“Indeed. And he has given no reason for his swift betrothal?”
Miss Lawrence scowled.
“No, which, I believe, is part of the reason that so many will be watching him this evening. I believe that many are hopeful that this evening will explain all to them, although I myself have quite my own theory.”
“Oh?”
Even Lord Foster lifted an eyebrow and Miss Lawrence shrugged, a small, wry smile touching her mouth.
“What reason does a gentleman have to betroth himself to a young lady without much warning?” she asked, her eyes darkening slightly and no smile upon her lips any longer. “Perhaps he has behaved poorly, and today must make amends.”
Considering, Gideon lifted one shoulder.
“That may well be so, although there are other alternatives, of course. Perhaps the young lady has a father eager to wed her to any gentleman of quality and Lord Coatbridge has thought it an easy and suitable match Perhaps her father has offered a great dowry and Lord Coatbridge cannot refuse such a large sum.”
“Which would again make his character a good deal more questionable in my eyes,” Miss Lawrence returned. “Are you acquainted with the lady in question? Lady Sara? Her father is the Earl of Longford.”
“No, I do not believe I am.” Gideon smiled a little self-consciously, as he admitted to Miss Lawrence how little society he had enjoyed. “Prior to this - as you may well know, given what Lord Foster has told you about me - I have not been a gentleman often inclined towards a great many acquaintances. I am content with only a few very close friends. I have never felt the need to introduce myself to all and sundry. To my mind, it is a poor gentleman who boasts a vast number of acquaintances but has very few friends.”
A small flush of heat rose in his chest, but Miss Lawrence only smiled.
“I do not think that a poor choice, Lord Stoneleigh., I quite understand it. I admire it, in fact.”
Her eyes suddenly caught on something over Gideon’s shoulder and she craned her neck a little, forcing Gideon to give a small half turn, noticing two young ladies walking towards the three of them. Miss Lawrence seemed to recognize them both.
“Do excuse me – and return my betrothed to me shortly, will you?”
Lord Foster grinned and then slipped away, as the two young ladies came to join them, frustrating Gideon’s attempts to speak further with Lord Foster.
“Miss Cartwright, Lady Sara.” Miss Lawrence smiled warmly, then dropped into a quick curtsey. “Good evening.”
“Good evening.”
Neither of the ladies were smiling, but Gideon found his attention caught by the brightness of one set of vivid blue eyes, although he did not know which young lady was which as yet. Coughing gently, he caught Miss Lawrence’s attention.
“Forgive me. Allow me to introduce The Marquess of Stoneleigh.”
She continued with the introductions as Gideon bowed, glad to know which was Lady Sara and which Miss Cartwright.
“I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Now that he knew which lady was Lady Sara, he found his eyes lingering on her with a good deal more intensity. She was not overly tall, and had gentle curves that left his mind wandering to places it ought not. He should not be thinking about what it would be like to press a kiss to the delicate curve of her throat, nor wondering how blue her eyes would be, should he be standing a good deal closer to her. Indeed, it was a very strange thing for him to be thinking at all, for he was not a man inclined to such thoughts. He had always admired young ladies, yes, and had found them beautiful, charming, and quite delightful, but had never found himself drawn to one as he was in this moment.
“Lord Stoneleigh?”
A chill ran across Gideon’s skin, his feet shifting as he dropped his head, realizing that he had lost the thread of the conversation entirely. He had been far too busy trying to understand all that he was thinking and feeling, instead of paying any attention to what was being said.
“I am afraid we have only just arrived, so I cannot say whether or not I have enjoyed this evening as yet. Lord Coatbridge will be able to give his own opinion, however.”
“Alas, I have only been here a few minutes myself also.” Relieved that Miss Lawrence had obviously seen the worry in his face, he glanced at her. “I am certain that it will be a pleasant evening. I am sure you will both enjoy it.”
“I am certain that some of us shall, yes, but even if there is no particular enjoyment, I expect that it will not be dull.”
Her words were almost sharp, and there was a depth of meaning coloring them. Swiftly remembering what Miss Lawrence had told him about Lord Coatbridge and the young lady he had been courting, Gideon sent another look towards Miss Lawrence who gave him a small nod. Gideon did not want to make it obvious that he knew of Lady Sara’s reasons for feeling so miserable but, to his surprise, found himself desirous of improving the evening for her as best he could.
“I may not be the most proficient dancer, but I can certainly do my utmost to make certain that your evening is a little less disappointing,” he found himself saying. “That is, if you should wish to step out with me.”
It seemed to take the lady a few moments to realize what he was asking her, for she stared at him with incomprehension in her eyes, before light suddenly dawned.
