Thomas had kept his eye on Jenny during the dinner, but she had been unaware of his attention. He was sorry to see that none of her table mates had spoken to her. But that was his fault for having forgotten to have her placed with a compatible group of guests. But he saw a young man go over to her and take her hand and lead her to the dance floor.
Thomas, remembering his promise to his Grandmamma, scanned the room to find one of the young ladies he had spied earlier, who he thought was attractive, and went over to her.
“Thomas Haddington, the Duke of Pemberton,” he said, introducing himself to the young lady. “Are you free for this dance?”
“I am, Your Grace. And I am Lady Prunella Alderman.”
“Then shall we?” he asked, offering his hand and leading her to the dance floor.
This dance was somewhat lively, so they did not have much of an opportunity to converse. But when it finished, Thomas decided he did find this young lady quite attractive, and now it was time to find out the young lady’s financial situation. After all, he had promised his Grandmamma.
“Lady Prunella would you care to take a breather out on the terrace?” he asked.
“That would be delightful.”
“Would you like me to fetch your wrap? It is most likely cool outside this time of year.”
She nodded, and they went to her table, fetched her shawl, and headed to the terrace through a set of the French doors.
The moon was just half full and hung on the horizon, casting a pale light over the young lady. Lady Prunella was tall, slender and carried her head regally. She had fine, delicate features and dressed very well, but not ostentatiously. But perhaps her finest feature was her auburn hair which she wore piled atop her head, which was the fashion, but the ringlets fell aside her head in a most becoming manner.
There was nothing pushy about this young lady. Thomas could tell she was well-bred, educated and unassuming.
“I do not believe I have met your family,” Thomas said. “In what part of London do you reside?”
“Mayfair—Berkeley Square. Northside so we get the winter sun in the front sitting room. It is a very comfortable house. You must visit us when you are next in London. If you let me know ahead, I shall arrange an intimate supper party with some of my most cherished friends.”
Thomas liked this lady more every moment. “That sounds charming. And your father? Might I have met him in my travels?”
“Dear Papa is deceased. But he was with the Foreign Office under Pitt, the younger.”
“It is unfortunate to lose a parent, especially when one is still young.”
“But you might have run across my dear Mama—Lady Beverly Alderman. She is an avid follower of the opera and the musical world. Do you often attend musical events?”
“Not often, I am afraid, basically residing in Gloucestershire as I do.”
Thomas was not getting to the answer he needed, so he tried another tack. “And do you have siblings?”
“I have a younger sister.”
Excellenthe thought. No older brothers to inherit the family fortune.
“And your interests, Lady Alderman? Are you musically inclined like your mother?”
“I follow the art world. I have a great fondness for the graphic arts, although I also enjoy sculpture. But collecting art can be an expensive proposition.”
She had just expressed the possibility of a financial restriction. Perhaps her family was not wealthy—especially now that her father had passed.
“However, my dear Aunt Gertrude has left me a considerable sum that I am to inherit when I marry or turn twenty-five—whichever comes first.”
Ah…Thomas had his answer. Except one woman’s considerable sum could be another man’s trifle. But he did not want to push the issue any further, just now. There would be plenty of time to find the answer later. Perhaps his Grandmamma knew. She had hand-picked the guests, so she must be aware of the young lady’s worth.
“Shall we go inside?” he asked. “Must not have you catching a chill.”
“It has been delightful chatting with you,” she said, taking his arm. “And remember, next time you plan to come to London, you must come for supper and meet my mother and some of my dear friends.”
“I should like that. In fact, my business associate and I are to be in London shortly after the frenzy of the ball is over.”
