Lord Rowley shook his head.
“Then we must alter that at once!” Elias exclaimed, taking Lord Rowley’s empty glass and handing it to a waiting footman. “Come now, we must enjoy ourselves this evening—and that begins with reacquainting ourselves with the lovely Lady Foster and her incorrigible daughter.”
Lord Rowley’s lip curled. “She is the most persistent flirt,” he complained, throwing him a suspicious look. “Are you quite certain that she is someone you wish me to consider?”
Elias laughed, shaking his head. “No, indeed not,” he replied, “for both mother and daughter are much too improper in their manner and lack a great deal of decorum. No, rather, we shall reacquaint ourselves with them and, hopefully, have them introduce us to the other young ladies standing with them.” His brow lifted as his friend’s eyes caught sight of who he meant, thinking them very pretty young ladies indeed.
“Very well,” Lord Rowley agreed after a few moments. “Let us hope that Miss Wilson does not immediately begin her flirtatious remarks, for I do not think I can manage much of a conversation if she persists in directing such statements and questions towards me!”
“I shall take them for you if I must,” Elias replied, hiding his smile. He did not mind Miss Wilson’s manner, managing to respond to her in much the same way but without ever intending to make any further commitment to her. “Come now, the evening is being wasted, and we have not taken one single dance as yet!” He chuckled and slapped Lord Rowley on the shoulder. “Mayhap we shall find your lady this very night! Mayhap she will stand before us, and you will think her so proper and perfect that your heart will sing with joy and you will cry out for her almost at once.”
“I hardly think so,” Lord Rowley replied, sighing heavily. “But I will be glad to make some new introductions, at least.”
Elias shrugged and moved forward a little more, aware of the moment Lady Foster and her daughter caught sight of them. His smile spread quickly at the flash of awareness in Lady Foster’s eyes, as well as the faint blush that came into Miss Wilson’s cheeks. This Season, it seemed, was going to be just as excellent and just as enjoyable as the last.
* * *
“And see, I have returned you to your chaperone, just as I ought.”
Miss Stirling looked up at Elias doubtfully, her expression still one of uncertainty and anxiousness. It had been clear from the very beginning that she had not wanted to dance with him, but her chaperone—a somewhat formidable aunt by the name of Lady Whitburn—had insisted that she do so. Elias had not found the dance enjoyable, for Miss Stirling had remained silent and pale throughout most of it as though afraid he might steal her away and never again return her to her aunt.
Elias had done as he knew was right, for whilst he might bear something of a reputation, it was not one that warned debutantes away from him. He had never toyed with nor ruined a young lady’s reputation and had no intention of ever doing so. It seemed that Miss Stirling, however, did not believe such a thing, given just how fearfully she looked up at him.
“I do hope you enjoyed the dance, Miss Stirling,” he said with a respectful bow. “I found it to be most pleasing.” This was a lie, of course, but it was not as though he could state the truth. Miss Stirling nodded and mumbled something under her breath, earning her a hard glare from her aunt, which then resulted in her thanking Elias properly.
“You are most welcome,” he said, deciding that he ought to take his leave and thinking quietly that he would not recommend Miss Stirling to Lord Rowley. He could not have his friend wed such a creature, not when it might put enmity between them both!
“Oh, Lord Comerfield!” Lady Whitburn exclaimed, her eyes going to someone over Elias’ shoulder. “I should make an introduction, if you will permit it?”
A little surprised, Elias nodded and looked over his shoulder, making certain to step out of the way so that the lady in question could come forward and greet Lady Whitburn warmly, obviously very glad to see her again.
“You have two this year, do you not?” Lady Whitburn asked the lady, who nodded. “My goodness, such a responsibility!”
“But a very satisfactory one, I assure you,” came the reply as the lady turned to face Elias. “The duke is helping my son with some complicated business matters that require his attention, and I am truly grateful to him for doing so.”
Lady Whitburn nodded sagely. “But of course,” she said quietly. “And now, might I introduce the Marquess of Comerfield?” She gestured towards him. “Lord Comerfield, Lady Hayward.”
Confused as to why Lady Whitburn had been so very eager to introduce him to a lady who appeared to be much older than he himself, Elias nonetheless bowed in greeting and murmured a few words of welcome.
“How very good to meet you,” Lady Hayward replied as she rose from her curtsy. “Lady Whitburn and I are old friends. How strange it is now to be in London with our charges when I remember our own days in the London Season as though it were only yesterday!”
Elias smiled politely. “You have charges of your own, Lady Hayward?” he asked, only for the lady to take a small step forward and beckon towards someone behind Elias.
“Yes, yes, I do,” she replied quickly. “Lady Whitburn is very kind to think of them. This is our first ball of the Season, you understand.”
Another quick smile crossed Elias’ face as he waited for this particular young lady to reach him, not quite certain that Lady Whitburn knew of his reputation if she was so willing to have young ladies introduced to him in such a manner!
“This is Lady Selina,” Lady Hayward said warmly. “And her twin sister, Lady Anna.”
Surprise filled Elias as he turned his head, watching the two young ladies drawing near to Lady Hayward. For twins, there were certainly similarities but nothing of particular note. One had brown hair with eyes flecked with green and brown, whilst the other had lighter hair than the first and, as he looked into her eyes, saw that they were much deal greener than her sisters.
“Twins?” he remarked, before realizing that he had not bowed, nor greeted them properly. A little embarrassed, he did so at once as Lady Hayward quickly introduced him to her charges. The two young ladies sank into beautiful, elegant curtsies, and, by the time they rose, the embarrassment had faded from Elias.
“Yes, we are twins, Lord Comerfield,” said the first, her curls appearing a little bronzed in the candlelight, making him think her pretty. “Although it appears we are not as similar as some might anticipate!”
“There are certainly similarities between you both,” he said, wondering if she had known what he had been thinking, “and I could certainly tell that you were sisters.”
The young lady—the one he thought to be Lady Anna—laughed lightly, whilst the other remained silent but managed a small smile, her eyes drifting away from him in a disinterested manner. Elias felt himself a little frustrated at this but kept his attention upon Lady Anna.
“And you are enjoying the Season?” he asked, only to remember that Lady Hayward had stated that this was their first ball of the Season.
Lady Anna was quick to remind him.
“This is only our first outing in London, Lord Comerfield,” she answered, “although it is certainly an excellent one. I had forgotten quite what joy such an outing can bring!”
His brows rose. They were not debutantes, then, as he had assumed.
“Lady Anna and Lady Selina were in London last Season,” Lady Hayward told him as though she could see his thoughts. “Their eldest sister, Lady Rebecca, soon became engaged to Lord Richmond. They are now quite settled in his country estate.”
Elias’ brow lifted. He recalled something of a scandal last Season to do with Lord Richmond, although the details of it, he could not quite remember. “I see,” he replied, understanding at once. It was always most important to have the eldest daughter wed and settled first, before the younger sisters had their opportunity. It seemed, however, that both Lady Anna and Lady Selina were now being given such an
opportunity—and at once, Elias’ thoughts turned to Lord Rowley. It would be an excellent thing to have him introduced to two such ladies, for whilst Lady Selina was quiet, Lady Anna was not, and he might take to one of them.
“Might I ask if you have any dances remaining, Lady Anna?” he asked, with a small inclination of his head. “Lady Selina? I should be very glad to dance with you both if you have the opportunity?”
Lady Anna smiled at him and slipped off her dance card at once, whilst Lady Selina took a few moments and a glance towards her chaperone before she did so. Satisfied, Elias wrote his name for first the country dance with Lady Anna and then the quadrille for Lady Selina. Hopefully, by the end of the evening, he would have found an opportunity to introduce both to Lord Rowley.
“I look forward to dancing with you both later,” he said, handing the cards back to the ladies. “And now, I must excuse myself, for Miss Arbuckle will be waiting for me for the cotillion.”
The two ladies smiled and nodded as Elias took his leave, and Elias departed their company with a broad smile on his face. Lord Rowley would not be able to state that Elias was doing nothing to assist him in his desire to find a suitable lady to wed, not when he had found two such ladies already! Lady Anna, he considered, making his way towards Miss Arbuckle, was certainly more engaging than her sister, and it was for that reason alone that Elias thought to recommend her a little more strongly than the first.
Whilst I continue enjoying the Season for what it is, he told himself, his smile spreading across his face as he made his way across the ballroom floor. And that, certainly, will be more than enough for me.
Chapter Two
Anna sat back in her chair and let out a long breath, finding, much to her surprise, that she was fatigued after an afternoon spent greeting, conversing, and drinking tea with the many gentlemen that had come to call. She should be very grateful for their company, she knew, but it certainly would take her a little time to become used to such a thing!
“Well!” Lady Hayward exclaimed, smiling brightly at Anna before turning to Lady Selina. “That went very well, indeed.”
“I am very glad to hear you say so,” Anna replied with a smile. “There were certainly many gentlemen, more than I expected!”
“Which is all the better,” Lady Hayward replied with a twinkle in her eye. “Now, did any such gentlemen spark any particular interest, Lady Anna?” She held Anna’s gaze for a moment before looking to Lady Selina. “And you, Lady Selina?”
Anna shook her head, speaking honestly. “They were all very genteel, certainly, and I should be glad to speak to them again,” she replied, a touch embarrassed to be speaking so openly but knowing that she needed to do so should she have a successful Season. “I could not say that any caught my interest, but then again, Lady Hayward, I do not know them very well at all.”
Lady Hayward smiled and nodded. “A very considered response,” she said, making Anna flush with satisfaction. “It will be with both of you as it was with your sister. I shall guide you, of course, but my advice will be to seek out and settle upon a gentleman who is not only entirely suitable for you in terms of title, situation, and fortune, but also one who intrigues you.” Her smile softened. “It is best, I believe, for a contented marriage to find a husband whose company you not only enjoy but feel as though you cannot do without—and likewise, for him also. That will bring about happiness for you, I am sure of it.”
Anna tipped her head thoughtfully. “I have always thought Rebecca did very well for herself,” she said slowly. “I know, however, that there were a few concerns about Lord Richmond.” Her gaze fixed to Lady Hayward. “You did not dissuade her?”
“I did,” Lady Hayward replied with a small smile. “Initially, certainly. But your sister proved that her belief in Lord Richmond was not misplaced and, should you ask her, she will tell you that she cannot explain the reason that she was drawn to him so but that such a feeling still remains, even though she is wed. That is what I would hope for you both. It is what I would encourage you to consider at length and, instead of merely settling for someone who is suitable, choose a gentleman who has captured your affections.”
A tightness suddenly came into Anna’s chest and she looked away from Lady Hayward, a small frown flickering across her brow. Her affections? She was not certain that such a thing could ever really be, given she had never experienced such a thing before. Yes, there had been flickers of interest in certain gentlemen last Season, but she had never once found herself captivated by any of them. Was it possible that such a thing might occur? She could tell from the way Rebecca and her new husband had simply looked at each other on their wedding day that there had been a great deal of affection between them, but she had considered it to be something that came with time and, perhaps, was only for the very few rather than for her herself. Her father, even though he had spoken very little to her about her future and the like, had always stated, quite plainly, that he expected them all to marry suitable gentleman—and by that, he meant that they would have a high title, an excellent fortune, and an exceptional family line. That had always been what Anna had considered to be of the greatest importance and she had never truly considered her own feelings on the matter. Yes, she would certainly expect to like her husband, but to have any more feelings than that was quite unfamiliar to her.
“You look troubled, Lady Anna.”
Anna jerked her head back towards Lady Hayward, smiling at her quickly. “No, no,” she replied hastily. “I am quite all right. It was only that I was thinking about the gentlemen that called this afternoon.” She waved a hand airily, hiding her true thoughts from her chaperone. “I felt no particular interest towards any of them, as I have said. Does that mean that I should give them no further consideration?”
Lady Hayward contemplated for a moment, then shook her head. “Interest can be immediate, or it can grow over time,” she replied quietly as Lady Selina reached to finish her cup of tea. “You were wise in what you said previously, Lady Anna. Do not permit my words to confuse you.”
Satisfied that she had managed to convince Lady Hayward of such a thing, Anna sat back in her chair and thanked her, seeing Lady Hayward smile.
“Now, are we to make for the fashionable hour?” Lady Hayward asked, rising from her chair. “If we are, then you have time to make certain that you are quite prepared before we must depart.”
Anna, who well remembered the times she had enjoyed in Hyde Park the previous Season, rose at once.
“Yes, certainly!” she exclaimed, wondering if she might change her gown for fear that the gentlemen who had called upon her this afternoon might also be present in Hyde Park and would see her in the same attire. “I am sure I have one or two curls that need to be pinned again.” She hurried to the door, with her sister following suit as Lady Hayward herself remained sitting in her chair.
“I shall finish my tea and await your return,” Lady Hayward said with a smile. “Take as much time as you need, Lady Anna, Lady Selina. The ton awaits!”
* * *
Hyde Park was much busier than Anna remembered. Whether it was the fact that she had been absent from London for some months or whether it was, in fact, a little busier than she recalled, she could not quite say. But the excitement that filled her as she descended from the carriage was very much the same as she had felt last Season, for her heart was thunderous with anticipation and her eyes darting from place to place as she looked all about her.
“Is this not quite wonderful, Selina?” she breathed as her sister came to stand beside her. “To be seen in such a way and to be of note to others is…” She could not express herself completely, her hands clasping tightly together as she let out a very contented sigh. “There is no need for us to allow another to the fore, as we had to do last Season with Rebecca. Now, it is to be our turn to step forward and to present ourselves to the beau monde!”
Lady Selina smiled and nodded, although she did not appear to be as excited as Anna had expected. But, the
n again, Lady Selina had always been a good deal more reserved than she and did not express the truth of her emotions as easily as Anna did.
“Look, there is Lord Stevenson!” Anna exclaimed, although a sharp look from Lady Hayward had her lowering her voice at once. “And he is speaking with Lord Comerfield.” Her gaze shot to her sister who did not, however, express any delight at such a thing. “I do not know the third gentleman, however.”
“Then why do we not go and speak to them all?” Lady Hayward suggested, clearly aware that Anna was eager to enter into conversation with them. “Come now, let us walk together and I am sure that either Lord Comerfield or Lord Stevenson will greet us.”
Anna stepped forward confidently, her head held high as she walked alongside her sister. She knew that she looked well, for her brown curls were held neatly under her bonnet, with only a few escaping to brush alongside her temples. Having changed into another gown, which had met with Lady Hayward’s approval for the colors suited her very well, indeed, Anna felt quite contented with her appearance, which only added to her self-assurance.
“Good afternoon, Lady Hayward, Lady Anna, Lady Selina!”
It was not Lord Comerfield that spoke first but rather Lord Stevenson, who, upon catching sight of them, turned his head and stepped to one side so that they might immediately be welcomed into his conversation. Anna curtsied and smiled prettily, for Lord Stevenson was a handsome gentleman, even if his title was only that of a viscount.
“Good afternoon,” she murmured, glancing towards Lord Comerfield and noting how he was studying her, his gaze roving from the top of her head to her toes. It was only when he looked back into her face that he realized she had been watching him and, despite the flush of heat that coursed through her, betraying her obvious embarrassment, Lord Comerfield grinned.
A Selfish Heart: A Regency Romance: Landon House (Book 2) Page 2
