“Well, decent enough. Apparently, he was wild in his youth then he joined the militia, and that calmed him somewhat. He is famous among military men, according to Daniel. Indeed, he told me that his friend’s departure from the cavalry has caused something of a ripple—a huge loss to the military as a whole.” Phoebe sighed. “One has to wonder why he does not return.”
Anna cleared her throat. “I think you are being very unkind.”
“Pardon?” Matilda stared at her.
“You called him a brawler, said all sorts of mean things, and now that you know the truth, you are still being unkind,” Anna replied hesitantly. “His scars were earned with honor and valor.”
Matilda blinked. “You know my thoughts regarding war, Anna. If women were in charge of this country, of all countries, I would stake my life on there being no wars at all. They are games that men play to feel important, wasting life so that the leaders, safely on home soil, can clap each other on the back and celebrate hollow victories.”
“But that is not his fault,” Anna pointed out. “His scars are not his fault.”
Matilda stiffened, annoyed by the change in her friend. “For goodness’ sake, it is nothing to do with his scars!”
Why did everyone immediately think that when they were, perhaps, the most interesting thing about him? She could not fathom it, unless they were projecting their own thoughts upon her, wondering how she couldnotbe horrified by his scars.
“My marriage to him, however,ishis fault,” she continued curtly. “It is in his hands, and he has refused to relinquish it on several occasions, now. So, forgive me if I am being alittleunkind. I am not exactly pleased with the arrangement as you well know.”
“Of course,” Anna said, fidgeting with her capped sleeves. “I am sorry. I just… do not like anything about this. I spoke out of turn. Forgive me.”
Matilda expelled a slow breath. “There is nothing to forgive. I am in a foul mood. I am being fractious. I fully expect to snap at a few other people before the night is over, so please acceptmyblanket apology now, so there will be no awkwardness tomorrow.”
“Very well.” Anna smiled, and all seemed right with the world again.
For at least two minutes, anyway. It might have lasted longer if a towering, intimidating figure had not chosen that moment to part the crowd with his alarming presence, heading in a direct line toward her.
And I was doing such a good job of avoiding you, too.Matilda straightened, braced for battle.
Still, as he drew nearer, she was pleased to discover that he had finally deigned to drag a comb and some oil through his cropped hair. He looked… presentable, attired rather daringly in his vivid red regimental regalia instead of more lordly garments.
“In nature, bright colors are a warning,” she said as Albion stopped in front of her. “Is that the reason for your attire this evening, so I know what to avoid?”
His penetrating blue eyes did not show even a flicker of amusement. “Is your drab gown, then, intended as camouflage?”
“I beg your pardon!” Phoebe gasped, wedging herself in beside Matilda. “That is no way to speak to a lady.”
Albion did not take his eyes off Matilda. “Her way of speaking to me is not any way to speak to a gentleman.”
“Let me know when you find one, and I shall speak accordingly,” Matilda shot back, surprised by the strange thrill that bristled through her chest. It was almost like she was eager to get into another fiery quarrel with him, to hear what witty retorts might fly between them, now that she knew he was capable.
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “I’m more comfortable in my regimental attire. I see no reason to suffer starched collars, tight waistcoats, and tailcoats with buttons so constricting that I might as well be wearing a corset.”
Matilda swallowed the desire to snort. Beside her, Phoebe gasped again, and Anna turned a rather troubling shade of pink, embarrassed by his coarse language. They might have been wrong about where he had gained his scars, but his time as a Captain had clearly robbed him of most of his gentlemanly etiquette.
And Matilda, to her internal outrage, rather admired that. It was refreshing, and if she had not been trapped in a betrothal with him, she might have entertained the thought of a friendship with this man.
“We must be seen dancing together,” Albion said, holding out one scarred hand. “The next set or two will suffice.”
Matilda smiled. “No.”
“You can’t dance?”
“I can, but I will not,” she replied.
Albion nodded slowly. “You fear the ladies your cousin invited will laugh if you get a step wrong, is that it? You don’t want to be embarrassed in front of them.” He paused. “Or is it the partner you fear might embarrass you? Rest assured, we are taught how to dance in the militia. Some are likely only suitable for French music halls, but I know enough of the English ones.”
Anna looked like she might faint, and even Phoebe had turned a shade pinker than usual. Olivia and Leah, meanwhile, were off dancing with their husbands.
“Is Daniel not attending tonight?” Albion still kept his gaze fixed on Matilda, and she looked back with equal intensity. She knew the rules of engagement, this time, and she would not be the first one to glance away and lose.
