? How could she possibly get over her feelings for him when he said such things?
The fact was, she had been jarred from her deluded beliefs that she was over Lord Farris when her eyes had met his. That knowledge changed nothing and would only strengthen her determination to marry Lord Dunbar. Although she could not help but be curious over what Lord Farris had said to Lord Dunbar. Unfortunately, Lord Dunbar’s expression gave no hint as to what Lord Farris had said.
Lord Dunbar smiled at her, and she firmly pushed Lord Farris from her mind.
“My lord, are you prepared for our dance?” She smiled engagingly.
“Of course, Lady Laura. The light of the candles cannot compare to the shine of your eyes. How could I not wait with bated breath for our next dance?”
“Mmm.” He must really like flowery compliments. She waited until he brought her to the dance floor, before replying coyly, “You make my eyes sound quite frightful, my lord.”
He chuckled softly. “Of course not. If anything, they are the sort of jewels the king himself wishes he could have.”
She quirked her eyebrow and made herself look pleased. In reality, she would prefer less sugary words, if he thought them necessary at all.
The set started, which was a quadrille, and the exchange of partners began. Each time that Lord Dunbar approached her, he stared at her intensely and smiled. While he never made inappropriate contact with her, she did not welcome his touch.
The next time he approached, she fortified herself and asked, “What are your interests, my lord?”
“I have quite a few. First and foremost is horse racing, followed closely by an appreciation for fine cigars.” His smile turned condescending as he asked, “Do you ride, my lady?”
She was interrupted as her partner changed, but when he returned she raised an imperious eyebrow at his question. “I am sure you know my father has an impeccable stable. As a result, he felt it was essential I could ride.”
He nodded and smiled. “Maybe we can take a ride in the park together.”
“Of course, my lord, I would love that.”
They danced through the remaining steps in silence. Eleanor had convinced Laura to acquire a new riding habit, one that was fashionably confining. She refused to wear it on her early morning rides, but she supposed she would have to don it if she rode with Lord Dunbar. She shuddered at the thought, but it would not do to allow Lord Dunbar to see her in her old, well-used one. No, he probably would not appreciate it the way Lord Farris did or, at least, appeared to.
Lord Dunbar escorted Laura to the table and considerately selected a variety of foods for her. They found a seat and began to eat. After some time, Laura broached the question foremost on her mind. “What did Lord Farris say to you before our dance began?” She had been dying to know.
“Nothing of any importance,” he said, betraying nothing with his tone. “I thought it odd that Lord Farris is in attendance at all and even more noteworthy that he subsequently spoke with you. I had not realized you two knew each other.”
“Yes, my lord, we met each other previously. He was just chatting with me to make sure I had recovered from a cold.” Her response sounded unlikely, even if it was the truth. In all honesty, she was a little confused about why he had forced his attentions on her at all, especially if he had someone keeping tabs on her.
Lord Dunbar apparently did not believe her reasoning, as he raised his eyebrow questioningly. “He must be very worried, as he has been staring at you off and on from across the room throughout dinner.”
He gestured to Lord Farris’s location, and Laura looked over to shockingly find him in attendance, seated with two ladies she did not recognize. He was currently looking at her with his smoldering eyes, which immediately brought a blush to her face. She looked away.
She could only imagine what Lord Dunbar thought of her now. She modulated her voice in an attempt to appear indifferent and said, “I have no control over what he does, my lord. All I can say is he was concerned about me.” There, that was better, although she could tell Lord Dunbar was still skeptical.
Laura did her utmost to enjoy the rest of the meal. She, very determinedly, ignored Lord Farris’s presence and did not spare him a single glance.
At one point, her gaze drifted to Lady Robbins, who was seated a short distance away. Laura was startled to see the beauty was glaring at her. Laura raised her eyebrow questioningly, not intending to look haughty, but genuinely wondering why Lady Robbins had singled her out. Lady Robbins subsequently looked away, and Laura put the strange interaction out of her mind.
The supper ended, and Laura returned with Lord Dunbar to begin dancing. Her next partner approached, and soon she was happily twirling about once more. She could not shake the feeling that someone was watching her, but she would not allow herself to look around to find out. She could feel Lord Farris was still in attendance and could only assume it was his eyes on her.
Lord Dunbar had chosen to dance the set with Lady Robbins, not that Laura expected anything different. Even if Lord Dunbar was making his intentions clear toward Laura, at least in the minds of the gossips, it did not mean he would throw his lover aside.
She gave in to the tide of bitterness that overtook her. Her life was not supposed to turn out like this. She was supposed to be her knight in shining armor’s one and only love. Instead, she was to act as her future husband’s lavishly kept brood mare. She shut her eyes and let her dance partner lead her, not even remotely worried about a misstep. She could perform these dances in her sleep.
The set ended, and Laura was intent on giving her sore feet a break. She asked her next partner to fetch a refreshment. She was exhausted, and there was still much more night to while away. Laura sighed despondently. She watched the other dancers momentarily, until her eyes settled on one of the ladies who had been seated with Lord Farris at supper, currently standing next to her.
The lady beamed at her. “Hello,” the mystery woman said, “how do you do? I am Miss Farris. I believe you know my brother?”
Ah, this was the sister Allison had mentioned. “Hello, Miss Farris. I am Lady Laura. It is an honor to meet you.” So long as her brother was not near, at least.
“And I am likewise honored.” Miss Farris admitted sweetly, “This is my first ball, you know. I was so surprised to see Gavin here tonight and even more surprised to see him dancing.” She appeared astonished as she added, “Oh my. I do believe he is dancing even as we speak.” Her eyes remained glued to Laura as Laura’s eyes swung to Lord Farris. “It is not one-sided, then,” she murmured quietly.
“Excuse me?” Laura asked, having missed the words Miss Farris had said.
“Oh nothing,” Miss Farris chirped brightly.
Laura’s partner returned with champagne. She thanked him and sent him back for more for Miss Farris. Laura was not finished talking with her. “Why do yo
u imagine your brother is in attendance?”
“One can never be sure why men act as they do,” she said, as if lost in thought. “Were you lucky enough to attend the Songfeld house party? We were all amazed that he was at that event, also.”
“Oh yes, I was there, but we all just assumed he was in attendance because Lord Collins was there.”
Miss Farris smiled, and Laura could not help but note the speculative gleam in her stormy blue eyes. The gentleman returned with Miss Farris’s beverage. She thanked him and then asked Laura, “My come-out ball is next week. I would be honored if you would attend.”
Laura had no idea what balls they were to grace that next week, and answered honestly, “I am not sure if we are already engaged for that evening. Did you invite Lady Ashford? She is my chaperone.”
Alexa’s eyes widened. “You are staying with Miss Ashford?” Her tone suggested disapproval, as she added, “Lord Collins insisted she be there, so I am sure we sent an invitation.”
Laura nodded. “I look forward to your ball, then.” She was not sure how exactly to respond to Miss Farris’s evident disapproval of her cousin. The song ended, and Laura’s next partner was at her elbow. Lord Collins also approached Miss Farris and greeted Laura, “Lady Laura, good evening. I see you have met Miss Farris.” He then turned to Alexa without waiting for a response, bowed, and murmured, “I believe you promised me this dance.”
Lord Collins promptly led Miss Farris away, and Laura was once again dancing. Judging by the way Lord Collins and Miss Farris interacted, she could understand why Eleanor was worried. There was an almost palpable attraction brewing between the two. More of an attraction than she had felt between Lord Collins and Eleanor even. Miss Farris had seemed perfectly lovely, and under different circumstances, might have been the sort Laura would befriend. Hopefully, Miss Farris had nothing to fear from Eleanor.
The dance continued for several hours, and finally Mrs. Westfield came to collect Laura so they could depart. Laura had no idea how she would survive the season if every ball was like this one. She found her seat, and Eleanor stabbed her with a penetrating glare.
“Why were you talking to Miss Farris?”
That mostly answered Laura’s previous question about Eleanor’s intentions, and she responded, “We were just chatting. Why should you care?”
Eleanor ignored her query, and asked, “Chatting about what? Did she mention me or Lord Collins? I saw he was her next dance partner.” Evident disapproval shone from her visage.
Laura had not wanted to believe it, but clearly Eleanor thought of Miss Farris as a rival. It was so unlike Eleanor to be worried about another woman. “Oh yes, we talked nonstop about you.” Laura regretted her sarcasm, as Eleanor bolted up from her formerly reclined position.
“You did what!” Eleanor almost shrieked the question in an unladylike manner.
“Calm down, Cousin, I was only jesting. We only spoke of her upcoming come-out ball. She wants us in attendance.”
Eleanor nodded slowly, relaxing an infinitesimal amount. “Good, you had me worried. You know she is trying to steal Lord Collins from me.”
Lady Ashford interjected, dismayed, “What! How could she even imagine she is competition to you?” Lady Ashford was the sort of mother that held an over-inflated opinion of her child, which irritated Laura to no end.
“I do not know,” Eleanor responded, perplexed. A typical person would wrinkle her brow, but Eleanor had a phobia of developing wrinkles and tried to always remain expressionless. “I can tell that she is interested. Normally, I would not care, but Lord Collins has a soft spot for her. He swears they have a purely platonic sort of relationship, though.”
Laura settled in for the ride as talk of Eleanor’s concerns dominated the conversation until they reached home. She was grateful to climb the stairs and see her bed looking soft and inviting in its pale pink coverings. Her room had been unchanged since she was much younger and reflected the girl she had been.
All she wanted was to sleep. She laid her head on her pillow and realized she was making progress with Lord Dunbar, but Lady Robbins’s glare left her wondering what was going on between the lovers. Of course, the most perplexing event of the night came to mind—Lord Farris’s attendance and attentions. She would prefer to be left in peace to overcome her broken heart. Otherwise, she would enter into a marriage with Lord Dunbar completely and unequivocally in love with someone else. And really, that was the most depressing thought of them all.
****
After Gavin’s talk with his mother and sister, he decided he should listen to their advice, and dance with other ladies before departing for the night. He surveyed the crowd, and his gaze landed on Lady Robbins. She looked as beautiful as ever, and even more amazingly, he did not want to bed her.
She smiled at him from across the crowd and waved. Gavin sighed and walked to her side. He bowed and smiled, “My lady.”
“My lord.” She eyed him seductively. “It has been some time, has it not?”
“Indeed,” he murmured.
“I cannot say that I am surprised to see you in attendance.”
His eyebrows betrayed his surprise as they lifted. “Oh?” he asked calmly.
She began to fan herself and scanned the room. She had always been the astute sort. “It was only a matter of time before the rumors proved true.”
“What rumors?” She really did not need to behave so cryptically.
She suddenly grinned at him and patted his hand patronizingly. “Why, the rumors about you and Lady Laura. She is quite pretty, so I cannot say I disapprove.”
He scowled. He had not heard any rumors about him and Lady Laura. In fact, he had done his best to avoid them.
She laughed delightedly. “Of course there are no rumors, just my own suspicions. You appeared quite taken with her tonight, and there are bound to be rumors from that.” Suddenly her smile dimmed and she fanned herself again. “I cannot say I understand her allure.”
Gavin had always thought Lady Robbins did not get jealous, but suddenly, it was right there in front of him. “I thought you did not mind ending our dalliance?”
She smiled sweetly. “Of course I will miss you, Gavin, but we had reached our conclusion.”
“So, what is the problem?”
Her eyes held traces of sadness, but she continued to smile. “There is no problem, but if you are interested in her, do not allow her to slip through your fingers.”
Her fan dropped to her side, and she placed her other hand on his arm gently. “Do not think you are doing her any favors by leaving her to Lord Dunbar.”
She left on a whisper. He frowned as she walked away. Laura would never be happy with him, but would she be with Lord Dunbar? Even if she did not end up with Gavin, Lord Dunbar was unacceptable. After all, Lord Dunbar was too flawed. He smiled bitterly at the notion. Lord Dunbar was no more flawed than he himself was.
He also was reasonably certain that his feelings for Laura would dissipate, but if tonight were any indication, they were going to take much longer than two months to pass. If he were being honest with himself, he would say that he probably would always have feelings for her, which was a terrifying thought. Ten years from now, when he did decide to marry, would he still be carrying a torch for Laura?
He certainly needed to decide what he was to do about his perpetual desire for Laura, but for now he needed to dance with some ladies and get out of this infernal ballroom.
His mother directed him to some harmless wallflowers, who almost swooned when he asked them to dance. He navigated his way through various sets, and once he reached his quota, prepared to leave by wishing his mother and sister good night. Before he could actually make his escape for the night, his mother made him promise to stop by to talk about his sister’s ball. Naturally, he agreed to her request. He took a step into the cold night air and breathed a sigh of relief.
The evening was still fairly young, at least compared to how he had been spending them lately. He checked
his watch fob, thought about heading home, and quickly nixed that idea in favor of his club. He had business to attend to. The sooner it was finished, the better.
Gavin entered his club and was greeted by an unrepentant cloud of smoke. The familiar embrace of his secondary home welcomed him after his absence. A waiter brought him a drink, and he sauntered over to the card room. Sure enough, Lord Deering was playing at a table. Gavin could see that Lord Deering had been drinking and appeared nervous with small beads of sweat on his forehead, combined with shaky hands.
He observed the table for several minutes with a scowl.
Finally, one of the gentlemen at the table looked at him angrily. “You need something?”
Gavin eyed the man coolly. “Yes, I do.”
Lord Deering’s head reared up at the sound of Gavin’s voice. “Oh, Lord Farris. Wait for a few hands, and I will join you for a drink.”
He could tell Lord Deering was deeply entrenched in his game, and it would be more than a few hands. Waiting was not Gavin’s forte, and instead he said, “No. You may call on me tomorrow when you have time.”
The dealer dealt another hand, but Lord Deering paused before he picked up his cards. He paled slightly at Gavin’s tone and said, “Of course. I will be there.”
Gavin nodded and left to order another drink where he would not have to watch Lord Deering. A scotch was brought to him as he sat at an empty table. The liquid burned, but the punishing brew also soothed him. A chair scraped the floor, and Gavin glanced up to see Lord Collins joining him at the table.
“As usual, I know just where to find you, although if I had been trying to find you earlier I would have been dead wrong.” Lord Collins smiled impishly.
Gavin glared at him, annoyed that Lord Collins knew he had been to the ball earlier. “Yes, well, I had an obligation to my mother and sister.” He lied, although, once he had run into his family, they had created an obligation for him.
Lord Collins chuckled. “That explains why your sister was so surprised to see you.” He sipped his whiskey and added, “Just admit you were there to see Lady Laura.”