CHAPTER THREE #4
Just then, the orchestra stroke up a lively tune.
Emily’s eyes followed as Richard guided their cousin through the dance steps.
She observed as Charlotte eased into it gracefully, as she’d been taught.
A bittersweet smile tugged on the corners of her mouth, the memory of her own first dance rushing into her.
She could never possibly forget the excitement she felt in that moment, with a mix of nerves of course.
Richard, bless his heart, had done his best to help those nerves, engaging her in conversation about the ton.
She remembered how he’d made jokes about Lord Houghton’s attire and the fact that it seemed his entire family took after him.
Even now, as she saw Charlotte occasionally laugh and giggle, she knew he was doing the same thing to help her.
Emily forced the bittersweet memory aside, focusing on the radiant smile Charlotte donned.
There were several approving nods from the guests, and even a few jealous looks from ambitious mamas and their daughters.
A smirk outlined her lips. She basked in the triumph she felt.
Mentally, she gave herself a pat on the back for her success so far with Charlotte.
“Oh, Emily, I cannot thank you enough!” Charlotte gushed a few dance sets later. She had joined her cousin, Louisa, and Lady Everton by the refreshment table. Excitement pumped through her; her nerves long forgotten. “How did I do? Did I miss any of the steps?”
Emily laughed. She handed her a glass of lemonade, and said, “You must be parched.”
Charlotte muttered a ‘thank you’ as she accepted it.
“At this rate, you’d be parched more times than one before the end of the night,” Louisa joked.
“You were great, Charlotte. I’m not even certain I can dance like that anymore,” Emily told her cousin. “At least now we’ve given Lady Worthington and the frequenters of her gossip mill something else to talk about.”
Lady Everton snorted lightly. “With the start of the Season, I’m sure she’d find other matters of interest to keep her lips and ears busy. Lord knows how she does it.”
“I’m more concerned about how well she’s trained Lady Celia in her footsteps,” Emily chimed in.
“Family legacy, I suppose,” Louisa added dryly, sipping from her glass.
The four women stifled their laughter, each one trying harder than the other.
“What do you think about Lord Barley?” Charlotte asked, noticing the Earl had been stealing a couple of glances at her from across the room.
“The Earl?” Emily asked, finding the subject in question with her eyes. He was, in fact, staring at Charlotte, and removed his gaze in record time just as he was joined by his brother. Emily didn’t miss the look of admiration in his eyes.
“Wasn’t he engaged to Lady Preston’s daughter last Season?
” inquired Emily. “I heard their engagement fell through.” A hint of pity for the young Miss Preston laced her voice.
Thankfully, she had gotten engaged towards the end of last Season and was now married, saving herself from the ton’s harsh judgment.
Emily knew all too well how that could impact one’s mental and emotional state.
“I believe there were complications with his family at the time,” Lady Everton offered. “Theirs wasn’t a love match so Miss Preston must have thought it best to dissolve the engagement. However, he seems quite eager this Season.”
“He seems to have taken a liking to our dear Charlotte,” Louisa said.
“Well, he’ll surely have to do more than stealing glances from a distance if he wants to stand a chance,” Charlotte added. She hadn’t heard much about the Earl, but she was sure Richard would be able to provide any information she required. At least, he was pleasing to the eyes.
Emily was about to make another comment when she noticed Richard approaching. Her eyes shifted to the tall, handsome gentleman that accompanied him. He seemed familiar but she couldn’t decide where she knew him from.
“Ladies.” Richard’s voice stopped the women mid-conversation and they all turned to him with anticipation. “May I introduce Viscount of Langford, Lord Aidan Langford.”
“Ladies,” Lord Langford said, with a graceful bow. His gaze swept over the quartet of women, but it lingered on Charlotte.
The women curtsied in respect, offering polite smiles.
Suddenly, Emily recalled that she had heard her father speak with and about Lord Langford’s father—rest his soul—when he was alive. The late Viscount and the late Earl had some shared business interests back then.
“Lord Langford’s father was a business acquaintance of our father,” Richard said, glancing at Emily.
She gave a curt nod, not missing the hint of approval that laced her brother’s tone.
“Lord Langford has just returned from his tour around the continent. Just in time for the Season.” He turned to Charlotte with one corner of his mouth lifted.
“We’re glad to have you with us tonight, Lord Langford,” Emily said, “I hope the evening has been pleasing to you.”
Lord Langford smiled. “Indeed, it has, Lady Emily. Thank you for having me tonight.”
“He has been lavishing praises upon the evening’s ball. I daresay he is exceedingly pleased,” Richard remarked.
“I’m sure Charlotte here would love to hear some stories about your travels, my lord.” Emily’s tone was suggestive as she cast a brief glance at her cousin.
The Viscount turned to Charlotte, just as the orchestra was about to begin playing and a charming smile formed on his lips. His eyes sparkled when her gaze reached his, and his heart swelled with expectation.
“Miss Clifton.” He held a hand to her, his smile widening slightly. “Would you do me the honour of sharing a dance with me?”
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed, her eyes glittering, as she placed her delicate hand in his. “I would love to.”