Rescued by an Earl
Page 19
“It is entirely up to you how you deal with him, of course,” Miss Thornley continued, quietly. “Yet I would beg of you to be careful.”
“I will,” Jessica promised, relieved that she felt no kind of attraction to the man. “Thank you for telling me, Miss Thornley. I am quite sure that one dance with him will be more than enough.”
However, when the time came for the Major to take her onto the floor, he was nowhere to be found. The music struck up, the couples took to the floor and still Jessica waited. Her face flamed with color as it became apparent the man was not about to turn up. Feeling slighted and more than a little embarrassed, Jessica made to retreat back into the shadows – only for another man with a military bearing to come directly towards her.
“I know this is quite untoward, but I hope you will dance with me,” he said, with a swift bow. “It is the waltz after all and I am quite jealous of those already with a partner – although how you have been overlooked is quite beyond me!”
Jessica swallowed the lump in her throat and gave him a wobbly smile, taking his proffered arm and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. They were a little late in joining the other couples but that did not seem to bother her partner who managed to sweep her onto the floor with ease.
“I thank you,” she managed to say, suddenly aware of just how piercing the gentleman’s brown eyes were. “I was expecting someone, but they did not appear.”
“Then I am lucky indeed,” he replied, with a smile that warmed her heart. “His lack of attention, whilst not at all condoned, has given me the chance to dance with the most beautiful young lady in the room.”
Jessica felt her cheeks warm and found that she had to look away. “You are very kind,” she murmured, suddenly aware that she did not even know his name. “Might I ask the name of my savior?”
He chuckled. “Eccles,” he replied, with a quick smile. “Or Captain Eccles, if you prefer.”
“And I am Lady Jessica,” she answered, finding that her embarrassment and mortification was already dying away.
“Yes, I thought you were,” he stated, his eyes fixed on her own. “You are Lady Northfell’s sister, I believe?”
“Yes, I am.”
He nodded, clearly understanding the connection. “I know Lord Northfell a little. It was very kind of him to invite me.”
“I am glad he did,” Jessica replied, finding her breath catching in her chest as he looked down at her with warmth in his eyes. “For then who would have come to rescue me from my embarrassment?”
“Who indeed?” he murmured, pulling her just a little closer. “Well, it is very good to make your acquaintance, Lady Jessica. Very good indeed.”
Do Jessicca and George Eccles get to know each other better? Is he even suitable for a Duke’s daughter? Check out the rest of the story on the Kindle store! My Restless Earl
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