Ivy did not know what to say. Lady Landerbelt, so confident and determined, now appeared somewhat sorrowful over her current state. Ivy was quite certain that Lady Landerbelt would not want to give up any sort of freedom for a gentleman, but she considered quietly that there must be some degree of loneliness for the lady. Besides which, having some in society look down upon you was, she supposed, a little irksome, whilst at the same time, fully expected.
“Goodness, I am becoming foolish!” Lady Landerbelt said, giving herself a small shake. “Now, Miss Burton, you must tell me at once if you think me too forward, but I should like to know something.”
Ivy began to nod. “Of course,” she said, a small flicker of nervousness within her stomach. “What is it?”
Lady Landerbelt smiled. “Nothing to concern yourself with, of course,” she said, as though she knew what Angelica was thinking. “Now, I recall that you told me that, on the night of the ball, you believed your mother had taken ill and was in that room waiting for you – only for it to be Lord Musgrave.” Lady Landerbelt’s eyes sharpened. “Might I ask then, Miss Burton, who was chaperoning you at the ball, if your mother was not in sight?”
Swallowing hard, Ivy dropped her gaze. It was more than a little embarrassing to have to speak the truth, especially when she knew that it was more than a little improper.
“My mother is not a particularly careful chaperone,” she said honestly, as Lady Landerbelt nodded slowly. “She often fails to attend me, given that she is so very caught up with her companions.” One hand lifted to her cheek. “Besides which, she thinks my Season in London to be rather useless, given my…imperfection.” Her throat began to ache as Ivy tried to press down on her emotions, her smile a little wistful. “I have had two Seasons before this one, but my mother has given up hope, I think. My father insists that I attend, of course, for which I am grateful, and my mother continues to come to London – but not for my good but rather for her own pleasures.” One shoulder lifted as Ivy gave a resigned sigh. “I know that my father wishes for me to make a decent match, but—as I have told you before—he does not give much consideration towards me. He expects my mother to seek out such gentlemen whereas she does not care two figs about whom I meet.” Her eyes sank to the floor, and she could not lift her gaze, fearing what she might see in Lady Landerbelt’s face.
“That is a very difficult situation indeed,” Lady Landerbelt said softly, as Ivy forced tears back from her eyes. “I am sorry to hear it.” She smiled, as Ivy looked up, her expression one of sympathy and not of condemnation. “And certain gentlemen, I presume, must consider you to be easy prey.”
“Indeed,” Ivy sighed, heavily. “And I am somewhat naïve, I feel.”
Lady Landerbelt said nothing for a moment, tilting her head just a fraction as she regarded Ivy. “I do not think you are naïve, Miss Burton,” she said softly, “but rather perhaps a little alone and without guidance. As I have said, I am happy to come alongside you.” Her hand settled on Ivy’s shoulder, and it was all Ivy could do to keep her tears from falling. “I am sure that we can find you a suitable match, if that is something you would wish for.”
Ivy nodded, a single tear falling to her cheek. “I would not have someone like Lord Musgrave, however,” she said hoarsely, as Lady Landerbelt’s eyes flared in horror. “I do not seek love but rather a respectful, quiet gentleman who would treat me well.”
“Indeed, Lord Musgrave is not at all suitable!” Lady Landerbelt agreed firmly, a fire beginning to burn in her eyes. “No, we shall find you someone who will be all you seek, Miss Burton.” The confidence in her voice began to fill Ivy’s heart and her tears drew back within her. “I am quite certain of it.”
2
For whatever reason, that young lady with the emerald eyes would not remove herself from Timothy’s mind. It was not because she had struck him as beautiful, curvaceous, or anything that would normally grasp his attention, but rather because, after making her unfortunate mistake, she had merely turned away rather than seeking an introduction to him! No young lady had ever stepped away from him before, and the fact that she had done so bit down hard on Timothy’s mind.
He could not seem to get rid of her. When she had spoken to him, believing him to be the proprietor, he had found himself chuckling, thinking her to be somewhat foolish and finding great mirth in what she had done. When she had realized her mistake, he had expected her to apologize profusely, to beg his forgiveness, and to blush with the shame of it all, only for her to turn away and ignore him, leaving him to converse with Lady Landerbelt instead.
Lady Landerbelt, who had very little time for him, had made their conversation rather short and to the point, speaking with quick words and a disinterest in her eyes. He had found himself drifting, not following what she had said or what she had asked but rather watching the young lady who had moved away from them both, his heart beginning to quicken with what he had presumed was anger.
Although now that he considered it, Timothy was quite sure he was not angry with the young lady, but confused and puzzled by her actions. It had only been when he had heard her laughing with Lady Landerbelt some minutes afterwards that he had felt the first spurt of irritation. He had sent them both a very dark look – which neither of the ladies had reacted to – and had strode from the bookshop.
It ought to have been something he could set aside within a matter of moments, but no matter what he had tried, the young lady would not remove herself from his thoughts. Even now, as he stood in the ballroom and looked out at the sea of guests, his mind was beginning to wonder whether or not that particular young lady would be present that evening. Lady Landerbelt had not given him her name nor her title, so he did not know whose family she came from or if she was related to any other. Instead, he could only recall her appearance. There had been those emerald eyes of hers that had filled first with warmth, then with horror, and then, finally, with embarrassment as she had realized her mistake. And there had been that small scar on her cheek, taking away from what might have been an otherwise perfect little face.
Timothy shrugged inwardly. He was well used to seeking out young ladies in order to garner their interest in him, and certainly enjoyed stealing a kiss now and again. Wealthy widows were easier than the unmarried young ladies, of course, although Lady Landerbelt, being one of the former, had never accepted his advances.
His lip curled. If that young lady was in close acquaintance with Lady Landerbelt, then there would be very little hope for him now. And yet, for whatever reason, Timothy was determined to secure an introduction.
It was his pride, he knew, setting out into the ballroom and waiting for only a few moments before the first lady sought his attention. He liked to have so many ladies eager to catch his eye, to secure his interest. It was something to talk about with the other gentlemen at Whites, but it also took away from his growing awareness that he would have to marry one day soon in order to produce the heir. Many gentlemen did not marry until they were a little older, taking a young wife that would be able to produce the two required children, but being the only one left in his family line, Timothy knew it was a little more urgent than he wanted to admit. His father had passed away and his younger brother—the “spare”—had died many years before then.
But it was not something he would think about at present. When the time came, he would make an easy match of convenience and do what was required. Thereafter, Timothy had every intention of living just as he pleased, without having to often be in the company of his wife. After all, that was just as his father had done, and it had, for the most part, worked very well indeed.
“Lady Marion,” he murmured, offering his hand and seeing how the young lady blushed. Smiling inwardly, he bowed over her hand, his lips just a few millimeters from her skin. When she laughed softly, he lifted his head and let go of her hand, knowing just how much of a reaction he had created. “Pray tell me that you have a dance free for me to take? I should very much like to partner with you this evening.�
��
She laughed again and handed him her dance card, which Timothy took without question. Within the hour, he had secured himself to every dance of the evening, with the young ladies of the ton eager to have his name on their card.
His chest swelled with arrogance as he took Lady Marion onto the floor, feeling how she softened in his arms. If he wished it, he knew very well he could steal a kiss from her, if not more, but he would not do so. Debutantes he might toy with, but he would never take their innocence. The consequences would be much too great, should it be discovered.
“There!”
Lady Marion’s head shot up as she rose from her curtsy, but Timothy did not notice. He was not even aware that he had spoken aloud, nor that his partner was looking at him with some consternation. Instead, his full attention was fixed solely on the young lady who had, only a moment ago, walked into the ballroom alongside Lady Landerbelt.
Timothy felt his heart quicken, his brow furrowing as determination began to burn deep within his heart. He wanted to go to her at once, to demand an introduction, but the sudden sound of music thrust him back to his present circumstances. Turning back to Lady Marion, he was astonished to see her glaring at him, any appearance of happiness and joviality gone.
“Do…do excuse me,” he stammered, suddenly feeling very awkward and fearing that the rest of the ton might have noticed his strange attention towards a stranger. “I was distracted by someone I have sought to greet for some weeks.” This was something of a lie, he knew, but it was better to try to appease Lady Marion before she stormed from the dance floor and left him attempting to find some sort of dignity in her wake. “It is an old acquaintance,” he continued, as the dance began. “Pray forgive me, Lady Marion. I ought not to have allowed myself to become so distracted, especially not in the light of your beauty.”
This, however, did not mollify Lady Marion. “No, indeed,” she said, stepping forward as she ought, although her color remained high and her eyes angry. “You have brought shame upon me, Lord Sutcliffe, for now everyone will think that I am so very dull and boring that I could not keep your attention, even for a moment!”
“Then I shall make certain that they know they are wrong,” he answered firmly, turning to the side as she placed her hand in his. “The fault was mine, Lady Marion, and I humbly seek your forgiveness.”
Lady Marion said nothing to this remark, her eyes turned away from him. Indeed, for the rest of the dance, she said nothing to him, barely glancing at him and curtsying just as quickly as she could before striding from the dance floor. He hurried with her, of course, not wanting to give anyone the impression that there was any angst between them, but fearful that the lady might give that impression regardless. She was clearly quite angry with him although, he had to admit, she had every right to be so.
“Whatever did you do to Lady Marion?”
A silky, mischievous voice drifted lazily towards Timothy, and he glanced to his left at once, a broad grin settling over his face as he saw Lord Musgrave standing to one side of the ballroom, half hidden in shadow – which was not much like him at all.
“I confess that I became a little distracted during my dance with her,” he replied, coming towards his friend who only chuckled. “She did not take well to my lack of interest.”
“Not that you had any genuine interest in her at all, I think,” Lord Musgrave replied, his icy blue eyes glinting coldly. “Another one of your little interests?”
Timothy frowned. “You know very well that I only enjoy the very smallest of attentions from debutantes,” he answered, not liking the smug smile on his friend’s face.
“Then what reason did you have to become so distracted from the lady’s beauty?” Lord Musgrave asked, with a chuckle. “Especially when she is so very beautiful.” He arched an eyebrow, the smile still fixed in place, and Timothy felt himself relaxing a little. Lord Musgrave had always had something of meanness to his character – it was in his words, his actions, and his expressions – but Timothy knew well to overlook it. It was better that way rather than insisting that Lord Musgrave retract certain remarks or arguing over a point that had been incorrectly made.
“I confess only to you, since you are a long-held acquaintance of mine, that I was distracted by another young lady – although not for the reasons you will initially think, no doubt!” Timothy chuckled ruefully, feeling a little awkward about expressing his lack of contentment over such a small thing as an introduction. “Lady Landerbelt and I met recently,” he continued, as Lord Musgrave rolled his eyes, evidently less than pleased with Lady Landerbelt. “She had a companion with her. An acquaintance, I think, if not a friend.” He sighed heavily as Lord Musgrave waited impatiently, tapping his foot loudly on the floor as an evident sign of encouragement. “This particular young lady thought me the proprietor of the bookshop. It was a misunderstanding, and I thought it quite humorous that she considered me so, but when it came time to introduce myself properly and for her to be introduced to me, she simply stepped away!”
Lord Musgrave’s brows rose at once, and Timothy felt himself quite justified to have been so irritated by the young lady’s actions.
“No doubt encouraged by Lady Landerbelt,” Lord Musgrave muttered, his brows now low over his eyes. “That lady is much too impertinent for my liking. She is always doing as she pleases and encouraging certain young ladies to follow her ways!” He tutted with irritation. “I had my eye on a very pretty young thing only last Season, only to find her quite taken up with another upon the guidance and advice of Lady Landerbelt!”
Timothy frowned, looking at his friend quizzically. “You had no intention of marrying this particular young lady though?”
Lord Musgrave waved a hand impatiently. “No, of course I did not,” he said, confirming Timothy’s thinking. “But I should have liked to have enjoyed myself a little, but thanks to Lady Landerbelt’s guiding hand, she stayed far from me, and I could not even encourage her to go out walking with me!” He sighed heavily and shook his head. “It would be best for you to remove that young lady from Lady Landerbelt’s clutches, if you have any particular interest in her.”
“I have none,” Timothy answered, fervently. “It was only that I found it more than a little insulting that she chose to keep herself from any sort of introduction to me after making such a foolish mistake as to think that I was the proprietor!” He shook his head. “It was very rude of her indeed, but I think I have no other choice but to put her from my mind.”
Lord Musgrave harrumphed. “I hardly think so!” he exclaimed, looking all around them as though somehow he might discover the lady in question without even knowing what she looked like. “Show me where she is and I shall see if there is anything I can do.”
Timothy hesitated. Part of him wanted such an introduction to be forced upon the lady, whilst the other part desired him to linger back, to keep his distance, and to simply push the lady from his mind.
“Come on, man!” Lord Musgrave said, impatiently. “Where is this lady? Come now, do not merely stand there and look away from me! I must know, otherwise how can I know if I can help you?”
Timothy sighed inwardly and made a decision. “She was standing with Lady Landerbelt the last time I saw her,” he said quietly, looking all around him in as surreptitious a manner as he could. Being fairly tall, it was easy for him to look over the heads of some of the other guests until, finally, he caught sight of her.
She was wearing a pale yellow dress, which was in deep contrast to her dark brown ringlets, which were, at present, held back from her face and intertwined with pearls. She was laughing at something Lady Landerbelt had said and, as he watched her, Timothy felt something shift within him.
“That young lady there?” Lord Musgrave’s tone had gone rather peculiar. “The one standing by Lady Landerbelt?”
Timothy frowned, glancing from the young lady to Lord Musgrave and back again. “Yes, that is she,” he replied slowly. “Have I displeased you in some way?”
&
nbsp; For a moment, he thought that Lord Musgrave might round on him, only for his friend to start chuckling, his grin spreading wide.
“No, no, I am not at all displeased,” he answered with a grin. “That is Miss Burton, daughter to Viscount Bainbridge.”
“Oh.” Timothy returned his gaze to the lady, still wondering at the strange emotion that had clasped his heart only a moment ago.
“I have tried to pursue her for some time,” Lord Musgrave continued, as Timothy stared at him in shock, his stomach tightening. “Not because I have any great plans for her or the like, you understand, but rather because she ought to be very easy indeed to captivate, and you know very well that I do, on occasion, like to pursue the very simple entanglements.” His brow furrowed, and the laughter left his eyes. “But she is not one to be so easily pulled in, despite my attempts,” he finished, waving a hand. “I wish you the best of luck with that particular lady.”
Timothy cleared his throat, not wanting to go near a young lady that had been the source of his friend’s intentions. “I do not think that there is any requirement for me to pursue this introduction, given that she has been a consideration of yours,” he said blandly. “Now that I know her name, I will be satisfied.”
Lord Musgrave’s mouth fell open, and he stared at Timothy who turned his head away, not wanting to engage with Lord Musgrave further on the subject. If Lord Musgrave had been interested in that young lady, then Timothy would have nothing whatsoever to do with her
“Whatever are you talking about?” Lord Musgrave asked with a look of disbelief on his face. “You only needed to know her name?” He chuckled loudly. “Surely you know that I do not believe that!”
“If you have already pursued her, then I certainly will not allow myself to do the same!”
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 57
