10. Jonto #4
Oblivious to Jonto’s musings, when they’d moved back into the primary steps, Isla smiled, “Thank you for helping calm him earlier. My mother often gave him specific steps he could take to mitigate whatever was making him anxious at the time. I noticed you doing the same.”
After raising her gaze off of Isla’s lips, Jonto found herself swept into those mesmerizing green eyes and nearly missed what Isla had said.
“My pleasure. My mother suffered from anxiety, so I’m somewhat familiar with the condition.
It can be debilitating, but I learned how to help her by watching my father.
When he was away, it fell to me to ease her through whatever had happened to disturb her equilibrium.
“I’d think helping her through a difficult time would have fallen to your twin sister rather than to you.”
Jonto didn’t say anything for a long while. He led them into a promenade, where they moved across the floor facing in the same direction. The music stopped when they transitioned back into the standard steps.
Before Jonto knew what was happening, Rosetta pushed between her and Isla and took her place.
Isla’s lips pursed into a thin line. The girl was a good ten years younger than she, and for her to push her away was the height of rudeness.
Jonto debated how to handle the matter tactfully, but to her relief, Isla’s friend, Tillie, stepped in.
“Lord Jontoreaux. I believe you promised me this dance.”
Relief washed through Jonto as she bowed politely to Rosetta.
“Forgive me, Lady Gallacher. I did promise Lady Masterson this dance, and as it’s getting rather late in the evening, as a gentleman, I can hardly put her off again for fear this might be the last dance.
” When Rosetta turned a scathing look on Tillie, Jonto pointedly looked at Celie, opened her eyes wide, and tipped her head toward the conductor.
Celie understood immediately and strode to where the conductor was raising his wand to begin the next dance. She had a quiet word, and by the way he nodded, it seemed to Jonto that he readily agreed that this would be the final dance of the evening.
While Tillie wasn’t the most graceful dancer, she was light on her feet, and the occasional misstep was easily corrected. Jonto swung her in an underarm turn and reset to the home position. “Thank you for this dance, My Lady.”
“Of course, Lord Jontoreaux. I saw Rosetta homing in on you and thought, perhaps, you might prefer to dance with me instead.”
That was a loaded statement, and knowing the vagaries of the nobility, Jonto decided she needed to step carefully when speaking of the Archduchess’s granddaughter, even if this was one of Isla’s good friends who’d come to her rescue.
“Yes, Lord Riordan outdid himself by inviting many cultured, interesting ladies to the ball. I’ve tried to dance with as many new partners as possible to familiarize myself with the greatest number of individuals here in my new home port. ”
Tillie’s intelligence shone on her face as she regarded Jonto.
Some women were quick to fill in the silences, but this wasn’t one of them.
It seemed her slight stature belied an unexpected strength of character.
Jonto studied her as she led her around the dancefloor.
She looked to be somewhere in her mid-thirties with a delicate nose and thin lips that easily lifted in a friendly smile.
Jonto skillfully moved her out of the way of another couple, and because she wanted to get to know people Isla considered her friends, she moved the conversation along. “Isla introduced you as Lady Masterson. I believe I met your husband in town the other day.”
“You met my cousin, Baron Masterson. He mentioned how much he enjoyed the cigars you shared at the Enigma Club.”
“My apologies. Your cousin, then.” With a smile, Jonto spun her in an underarm spin. “I believe he enjoyed one of the Bermudas. Quite a distinctive taste.”
“Were you aware that Isla enjoys a good cigar now and again?”
Now, it was Jonto’s turn to study her dance partner. “I assume that, unlike the last noblewoman who whispered that in my ear, you’re not trying to put our hostess in a bad light?”
Those intelligent eyes crinkled slightly. “On the contrary, I’m hoping a pirate might appreciate the unique qualities my friend possesses.”
“You’re matchmaking, then?”
“No. Not in the way you’re intimating. With your permission, I’d like to be a bit forward with you, My Lord, because we may not have another chance to speak privately.”
With her interest piqued, Jonto held Tillie in a more open position, a bit further apart, so she could pay better attention to what she was saying. “Please.”
“If you had known her when her mother was still alive,” Tillie hesitated as she thought about how she wanted to phrase her next words, “Isla was a different person around her mother. Fun, outgoing, happy. I think a good-natured friend might bring that Isla back to us. I’ll warn you now, she won’t accept you as a suitor, but…
” she blushed slightly, “Lady Fitzgerald and I have seen her smile more in your presence this evening than we’ve seen in the last few years.
I hope that when she rebuffs your attempts to court her, you’ll not turn away from her altogether. ”
With a smile, Jonto cocked her head. “You mean you hope I’ll show up on her doorstep with a bottle of brandy and a good cigar and sit on her porch discussing the best ways to bluff or raise a weak hand in a game of poker?”
A knowing smile lifted the sides of Tillie’s mouth.
She chose not to respond, and Jonto bowed over her hand when the music ended.
“Lady Brighton and I barely know one another, My Lady, but she is indeed fortunate to have such caring friends in you and Lady Fitzgerald. Perhaps over time, she and I will become better acquainted, but for now, thank you for the favor of your company during this dance.”
Tillie curtseyed. “The pleasure was all mine, My Lord.”
Jonto watched as she returned to her cousin’s side before glancing around to see who remained.
The Archduchess and her entourage had gone.
Thankfully, it appeared they’d taken Rosetta with them.
Others were edging toward the ballroom’s exit, so even though she was tired and wanted to go home, Jonto stationed herself in the departure line and shook hands with the guests as they said their goodnights.
The first to approach were Lord and Lady Hadley and their three daughters.
The lady took Jonto’s hand and held on with both of her own.
“My daughters so enjoyed dancing with you, Lord Jontoreaux. Especially my Corinna.” She let go with one hand, took hold of her daughter’s arm, and hauled her forward.
With rudeness bordering on boorish, she replaced her hand with her daughter’s and beamed at them both.
“The two of you looked so natural together, and your dancing was exquisite. Where did you learn to dance? Oh, never mind. Corinna walks in the park with her sisters every Tuesday and Saturday. Can we expect to see you there sometime?”
Jonto retrieved her hand and tried to keep the horror from her face. “Um, no, I don’t plan to walk in the park, but if I do, I’ll keep those days in mind.” She’d keep them in mind, all right, so she could be certain the empty-headed daughters wouldn’t be there if she happened by the park.
Corinna batted her extra-long eyelashes and demurely lowered her gaze.
“You said you liked my dress.” Animation leapt into her face, and those lashes waved dangerously as her next words gushed out as though nothing could be more interesting than her chosen topic.
She stepped in close and tapped Jonto’s chest with one long fingernail.
“Some people don’t like the puffed sleeves, but they’re so in fashion with those of us who follow what’s happening in the capitol.
Since you liked this one, perhaps I’ll wear the pink one the next time we meet. ”
Jonto was quite used to socialites wanting her attention and was adept at dousing their hopes without giving insult.
“Miss Hadley. While I’m honored to make your and your sisters’ acquaintances, I’d like to be clear that I’m not looking for romance or, more specifically, for a wife.
In the short time I’ve been in port, I’ve met many eligible young men whom I’m sure would be honored to pay court to Lord and Lady Hadley’s three lovely daughters.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, the line is growing. ”
James stepped next to Lord Hadley and waved him toward the exit. “George. So glad you could come. I believe your coachman is waiting for you and your lovely family.”
George happily followed James onto the front porch, but the four ladies glared daggers at Jonto. Lady Hadley sniffed, “Well.” She swept out the door and waved at her daughters. “Come along, girls.”
The puff sleeves and wide skirts forced Jonto to step back as the three sisters swished past with their noses high in the air. She blinked, wondering if she needed to brush up on tactfully declining offers of courtship and marriage.
Lord Margot stepped forward and bowed slightly.
When he rose, there was definite amusement in his deep-set brown eyes.
He leaned in. “Careful, old boy. Being the most eligible bachelor in the county can be hazardous at times. I should know.” With a friendly grin, he patted Jonto on the shoulder and followed the Hadleys out the door.
A man she hadn’t yet met moved from his place in line and planted himself firmly in front of Jonto. Dislike fairly radiated off him as he nonetheless obeyed the strictures of society and held out his hand. “Viscount Harlan Penderley.”