“Go on and enjoy yourself with your friend. I’m sure I’ll find someone with whom to pass the time.”
As Juliet hastened off, Lord Gryphon passed by. The man looked exceedingly dashing that evening, Kitty admitted. Not for the first time did she question her refusal of him. Lord Gryphon and I would make a handsome couple, but something about the man seems untrustworthy. Nevertheless, she smiled at him in an encouraging manner.
“Good evening, milord.”
He did not acknowledge her greeting and her heart sank. He’s a lost cause, and good riddance. Can I cultivate another suitor quickly enough to placate my father? I cannot fail or tonight will be my last night in London and I’ll end an old maid! As she moved through the crowd, several gentlemen of her acquaintance turned their backs when she met their gaze. After the fourth occurrence, real consternation ensued. It’s just a coincidence, surely. She spoke with a few friends, but after twenty minutes, not a single one of her dances was claimed. A trickle of panic became a flood until Lord Trestlebury hastened toward her. Oh, thank heavens! I’m saved.
“Miss Beaucroft, do you know where I might find your sister? The dancing is about to start and I’d like her to partner me for the Promenade.”
She gulped. “What a wonderful choice, milord. I believe she’s chatting with Miss Haver next to the main staircase.”
The gentleman headed off to claim Juliet, and Kitty bit her lip. For the first time in her life, she was in grave danger of being a wallflower. When the orchestra began to warm up, she drifted into the ballroom to watch the couples assemble on the floor. Lord Gryphon’s sudden appearance at her elbow gave her a start.
“Good evening, Miss Beaucroft. Do none of our London dandies suit you, or are you waiting for a duke to appear?”
She ignored the insult and gave him a flirtatious smile instead.
“Sir, I feel I owe you—”
“My friends have wagered that you won’t dance more than twice tonight. I didn’t take that bet because I’m rather certain you won’t dance at all.”
Her smile faded as she realized Gryphon and her former suitors were bent on meting out retribution for her refusals. It was no wonder she’d been ignored that evening; apparently a public humiliation had been prearranged amongst them.
“I trust that my unhappiness will afford you and your friends a great deal of satisfaction,” she managed.
Gryphon was jovial. “A fair amount, I should think.”
“Excuse me.”
Wounded, she fled from the ballroom in search of refuge. Lady Trestlebury had given her a tour of her spacious home on a previous visit, pointing out a spare bedroom which was usually filled with out-of-season gowns. Her eyes brimming with tears, Kitty hastened down the hallway and climbed the servants’ staircase to the floor above. She burst into the spare bedroom, slammed the door shut, and backed away as if pursued by the devil.
An unfamiliar male voice made her freeze. “Hullo there. I believe you have me at a disadvantage.”
She whirled around to discover a half-dressed young gentleman staring at her in surprise. He was sitting in a wing chair near the window with an open book in his hands. Although he wore trousers, his well-muscled torso was bare. A squeak emerged from her throat.
“I’m so horribly sorry! Please forgive me for intruding on your privacy.”
She backed toward the door. In her haste, she stepped on the train of her gown and sat down on the carpet, hard. Flushed with mortification, and upset from her exchange with Lord Gryphon, she buried her face in her hands and began to sob.
“Are you hurt?” the man asked. “Should I call a physician?”
Still sobbing, she shook her head. Lord, strike me dead right now!
“Come, now, it’s not as bad as all that. Let’s get you upright.”
He gently pried her hands away from her face and coaxed her to her feet. To her relief, he’d donned a dressing gown over his trousers.
“I didn’t mean to intrude, sir. I thought Lady Trestlebury used this room for storage.”
“Yes, I believe the poor servants had to cart everything up to the attic before I arrived. Come sit. I can see you’re shaken up.”
“You’re very kind, but it’s not proper for me to be here.” A sob caught in her throat. “Oh, what does it matter? I’m ruined anyway.”
His eyes widened. “I hope not on my account?”
“Certainly not. I managed my downfall quite splendidly all on my own.”
He led her to the table, where a decanter filled with amber liquid sat on a tray. After she sank into the second wing chair, he poured a glass and slid it across the polished wood.
“Drink a glass of sherry and tell me your troubles. I’m a good listener, and I’m certain your story will be a vast deal more interesting than this book.”
A shudder ran through her as the wine hit the back of her throat. “Somewhat recently, I refused an offer of marriage. The fellow has been rather upset with me ever since, so tonight I tried to apologize. Instead of accepting my apology, however, he’s bent on revenge.”
“It seems to me your refusal of his proposal was wise.”
“I agree. Unfortunately, I’ve made a great many similar enemies. All my former suitors are determined to see me a wallflower tonight and laugh at my comeuppance.”
“Surely they will be disappointed. May I ask your name?”
“Miss Beaucroft.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Beaucroft. I’m Lord Philip Butler.”
For the first time, she took a good look at him. He would have had a very handsome face if not for the yellowed bruise under his right eye, but his visage was made even more arresting by his obvious intelligence and wit. She returned his smile with one of her own.
“Why aren’t you at the ball, Lord Philip? Don’t you like to dance?”
“I enjoy it very much, but I’ve sworn off being sociable. You see, I’ve given up on society altogether.”
A mirthless laugh. “I understand completely. In my case, however, society has given up on me.” She drained her glass. “Thank you for your kindness, milord, and the wine. Now I must return to the ball and endure my punishment.”
Philip watched the lacy hem of Miss Beaucroft’s gown swirl as she left. He’d intended to pass the evening alone, with only his book for company. After the door closed, however, he suddenly felt his solitude more keenly than he had before she’d arrived. Her intoxicating, lingering perfume tickled his nose, and he took a deep breath to savor the fragrance as long as possible. A chuckle escaped his lips as he remembered the shock on her face when she’d burst into his room and found it occupied. Even before she’d told him her name, he’d guessed who she was. Cousin Eve had mentioned Miss Constance Beaucroft to him and Augustus at breakfast that morning.
“Her friends call her Kitty, which I think is rather vulgar, but I’ve never seen a more beautiful girl. I’m sure you’ll see her at the ball this evening. Augustus, you may have a good chance with her, but I warn you she’s proven hard to catch.”
In Philip’s opinion, Miss Beaucroft was not merely beautiful, she was exquisite. He hadn’t been so completely disarmed by a woman since Miss Haver. Unfortunately, there was simply no question of him successfully courting her, since she was destined to marry very well. Nevertheless, he could ensure she would at least dance tonight. The very idea that anyone would conspire to embarrass the girl was intolerable.
His valet had laid out his evening clothes in the slim chance his master might be tempted to attend the festivities. Philip stood, shrugged off his dressing gown, and reached for his freshly starched dress shirt. I mustn’t leave Miss Beaucroft unprotected amongst the wolves too long.
Chapter Two
Gallantry
IN THE LADIES’ SITTING ROOM, Kitty dipped a handkerchief into some cool water and blotted the tear-stained skin around her eyes. Perhaps if I explain the situation to Mama, she’ll let me beg off the rest of the evening with a headache. She waited as lon
g as she dared, and then returned to the ballroom. Lord Gryphon and Miss Haver were conversing just inside the entrance, standing far too close to one another for propriety. It didn’t take long for him to begin courting another girl! His heart could not have been so very broken after all. When the two caught sight of her, their titters sent blood rushing to her face. May the devil take them both!
Her mother and Juliet were occupied on the dance floor, and her father was nowhere to be seen—likely relaxing in the library with friends and a cigar. Kitty spotted Lord Trestlebury’s daughter, however, and hastened to join her. The girl was scanning the ballroom, as if looking for someone, and Kitty was obliged to touch her sleeve to gain her attention.
“I must compliment you on your gown, Lady Prudence. I don’t know when I’ve ever seen more beautiful lace.”
“Thank you, Miss Beaucroft. I knitted it myself. Mama discourages me from knitting, but I enjoy it. I don’t think it’s a dull pursuit in the least, do you?”
Ordinarily the subject of knitting bored Kitty senseless, but she would have talked of it for hours to avoid being left alone.
“Not at all! How many yards of lace did your gown require?”
Gryphon approached, his smile laced with venom. “I beg your pardon, Lady Prudence, but a member of my club has expressed the desire to make your acquaintance.”
Without waiting for a response, he whisked Prudence away. So I’m to be isolated as well as shunned? Curious glances turned in her direction, but she held her head high. I cannot let anyone see my lack of composure, or it will reflect badly on my family. As she searched the corners of the room for some elderly, immobile companion who couldn’t be coaxed away by her enemies, a dashing man stopped in front of her and bowed.
“Forgive me for being unpardonably late, Miss Beaucroft,” Lord Philip said. “May I have the next dance?”
Her eyes widened. The man was impeccably dressed, his hair was groomed, and he was altogether dazzling.
“Why, it’s you!” she exclaimed.
“At your service.”
His kindness touched her. “You’ve come to the ball on my behalf, I suspect. Since you’ve ridden to my rescue, perhaps I should call you my gallant hero.”
“I don’t mind in the least. And be forewarned, I intend to dance every single dance with you if no other offers are forthcoming.”
“It’s highly improper, but since my reputation is already in tatters, you have my undying gratitude.”
When Gryphon sidled over, Kitty bristled and quickly took Philip’s arm. He immediately covered her gloved hand with his.
“Why, if it isn’t my old Oxford classmate!” Gryphon’s demeanor oozed insincerity. “Hello, Butler. You finally found your way to town.”
“Hello, Gryphon. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” Philip’s enthusiasm was noticeably contained.
“Indeed it’s been far too long. Will you join my little group in the corner? We’re having a lively debate about the French, and we’d welcome your opinion.”
“Thank you sir, but I must respectfully decline. Since Miss Beaucroft has promised to dance with me, I wouldn’t dream of leaving her side.” He lowered his voice, as if to impart a confidence. “Some despicable cad has made a nasty wager that she won’t dance tonight, can you imagine? I intend to make sure he loses his money.”
His plan stymied, Gryphon gave a curt bow and left in a huff. Philip merely laughed.
“You’re not afraid of him?” Kitty asked. “Lord Gryphon has the ability to savage your reputation as badly as he has mine.”
“I’m far too well-connected to let it bother me, and yet too low on the social ladder to have it signify one way or the other. I thank you, however, for your concern.”
Kitty glanced at her dance card. “A waltz is next.”
“I hope the room is prepared to take notice of us.” Wink.
Philip led her out onto the floor. As they danced, he was a graceful and assured partner, and it pleased her to no end his eyes never fixed themselves on her décolleté, despite the fact her mother had insisted she wear a gown with a scandalously low neckline.
“After our dance we must arrange to be properly introduced, I think,” she said.
“I’ll ask Lady Trestlebury to do the honors. She’s my second cousin.”
His cousin? Lord Philip is well-connected, then, but is he wealthy enough to please Papa? Before she could devise another probing question, Philip asked one of his own.
“I don’t mean to be indelicate, but was Gryphon one of your rejected suitors, perchance?”
“You already know the answer. You’ve also properly surmised he was the architect of my humiliation this evening.”
“You’re well rid of the man, I must say. Be assured, you have nothing to fear from him while I’m around.”
“Thank you.” Not only is he perceptive, but his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles. “You’re very kind.”
As he waltzed with Miss Beaucroft, Philip noticed onlookers craning their necks to get a better look. Were they speculating about the identity of the young gentleman who was dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room? Even now, guests were clustered around Lord Trestlebury, making comments as they stared. Scuttlebutt and gossip were sure to follow. Although he hoped their conversations were kind, he knew better.
He spied his cousin Eve, chatting with Augustus next to a potted plant. When the last strains of the waltz faded away, Philip escorted his partner over for a formal introduction. As they drew near, Augustus fixed his gaze on Miss Beaucroft. Philip was amused to see the smitten look on his brother’s face. He’d had the same awestruck expression on his thirteenth birthday, when presented with his first full-sized horse.
Eve beamed. “There you are, Miss Beaucroft! My cousin Augustus has just expressed a desire to meet you. Allow me to introduce Lord Elbourne. He’s the eldest son of the Marquess of Moregate, dear.”
Miss Beaucroft curtsied. “It’s a pleasure, milord.”
“The pleasure is mine. I was dancing with your sister a little earlier, and she spoke of you quite highly.”
“Juliet is very kind.”
“I see you’ve already met Lord Elbourne’s younger brother, Lord Philip Butler.” Eve unconsciously delivered the last sentence in a dismissive fashion, as if Philip couldn’t possibly matter.
“Thanks, cousin. The heir and the spare,” he quipped.
Another curtsy, although Miss Beaucroft slipped Philip a mischievous smile as she rose.
“Miss Beaucroft, might I reserve a dance?” Augustus asked.
“Indeed, sir, you may. I arrived late to the ball and so my dance card is completely open. Your gallant brother offered to keep me company.”
Augustus’ pointed glance was designed to get Philip to leave. “Awfully kind of you, old chap.”
“Not at all.” Philip bit back a laugh.
“The orchestra is returning.” Augustus offered his arm to Miss Beaucroft. “Shall we?”
“I would be honored.”
As his brother led Miss Beaucroft away, she gave Philip an almost imperceptible wink. Eve leaned in closer to Philip. “You’d do better to concentrate your efforts where they’ll be appreciated, cousin. I’d suggest Prudence, but I know you better than that. Besides which, her father is determined to see her marry very well.” A line of worry creased her forehead. “I wish he would realize that his ambition is getting in the way of his daughter’s happiness.”
“Ambition is a two-edged sword, I’m afraid.”
“Indeed it is, and Prudence is in grave danger of becoming a spinster if he doesn’t stop meddling.” She patted his arm. “May I introduce you to Miss Juliet? If Augustus intends to pursue Miss Beaucroft, it will matter much less whom her younger sister weds.”
His cousin meant well, so Philip covered his annoyance. “Please don’t trouble yourself. I think you’ve misinterpreted the situation. Although Miss Beaucroft is admittedly quite charming, I’m perfectly content as a bac
helor.”
“If you say so. Enjoy the ball!”
Eve disappeared from view in the crowd. Philip suddenly realized Miss Haver had taken her place at his side. Since she must have been standing very near, she could not have failed to overhear the entire conversation.
“Good evening, Miss Haver.” Although he tried to keep the ice from his voice, the best he could achieve was decidedly cool.
She batted her long inky black eyelashes. “Good evening, Lord Philip. I see you’ve met the famous Miss Beaucroft. I admire your lofty aspirations.”
“My aspirations are not as lofty as yours, Miss Haver, but I thank you for the compliment.”
With a faint, mocking smile, he bowed and took his leave. He strode from the ballroom, in search of a stiff drink before retiring. To his pleasant surprise, a familiar face—Lord Frederick Kirkham—had just arrived at the ball and was relinquishing his hat and coat to a servant.
“Kirkham!” Philip exclaimed. “This is a surprise.”
They shook hands.
His friend peered at Philip’s face. “Did you get that bruise fighting over a girl?”
A chuckle. “After a fashion. I was in a tavern a few miles from home and overheard some lout insulting the barmaid. I respectfully suggested the fellow apologize, but he declined. In the end, I guarantee he regretted his ungentlemanly behavior.”
“Was the barmaid good-looking?”
“Probably not. To be honest, I was too drunk to notice one way or another, but I couldn’t let the insult pass.”
Boisterous laughter. “You’re such a romantic! Champion of long shots, ladies, and dark horses.”
“You think so? And here I was, worried I was becoming a cynic. Join me for a drink?”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Although Juliet tried to mask her envy, it was difficult to watch Lord Elbourne dancing with Kitty with such obvious enjoyment. When Miss Haver joined her, she followed Juliet’s gaze.
Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls Book 1) Page 2