Chapter 2
Chapter Two
“ G ood evening, Lord Yardley.”
James took in the beautiful Lady Maude as he bowed, thinking silently to himself that her beauty had improved all the more since last Season. Her elegant eyebrows were gently lifted over dark, flashing blue eyes that held fast to his. Her red lips curved gently, her alabaster skin holding no hint of color.
Evidently, Lady Maude was well used to a gentleman’s perusal for she did not either blush or demurely drop her gaze.
“Good evening, Lady Maude.” Rising from his bow, James smiled as warmly as he could, wondering if this evening, he would have an opportunity to dance with the lady. Having been in London for a fortnight already, he had not yet had a chance to do so and was eager to step out with her. “I do hope you will not have as full a dance card as the last time we were in company together?” One lift of his eyebrow made her smile and, after a moment, she lifted her dance card from her wrist and handed it to him.
“How wonderful.” The satisfaction was only momentary, however, for a glance at the dance card told him he only had two choices remaining – the country waltz and the quadrille. That was not what he had been hoping for. After all, it felt as though the ball had only just begun!
“You have both the first waltz and the supper dance taken already, I see.” Struggling to contain his frustration, James tried to force a smile as he glanced up at Lady Maude. “How very unfortunate.”
“Indeed.” Lady Maude did not seem at all concerned by James’ evident irritation, turning her head away as if she were bored by his frustrations. “I believe two dances are remaining, Lord Yardley. Do either of them not satisfy you?”
James grimaced and put his name down for the quadrille. “But of course, Lady Maude.” It is as if she wishes me to be grateful that I have any dance with her at all – although, mayhap that is precisely as I ought to be. “The quadrille shall suit me very well.”
Her cool smile did nothing to calm his irritation. “Thank you, Lord Yardley. I am sure that my dear friend, Miss Patterson, would be glad of your interest also.”
James’ eyes flicked toward the lady she gestured to, seeing the somewhat pale-faced young lady conversing with another gentleman, although her eyes caught his for a moment.
“But of course,” he murmured, having a great reluctance to even converse with Miss Patterson, whom he had previously been introduced to and found to be something of a bore. “Once she is finished her conversation with another, I shall be glad to speak with her also. I have taken the second to last of your dances, however, and I –”
“And may I have the very last?”
James turned in surprise, just as one Lord Huntsford approached, bowing toward Lady Maude as he came to a stop beside James. “I overheard you speaking to Lord Yardley and must beg for the second dance to become my own.”
“How very kind of you, Lord Huntsford.”
Much to James’ surprise, Lady Maude’s response was no longer the cool, somewhat dull tone with which she had spoken to him. Rather, it was a little brighter and the warmth in her eyes seemed to sparkle as she gazed at Lord Huntsford.
Envy coiled in his belly.
“Wonderful.” Quickly signing his name, Lord Huntsford cleared his throat, smiled, and elbowed James in the side in the most discreet manner.
James’ jaw tightened.
“We shall excuse ourselves now, Lady Maude, so that others might be permitted to enjoy your company also.” Lord Huntsford bowed, turned and James had no other choice but to follow him.
“You are the most irritating gentleman.”
Lord Huntsford chuckled, his eyes dancing. “Ah, but I am also your very dearest friend and therefore you must know that I seek only the best for you.”
James rolled his eyes. “Dancing with Lady Maude has been my sole intention these last two weeks and when I finally am able to do so – having spoken to her only a mere half-hour since the ball began – I find that the waltz and the supper dance are both already stolen by others!”
Lord Huntsford snorted. “They are hardly stolen.”
“I am determined to have a waltz with her.”
His friend lifted his eyebrow. “To what end? You have no intention to wed.”
“Ah, but I might be prevailed upon to do so if she would consider me. I think her the most beautiful of all ladies.” His heart quickened at the thought of her standing beside him in church, only for it then to drop to the floor as he recalled how dismissive she had been toward him. “Alas, I fear she is not to be as eager for my company as I am for hers.”
Grinning, Lord Huntsford chuckled and James’ irritation grew. “I have had nothing but delightful conversation and the like from her. I do not know why you appear to be so displeased.”
“Mayhap that is because you are able to have her smile upon you with only a few words whereas my flattering compliments gain me nothing but the smallest of smiles and only a hint of interest.”
“Ah, so you are envious! Well, you need not be so for I have no intention whatsoever to court Lady Maude, no matter how eager she may be for my company.”
This did nothing to satisfy James’ frustrations and he looked away, his shoulders slumping. Lady Maude was the perfect young lady, as far as he was concerned. Her father was also an earl, just as he was, and she was both elegant and genteel, offering him everything that a lady ought to be. James was quite certain that Lady Maude would make the most excellent wife and to have her on his arm was a dream he continually clung to. And yet, it seemed she did not have any of the same interest in pursuing such a dream, for her lack of delight in his company was rather telling.
“There must be a way that I can garner her interest!”
Lord Huntsford laughed and shook his head. “Mayhap you ought to show a distinct lack of interest in the lady.”
“Whatever can you mean?” James threw a hard look toward his friend, thinking him ridiculous.
“Well, if you have tried to catch her interest and have failed, then why not attempt to do something quite the opposite?” Lord Huntsford shrugged. “If you dance with her but show very little interest in her company, then perhaps she will notice that and her thoughts, thereafter, will linger on you. Or, as I hope, you will realize there is no worth in pursuing the lady.”
James’s frown grew but he did not respond immediately, choosing to ignore the latter part of Lord Huntsford’s advice. Nor did he refute such an idea. Instead, he allowed it to wrap around his mind and allowed himself to consider what might happen should he behave in such a way.
“She might be glad of my disinterest.” Rubbing one hand over his forehead, he let out a long sigh. “And what then?”
Lord Huntsford let out a long sigh and rolled his eyes. “If you are determined to pursue her, then you will have to return to your present state of behavior, which is to seek her out at every opportunity so that she cannot forget your face.”
Letting out another long sigh, James shrugged. “If I become a little more desperate in my attempts to have her consider me, then I will return to your idea and see what will occur. But I am not ready to give up my pursuit of her in my own way quite yet.”
“Very well, although as I have said, I think it a foolish endeavor and the lady is not worth your attention.” Lord Huntsford did not seem at all concerned or offended at James’ outright refusal to do as he suggested instantly but merely shrugged. “Mayhap you ought to dance with as many other young ladies as you can this evening. That will help to put Lady Maude from your mind, I am sure.”
James gave him a half-smile, choosing to ignorethe fact that Lord Huntsford continually attempted to encourage him to forget Lady Maude entirely. “That, at least, is an idea that I would find most enjoyable, whom shall we approach next?” Lord Huntsford looked around, smiling to himself as he took in the many young ladies and their companions or chaperones. “My, my. There are many new faces in London this evening, it seems! A good many beautiful debutantes that I am certain would be glad to make your acquaintance.”
“Now you are attempting to flatter me so that I will not think of Lady Maude and allow my spirits to become despondent.”
Chuckling, Lord Huntsford shook his head. “Or mayhap I seek only to find other dance partners for myself this evening and wish that you would not speak with such melancholy so that we might instead enjoy the evening, hmm?” One eyebrow arched, and James grinned.
“Very well, I shall do as you have suggested.” Letting his gaze rove around the room, he spotted a very striking young lady standing by another. His heart lifted for a moment, for the young lady was quite lovely – although not in comparison to Lady Maude at all, of course. She was standing near to a group of gentlemen and ladies and as James watched, he saw the older lady gesture toward them before pushing the younger lady forward.
Clearly, that is either her mother or her chaperone.
“And who is that fine beauty?” Pointing openly, he waited until Lord Huntsford’s eyes had traveled in her direction while his gaze lingered on her. The lady in question was tall with generous curves that he could not help but notice. Her oval face held a slim, delicate nose, rosebud lips, and eyes he longed to know the color of. Her fair hair was threaded with gold from the candlelight and her curls bounced lightly when she laughed.
Lord Huntsford cleared his throat and there was no smile on his face. “Are you unaware of Lady Essington?”
James shot a quick look toward him. “She is already married?”
“She was. I believe she will have finished her year of mourning only recently.”
“Oh.” That did not dissuade James in any way but his interest in her was a little diminished. “Then it is highly unlikely she would consider matrimony.”
“But then again, neither are you considering such a thing,” Lord Huntsford reminded him, “save for Lady Maude. Recall that this is solely for your pleasure this evening. You talk and dance with whomever you wish in the hope that we might find a little enjoyment!”
And mayhap Lady Maude will see I am entertaining and in the very best of company and if I am a little distant with her, she may begin to think of me.
“Very well. If you are acquainted with her, then please do introduce me.” Clearing his throat, James puffed out his chest a little, held his head high, and smiled at Lord Huntsford. “As soon as possible.”
They walked over to Lady Essington’s group and Lord Huntsford caught her attention. Lord Huntsford cleared his throat, smiled, and then gestured to James. “Lady Essington, might I have the honor of presenting my friend to you?”
She nodded. “But of course.”
Her smile sought to push all thought of Lady Maude from his mind. She was even more beautiful standing so close to him and her eyes glittered like emeralds. “Lady Essington, I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“And might I now present Lady Gillingham?” Lady Essington made further introductions and James was forced to wait a little longer before he could fall into further conversation with her. “Lady Gillingham is soon to return to the country, however.”
“Indeed, this is my final social event of the Season,” came the reply. “I am to make my way to my manor house in Wiltshire tomorrow afternoon.”
Wondering if the lady was feeling unwell, James gave her a small, sympathetic smile. “I am truly sorry. I hope you will not miss London too much.”
Lady Gillingham laughed, making Lady Essington smile, although she tried to hide it behind her fan.
“Oh, you quite mistake me, Lord Yardley. I am choosing to return to my manor house rather than remain in London. There is no disappointment in my heart about leaving town. Instead, I am quite looking forward to returning home.”
“I see. Forgive me for making an assumption.”
“There is no apology required, I assure you.” The older lady smiled and James allowed himself to return it, a little embarrassed over his mistake.
“It is not your final event of the Season I hope, Lady Essington?”
James turned his head to his friend, a little surprised at Lord Huntsford’s boldness and at the question itself. Was he also caught up with Lady Essington’s beauty?
Lady Essington regarded Lord Huntsford carefully for a moment or two, then smiled and shook her head.
“No, Lord Huntsford, it is not. I have only recently returned to London and have every intention of remaining in London for the entire duration of the Season.”
“That is good. I am very glad to hear it.” Lord Huntsford smiled, cleared his throat, and then held out one hand toward Lady Essington, leaving James to stand by and watch rather than speak to the lady himself. “I do hope you intend to dance this evening?”
Noting how the young lady exchanged a look with Lady Gillingham, James was forced simply to observe as she smiled and then handed her dance card to Lord Huntsford. For whatever reason, he found himself a little frustrated at his friend’s behavior, although he had no real reason to be. Lord Huntsford was behaving just as a gentleman ought, although James had wanted – and indeed, expected – that it would be he who would be the one to seek her dance card and the like, given that he had been the one to ask Lord Huntsford for an introduction!
“I thank you.” A glittering glance was sent James’ way as Lady Essington accepted the dance card back from Lord Huntsford and James was ready in a moment.
“I should be most obliged if you would favor me also, Lady Essington.”
Her lips lifted in a gentle smile as she handed him her dance card whereas James’ brows knotted together.
The scoundrel! He has taken her waltz!
Why this should frustrate him so very much, James did not know but for whatever reason, the fact that Lord Huntsford would be standing up with Lady Essington was of the greatest irritation.
“The country dance and the cotillion, I think.” Yes, he could have taken the supper dance but that was not the done thing, given that they had only just become introduced. Had he known her a little better or furthered their acquaintance somewhat, then he might well have been able to take it.
“Two dances? That is very kind of you, Lord Yardley.”
James smiled as he gave the dance card back to the lady. “But of course.”
“And, alas, we must take our leave. Lord Yardley may have forgotten but he is to dance the quadrille, which is soon to begin.”
James, a little reluctant to leave, bowed and then turned away, falling into step with Lord Huntsford.
“And now you are introduced!” Lord Huntsford threw a satisfied smile toward James, who did not return it.
“You took her waltz.”
His friend’s smile faded. “But of course. Why would I not?”
James did not know how to reply. To say simply, ‘Because I wanted to do so’ would sound very childish indeed, and thus, he chose to shrug, telling himself that he was being foolish.
“She is very handsome, is she not? I have always thought so, even when she was being courted by Lord Essington.”
“Indeed.”
“You shall have to find more young ladies to dance with once you have stepped out with Lady Essington, however. To have only two is somewhat embarrassing!”
James rolled his eyes at his friend’s jesting, just as Lady Maude came into view. She was, once again, in the company of her friend, Miss Patterson, whom James silently considered showed Lady Maude in an even better light, given that the lady herself was pale, constantly sorrowful, and always kept her head low.
“Although, no doubt you feel that Lady Essington’s beauty is diminished in light of Lady Maude!”
Barely hearing his friend, James made his way toward the lady, bowing low as his heart quickened.
Mayhap you should show a distinct lack of interest in the lady.
The suggestion from Lord Huntsford entered his mind and would not be easily dismissed. Bowing low, James threw away his smile as he looked toward Lady Maude. “We are to dance the quadrille, Lady Maude.”
“Yes, of course.” Her lips did not lift into a smile and her eyes fixed themselves to his as if he were holding a great secret within his heart that she wanted to find out. When he offered her his arm, she took it without hesitation, turning her head away and breaking their connection. James opened his mouth to say something, only to find he had nothing of interest to say.
“Was that Lady Essington I saw you speaking with, Lord Yardley?”
A little surprised, James glanced down at Lady Maude and then nodded. “Yes, Lady Maude. It was.”
“I see.” Her lips were pinched as she looked up at him before stepping back into her place. “I did not know she had returned from her mourning period.”
James nodded. “It seems she is so, Lady Maude.” A slight frown crossed his brow but he dismissed it. Surely Lady Maude could not be envious of his conversation with Lady Essington!
“And she is to dance this evening?”
Blinking in confusion, James nodded but said nothing. It was very strange for Lady Maude to be so interested in his conversation with another and indeed, James was not quite certain how he ought to respond.
“You are to dance with her, Lord Yardley?”
“Yes, Lady Maude. I have taken the cotillion and the country dance.”
That sent sparks into her eyes as she narrowed them gently, her pinched lips turning white as she shot a hard look toward him. It was as if he had done something wrong and was quite unaware of it.
Or mayhap she is envious of the fact that you have taken two dances with Lady Essington but only one with her. Giving himself a slight shake, James cleared his throat. You are being ridiculous. Lady Maude disliked that I was disappointed with only the two dances she had remaining. It is not as though she wanted me to take them both!
The dance began, and without saying another word, James stepped forward and took Lady Maude’s hand.
“Mayhap at the next ball, you will have a better opportunity to dance with me, Lord Yardley.”
A little confused at her meaning, James frowned as he stepped back. “I am grateful for every dance, Lady Maude. It is difficult to make certain that I have even one with you!”
Her smile was tight, her eyes glittering. “Then perhaps you ought to try a little harder, Lord Yardley, for it is not as though I can refuse any gentleman that comes to greet me simply because you are seeking me out.”
James cleared his throat as he stepped back, going through the steps of the dance carefully. “Yes, of course, Lady Maude.” Is she encouraging me to pursue her with a little more eagerness? Does she wish me to prove myself? A surge of hope lifted his heart and he managed to smile. “I shall make sure to do precisely that.”