by Amelia Grey
Lyon shrugged off the truth of his father’s comment. “I don’t care if Thurston knows. I’d rather chew nails into powder than introduce him to Adeline.”
“The man has the right to ask for an introduction. From what I understand, you still haven’t claimed her.”
He had. He just couldn’t announce it. Until Adeline was ready. Her reservations about marriage and what she wanted had to be respected. Whether or not he agreed with her wishes.
“Stay of out this,” he muttered to his father and stopped another server to exchange his empty glass for a filled one.
“Wouldn’t dream of getting involved in your life,” Marksworth said with an easy smile. He turned back to the gentlemen standing with them and continued his conversation about the Prince.
From the corner of his eye Lyon saw Prichard. The man nodded to him and then tilted his head toward Thurston. Lyon grunted under his breath. Was every man who saw Adeline at his house going to ask for an introduction? He’d known tonight wouldn’t be easy. Gentlemen were already lining up to win Adeline’s favor. His gut twisted. He didn’t know a one of them who would reject an offer to just be a lover. Hell, that’s what most of them would want anyway.
Ignoring the man, Lyon went back to watching the door, and a few moments later Adeline stopped at the entranceway with Lady Kitson Fairbright and Mrs. Brina Feld. Each looked stunning, but he had eyes only for Adeline. She wore an amber-colored gown banded with thin strips of yellow ribbon. Her beautiful, slender neck was perfect for the choker of amber stones nestled around it and woven into her hair.
Lyon quickly glanced around the room. A few ladies had stopped their conversations to watch the three widows. Others joined them. The noise level softened around the room as more people looked their way. There were nods, glances and whispers. He wanted to be the first to greet her, gently squeeze her fingertips and kiss the back of her gloved hand as a proper gentleman would do. Instinct told him that wasn’t the way to woo her. She knew she already had his attention and she needed no show of outward affection from him. He’d let her settle into the room, talk with people, maybe even have a dance or two before he approached her. It’d be a struggle, but he would manage. This was her first evening back in Society. He had to let her handle it as she wished. He would talk, laugh, and sip his champagne. Maybe he’d have a dance or two himself. Anything to hurry the night along.
The Duke of Sprogsfield, Lady Kitson Fairbright’s father-in-law, walked up to the three ladies. Not surprisingly, the young and strapping Mr. Harvey Brightstone was with him and the first eligible gentleman to sidle up to the three ladies as they descended the steps into the ballroom. Brightstone had been looking for a bride with a plump purse for two years. Mr. Edward Wallace was another and he was the second to approach the threesome.
The crowd around the widows quickly became so thick Lyon could no longer see Adeline.
As he suspected, there would be no small amount of gentlemen standing in line for Lady Wake and her two friends this evening. Nor it appeared would there be shunning by any of the matrons of the ton. They watched for a few seconds longer and slowly went back to their conversations as if completely uninterested in the widows’ arrival. Perhaps his father and his aunt had nipped the gossip in its tracks after all.
Marksworth turned away from the other men standing with them and in a quiet voice said, “Lady Wake is here.”
“So you remember her,” Lyon said.
“No. I don’t remember ever seeing her before, but I remember the two widows with her so I’ll pretend I do when I speak to her later this evening. It’s easier to do that than go through an introduction. Lady Kitson Fairbright and Mrs. Brina Feld didn’t quit Society after they married as did the countess. But recognizing the other two ladies isn’t the reason I knew the countess had entered the room. I felt the change in you.”
“That’s not good.” Lyon stopped a server and again exchanged his empty glass for a full one.
“Don’t worry. No one else knows you as I do.”
“Somewhat reassuring,” he answered and sipped his drink.
“Do you think this time you might have found love?”
Yes.
Lyon remained silent. His feelings for Adeline weren’t something he could discuss with his father. Marksworth knew it but never stopped trying.
“I didn’t expect an answer,” his father grumbled. “But then you know that silence can be an answer. I take it that for some reason you decided someone else should be the first gentleman to greet her tonight.”
“There’s no hurry.”
“Oh, good lord, I know that,” his father said in a frustrated tone. “I’ve lost track of how long I’ve been trying to get you in a hurry to settle on a bride and marry.”
“Eight years,” Lyon said.
“Ah. You’re right. No reason to rush anything tonight. You’re wise to let the flurry of flapping coattails slow down before you approach her. That might give you an edge.”
Lyon grunted a laugh.
“I saw Lady Wake’s eyes. She was searching for you.”
“What?” Lyon’s breath kicked up.
“Ah, so you are interested in her. It’s not as if you couldn’t dominate her time as I feel free to do with Miss Ballingbrand since we are betrothed and will be married shortly after the Season ends.”
“This is not the night to start that conversation again, Marksworth. That is not a route I intend to travel.”
“I didn’t think so, but it is the night for you to meet all the young ladies who’ve just entered Society. I still hold hope one of them will please you. If not the countess, perhaps another. Turn around, I’m about to introduce you to the lovely young lady I met a few weeks ago. I mentioned her to you. Mr. William Palmont’s daughter. She’d be perfect for you.”
Lyon turned and saw the stout, bearded man and his daughter. “I’ve already been introduced to her,” Lyon said.
“Really?” Marksworth raised his eyebrows.
“I can’t believe something happened in London that you don’t know about.” Lyon lifted one corner of his mouth in a grin. “I was invited to his house for a dinner party last week and accidently met her. Much as you did a few weeks ago I suspect. I think Palmont wanted to make sure every eligible peer saw her before tonight in case any of them wanted to make an offer for a match before the Season began.”
“Hmm. He must not have had any takers,” Marksworth murmured just before the two stopped in front of them.
Lyon greeted the cheerful, green-eyed Miss Palmont and her father. There didn’t seem to be anything about the young miss to dislike. As a gentleman, he did all that was proper and expected of him concerning her, including asking her to save him a dance later in the evening. After a few minutes, he found an easy way to excuse himself from the trio when he looked up and saw Cordelia walking into the ballroom.
“You are looking beautiful enough to be the diamond of the Season, Aunt,” he offered and kissed her hand.
She laughed. “You are such a dear. You make me wish I had more nephews to flatter me.”
“I would never do that. I only tell you the truth and you know it. You are looking exceptionally beautiful tonight.”
“Well, it’s a wonder. I do get weary of telling Mrs. Feversham that it doesn’t matter if she has a spyglass, it wasn’t you she saw with Lady Wake in your back garden. Nor was it you she saw a few days ago traipsing past the hedgerow half-dressed with a girl from the school on each side of you.”
“So she saw that?”
“By the saints, Lyon! Was it true? I’ve convinced the poor lady she’s drinking too many elixirs for the pain in her hip and she must stop. Heavens! What is going on at your house?”
“Nothing you want to know about.”
“I do want to know if I’m going to keep defending you. Please get me a glass of champagne, Lyon. You know I love the taste of it and I’m suddenly feeling in need of a sip.”
Giving his aunt an indulgent smile, L
yon answered. “I know you like holding the glass.” His gaze swept over the room. He saw Adeline talking with Thurston. He couldn’t say the man hadn’t warned him.
“For the love of heaven, Lyon, you and Lady Wake need to be more careful.”
“Aunt,” he cautioned, “I can’t speak to that.”
“Don’t tell me this isn’t a discussion you want to have with me because I think it’s high time we had it. I’ve been a widow for twenty years now. I’ve had my share of lovers, but I was careful to keep my affairs of the heart a secret and so should you.”
Lyon blinked at the surprising admission. “You’ve had lovers? I didn’t know.”
“Of course you didn’t,” she said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. These things are kept private.”
“Why didn’t you marry?” he asked, wondering why she wouldn’t want the more acceptable way of life. “I know you had offers.”
“Yes, but none I ever wanted enough to give up my freedom for.”
“Because you didn’t love them?” he asked, thinking of Adeline’s wishes and wanting to understand his aunt’s reluctance to marry.
“Heavens no. Unlike you and my dear sister, love was never something that interested me. Thanks to your father I didn’t need money or prestige. And I didn’t need love or marriage for what I wanted from my lovers.”
Lyon studied over her words. He could accept that there were some women who didn’t want or need a husband, but he had to believe Adeline wasn’t one of them. For some reason a lover was all she wanted from him.
“I don’t know what to think of young widows today,” his aunt said with a wisp of exasperation in her voice. “It’s as if they have no care for the proprieties Society expects of them. Lady Wake shouldn’t be seen in your back garden again under any circumstances, and you shouldn’t be using the girls as a reason to go to her house.”
“Is that what you think I was doing?”
“I can only assume as Mrs. Feversham does. Please do me a favor and take better care with your dalliances.”
“That woman doesn’t miss a thing. What kind of spyglass does the woman have?”
“A good one,” Cordelia stated. “The problem is that you and Lady Wake keep giving her things to see with it.”
Chapter 18
Adeline realized she didn’t remember the steps of the slow quadrille as well as she’d expected she would. It had been four years since she’d danced, and the steps were quite intricate. And, she’d hadn’t had much practice dancing with a man before she’d married. Viscount Thurston didn’t seem to mind that she lifted her hand at the wrong time, hopped on the wrong foot, or started turning in the wrong direction.
He was handsome to look at, tall and slender. His hair and eyes were a classic dark shade of brown and his features had a boyish charm. After only a few minutes with him, his light chuckle told her he didn’t take life too seriously. Very much unlike the Earl of Lyonwood, who was too serious about most things.
Including her reputation and respectability.
Adeline, Julia, and Brina had entered the ballroom at the same time. They’d planned it that way more than a year ago so they could be one another’s companions for the evening. Brina looked beautiful in a dark gray dress that was softened only by sheer sleeves and cuffs. A row of dainty silk roses edged the neckline and outlined the waistband of her gown.
Julia had always had her own idea when it came to what was and wasn’t desirable attire for widows. Of the three of them, her gown was the most fashionable. Some in Society would consider the purple she wore much too bright with one too many flounces on the skirt. A few of the older ladies might even say it was scandalous and inappropriate that each one was scalloped and banded in a wide gold-colored ribbon.
Their entrance had quieted the ballroom for a few seconds. Thankfully the hush hadn’t lasted long before everyone went back to their conversations. Adeline was fairly certain it was because the Duke of Sprogsfield was the first to greet them. Not many would be willing to slight anyone the crusty old duke greeted. Adeline had caught a few haughty looks and more than one sniff of a nose high in the air but she didn’t let it bother her. Many formal introductions had been dispensed. Most everyone reminded her they’d met the year of her debut. For most of the hour she’d been at the ball it had been enjoyable listening to the chatter and the music, and trying to remember the dance steps.
The music ended, and she and Lord Thurston clapped as they left the dance floor.
“I must apologize for not being as polished on my feet as I once was, my lord,” she said with a smile as they walked toward the side of the room. “I felt as if I was missing every other step.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, my lady. I didn’t notice anything other than how graceful you are,” he replied.
“You are too kind, and I appreciate it.”
“I’m not being kind, Lady Wake. Truthful. Would you like for me to get you something to drink?”
“No, thank you. I don’t want to hold you up if you have someone else to dance with.”
“I have no one else on my mind tonight.” He stopped and looked directly into her eyes. “I’m interested only in you. I thought about it while we were dancing and decided I want to make my intentions known before I get lost in the trail of gentlemen I know are headed for your door and your heart.”
Intentions?
That was about as blunt as one could be. She knew offers would be forthcoming. A wealthy widow was a prize in Society, as her brother-in-law had told her on more than one occasion when he’d offered to arrange another marriage for her. He’d gently told her that most men would be respectful but not shy in seeking her attentions. A marriage would help her avoid the indelicacy of such. She’d politely made it clear to him she planned to remain a widow and needed no help.
“I’m flattered that you think that.”
“Good. I believed you were the type of lady who would appreciate candor. I was at Lyonwood’s house during the storm when you—shall we say, came to borrow an umbrella.”
“Yes, that is a kind way to say what happened that afternoon.”
“I saw your courage and fervency that day, and it was quite stunning.”
“I remember that afternoon, too.” Which had led to that night when she’d been held and kissed with all the desire she’d dreamed about. Adeline swallowed down the sweet memories. “And I do appreciate your straightforwardness about what transpired,” she said, realizing she wasn’t offended at all by his direct approach.
“You are the kind of lady many men dream about but few will have the opportunity to get to know personally. Perhaps intimately.”
There was no reason for Lord Thurston to treat her as an innocent young lady who knew nothing about the intimacy that happened between a man and woman, but she would have expected a more subtle approach from him. He was as fit and handsome as Lyon, but she felt no desire to be with him in an intimate way when she looked at him.
“I can’t speak to that, but I do think one should always know where they stand with the other person.”
He smiled. “I would welcome the invitation to call—”
“Oh, I apologize for interrupting you, Lord Thurston,” she said suddenly. “I see Mrs. Feld motioning to me and she looks distressed. I fear the modiste might have left a pin in her gown or she’s lost the heel of a shoe. Please excuse me, my lord. I must go see what she needs.”
Not taking her word for it, the viscount turned and looked at Brina who was motioning for Adeline to come to her. “Yes, it does appear your friend is trying to get your attention.” He bowed. “Of course, go to her. We’ll talk again later.”
“Yes, at parties and dinners. I would be happy to dance and converse with you, but as you were direct with me, before I go, let me be so with you. I am not accepting any gentleman’s attention, so there will be no invitations from me forthcoming.”
Adeline made a hasty retreat and went over to Brina. “What’s wrong? Y
ou look frantic.”
“I am.” Brina huffed. “Mr. Brightstone was almost making our wedding plans before I could get off the dance floor with him. What an oaf! Doesn’t he know I’m still in mourning?”
“No,” Adeline said softly. “He doesn’t. Brina, you must accept that as far as Society is concerned you have passed your time of mourning.”
“I don’t feel as if I have,” she answered softly and lowered her lashes over her eyes. “Not yet, anyway. And, I don’t think I want to be.”
“There’s nothing wrong with continuing to feel that way.” Adeline’s heart felt heavy for her friend. “I know you still miss your husband very much. Give yourself more time to grieve him. Everyone will understand. Well, most everyone anyway.”
“Yes,” she said, giving her attention back to Adeline. “I was worried about you when I saw Lord Thurston looking at you as if he were ready to have you as a tasty dessert at the end of the night. I assumed he was sending you the same message Mr. Brightstone sent me. I was trying to save you the embarrassment of being propositioned your first night back in Society.”
Adeline laughed. “I think I can handle the viscount’s forward behavior. I wasn’t the least put off by it. And you don’t need to be upset by any gentleman wanting attention or favor from you. You are eligible. But you are also free to accept their attention or brush them off.”
“Then perhaps I’m not ready to come back into Society.”
“You can’t hide away from life any longer. You can’t hide from men. None of us can. We are moving forward as we’ve discussed many times.”
“I think all men consider we are easy prey.”
From the corner of her eye, Adeline saw Lyon talking to his aunt. “Not all of them,” she said. “Some are honorable.”
“Most of them think that just because we are widows we want a man slipping into our bedchamber.”
“Well—”
“Well, what?” Julia said, coming from behind Adeline to join them.
“Yes,” Brina said, looking a bit horrified. “Well what? What happened between you and the viscount? Did he offer to pay you a visit?”
