Chapter 13 #2
“Mare,” Aaron cut in, steering him toward the bar. “I think that was a taunt she threw at you on more than one occasion, from what you had told me. I believe it is time for that drink, Your Grace.”
Suddenly, a new voice cut through the pleasant hum of the ball while Elspeth had been looking around after the lords she had been speaking to excused themselves. She turned around to face the source.
“Please excuse my boldness, but it is Lady Inverhall, is it not?”
“It is, Me Lord,” she said with a practiced curtsey. “To whom do I owe the honor of such a pleasant introduction?”
“I am Lord Middleby. I confess, I have been most intrigued by the whispers surrounding your arrival in London. My family has Scottish roots, though we do not talk about them often. Why, I spent a fortnight in Edinburgh as a young lad, and believe it or not, I developed a taste for haggis!”
Elspeth laughed politely as she took in the face in front of her. It was handsome enough. He was a man of middling height, with straight, slicked-back blond hair and brown eyes.
“Lord Middleby,” she acknowledged, her tone neutral, remembering the Dowager Duchess’s instruction to maintain a polite distance from strangers. “I am impressed by yer palate, and glad ye have had the opportunity to see Scotland. I miss it so.”
“I can only imagine how hard it has been for you,” he said, plucking two champagne flutes off a passing tray and handing one to her. “What have you been up to divert yourself?
“I have me own pursuits,” she replied with a smile. “I like bein’ outdoors, takin’ walks and admirin’ everythin’ around me.”
“They say you are a woman of spirit, untamed by the strictures of Society. I find that most refreshing,” He took a tentative step closer, his gaze dropping to her décolletage quickly before flickering to the crowd around them.
Elspeth’s carefully cultivated composure threatened to crack under the pressure of his attention. She knew she was here to find a suitable match, yet she did not feel ready at all. It was all too much. She felt unsure of herself, of a future without…
“I assure ye, Lord Middleby, any rumors ye have heard are likely exaggerated for sport. I am merely a widow seekin’ a quiet life.”
“A quiet life?” He chuckled. “You are so young and, well, beautiful if I may be so bold. The emerald of your gown is a most becoming shade, which complements your eyes. I think you could do better than just a quiet life. Unless that is what you want, of course. And, if I may be so forward, I—”
Before Elspeth could formulate a proper response, a shadow fell over them. She could smell him, all peat and man and pine. She pressed a hand to her chest as she felt him.
Hugo moved to stand beside her, his usually mercurial expression absolutely thunderous.
“Middleby.” His voice was a low, dangerous growl. “I believe Lady Inverhall is needed elsewhere for a moment. If you would excuse her.”
“Your Grace,” Lord Middleby stammered, taking a hasty step back. “It is such a pleasure to see you and to make the acquaintance of your widow?”
“My widow?”
“I mean, your charge?”
“My charge? She is not my charge. I am merely fulfilling my duty to see that this lady is properly matched; that is all. However, there is a matter that requires Lady Inverhall’s attention. Excuse us.”
Lord Middleby, his face paling, mumbled an inaudible apology and quickly retreated into the crowd.
Elspeth looked up at Hugo, a strange mix of gratitude and annoyance swirling within her.
“Thank ye,” she said, her voice quiet. “I daenae ken if I have the stamina for so much conversation in one evenin’. I am tired.”
Hugo merely grunted, his gaze still fixed on Lord Middleby’s retreating figure.
“Are you all right, Elspeth?” he asked then, realizing what she had said. “Do you feel unwell?”
“I am perfectly well,” she said with a smile. “I could use some refreshment, though. Thank ye.”
Hugo ushered her to the bar and offered her another flute of champagne while the tender wordlessly refilled his glass of brandy. She took a delicate sip, thinking of how much better he would taste.
She shook her head at the thought, seeking to clear her clouded mind.
“That is much better,” Elspeth admitted as she took another sip, feeling the bubbles reach her eyes. “Although I fear I am not up for dancin’. Me feet arenae used to slippers.”
She lifted her skirts slightly, showing off the elegant slippers with delicate patterns embroidered on them.
They look like silver pieces of tinsel. Delicate wisps of silvery light, like a beautiful sìdh.
She quickly lowered her skirts before anyone else could notice, yet she sensed a subtle shift in Hugo’s posture. He tensed and relaxed in time with her movements.
Aye, so that is how this shall be.
She turned away from him, giving a view of her back, which led to her round backside. The dress itself was tasteful and not overly showy, but it did not matter. Her body could not be hidden, and in such proximity, she could sense his blood boiling, praying it reached between his legs.
She liked how the fabric of her gown hugged her curves, swaying with her movements in shimmery green. She knew she was a far cry from the first day he saw her, covered in mud in the middle of Inverhall’s gardens.
If only she had been wearing this gown.
Just as she felt his eyes burning into her back, Elspeth spun around quickly.
“Is there somethin’ on the back of me gown?” she asked as she started to fuss with her dress, feigning ignorance. “Did one of those bloody lords spill somethin’ on me? Do I look alright?!”
“You look perfectly adequate,” Hugo replied with a forced cough. “Shall we socialize a bit more? The night is still young, and you have your duty to fulfill.”
“Indeed,” Elspeth sighed. “I daenae think I can leave without dancing at least once, and would ye believe that three lords asked me to dance with them and—”
“Excellent,” Hugo said, his voice clipped. “Your progress has been noted.”
“Is there something wrong?” she whispered, her eyes searching his. “Ye can tell me.”
“Why would you ask that?”
“I daenae ken why, but I can feel it in me bones. Do ye want to dance with me again, Yer Grace?”
“What point would that serve?” he barked, inching closer to her.
“I daenae ken that somethin’ like dancin’ could serve a point, but I suppose ye are right.”
Elspeth danced with not one, not two, not three, but four gentlemen. She was the most sought-after lady that evening, and whispers about her floated around as much as the candelabras that shone above the gleaming dance floor.
“She moves with such grace, for a Highlander,” she heard one man whisper to another.
“Nonsense,” Lady Featherstone scoffed as she sidled up to them. “She moves like a real lady, as if the wind carries her along.”
“Indeed,” Lady Pemberton agreed. “I trust you have found the champagne to be plentiful enough. I have seen to it that our butler will have a case delivered to you tomorrow.”
“Oh, that is most generous.” Lady Featherstone fanned herself more frantically. “What a night!”
Elspeth laughed to herself as her final dance partner, a nervous Lord Middleby, twirled her this way and that. He was a perfect partner, if a bit silent.
“Is it something I am doing, Lady Inverhall?” he asked sheepishly as the song came to an end.
“Not at all! Ye should hear Lady Featherstone,” she said softly. “I ken it isnae polite, but the woman is a riot.”
“I do not disagree,” he admitted with a wide smile. “May I c—”
“I believe the dance, and this ball, are over,” Hugo cut in, materializing beside Elspeth in a rush that took her breath away.
“Indeed.” She curtsied to Lord Middleby. “Thank ye for the dance, Lord Middleby.”
Hugo gently pulled her off the dance floor and spun her around to face him.
“They are goin’ to think ye like me if ye keep comin’ after me like that,” Elspeth warned, holding his steely gaze.
“I am responsible for you and your well-being. That is all. It is time to go,” he muttered.
As the evening drew to a close, Hugo and Elspeth bid their goodbyes to the host and hostess. They were about to go down the stairs when the Dowager Duchess approached them, a faint smile on her lips.
“Grandmother, I was afraid we had missed you,” Hugo said in greeting. “I hope you had a pleasant time.”
“Elspeth, my dear, you did rather well tonight, from what I have heard and saw,” the Dowager Duchess praised, ignoring her grandson entirely.
“A marked improvement. You managed to converse without scandalizing anyone, and even charmed that old bore, Lord Pemberton. There is still much work to be done, of course, but your progress is undeniable. Well done, my dear.”
Elspeth felt a surge of pride, and she rolled her shoulders back confidently. “Thank ye, Yer Grace. I confess, it was less arduous than I anticipated.”
The Dowager Duchess nodded in approval. “Indeed. I am sure your mother would be proud if she were still with us. And, with continued effort, you shall have your pick of the ton, rather than being relegated to the most desperate and despicable of men.” She pinned Hugo with a look that could intimidate a giant.
“She did well enough, I suppose,” he muttered, his voice gruff.
He crossed his arms, a possessive glint in his eyes that belied his dismissive tone.
“Surely a marked improvement, but she still has a great deal to learn. And that fellow, Middleby, he was utterly inadequate. She needs to be more discerning.”
The Dowager Duchess raised an eyebrow, a knowing look passing between her and Elspeth.
“My dear Hugo, if she is to choose a husband, she must meet a variety of gentlemen. And you, it seems, are rather difficult to please.” She gave him a pointed look, to which he cast his eyes down.
“Her progress is quite satisfactory, I assure you. But, as I said, there is still much work ahead.” She then turned on her heel and walked away.
“Goodnight, Yer Grace,” Elspeth called with a small wave.
“Goodnight, my dear.” The Dowager Duchess waved back. “I will call on you soon.”
Elspeth looked at Hugo, a small, triumphant smile playing on her lips.
“Grandmother,” Hugo called, “would it be much trouble to drop Lady Inverhall off at the townhouse on your way home?”
“Well, no,” the Dowager Duchess replied with a raised eyebrow. “Of course not. But why ever would I need to do that? Are you not going home, Hugo?”
“I have business to attend to,” he stated. “If you will kindly excuse me.”
He stormed off.