“Come then.” His heart lifted a little as she fell into step beside him. “I hear that you and your friends have had your discussion with Lady Yardley. Do you feel a little more confident, now, to traverse the rocky ground that is London society?”
Lady Cassandra laughed, a blush coloring her cheeks prettily.
“Yes, we had an excellent conversation and yes, I feel a good deal better. I will admit to you that I felt rather foolish in how unguarded I was, particularly when it came to Lord Darlington. That foolishness will not remain within me, however, and thus I am sure that this evening will be a most enjoyable one.”
“I believe you are right.” Jonathan smiled, aware of just how quickly his heart was beating in his chest. “I did not think that Lady Yardley would tell you about ‘The London Ledger’, though I am glad that she has. It is not a secret, of course, but neither is it something she speaks about very often. It is a wise thought to use it for the benefit of you and your friends.”
“I believe that everything my cousin does is done with wisdom.” A gentle sigh came from her as she turned her head away. “Would thatIhad such wisdom.”
Finding himself eager to reassure her, Jonathan pressed her hand for a moment, then withdrew.
“You will find that such wisdom comes with simply being a part of society, particularly here in London.” Wincing slightly, he shook his head. “It does not mean that everyone within it is malicious, nor that every gentleman is a rogue, only to say that it is wise to be able to distinguish one from the other. It is good that Lady Yardley seeks to help you there, for many a young lady finds herself a little overwhelmed!”
“And you are here to guide me also.” The warmth of her tone made Jonathan’s heart leap all the more. “I am very grateful to you.”
Jonathan wanted to tell her that he was rather glad to be able to do this for her, that he enjoyed spending time with her, but the words did not come. Instead, he simply walked around the ballroom with her, taking everything in and being all too aware of just how his heart was affected by being so close to her. The feelings which had come to the fore when she had first walked into the room at Lady Yardley’s residence when he had first set eyes on Lady Cassandra, had not disappeared as he had believed they would. Instead, they lingered, growing slowly and wrapping themselves all the more around his heart. Jonathan told himself that it was foolishness to be drawn to the lady but, regardless of what he wanted, his growing affection seemed determined to make itself a home within his heart. Walking with her in such a manner as this was probably not a good idea, given that it would only increase such feelings, but what could be done now? He had promised that he would be of aid to Lady Cassandra and her friends, so he could not step back from her now! Reminding himself that he had no intention of marrying, nor even courtinganyyoung lady of his acquaintance, Jonathan cleared his throat and looked around the room once more.
“There are many fine gentlemen here this evening. I am sure that once I have released you, you will have a great many fellows coming to seek you out in the hope of dancing with you.”
“Do you think so?”
The slight wobble in her voice betrayed her concern.
“Certainly, I do – though I should advise you not to dance with Lord Darlington.” Jonathan laughed as Lady Cassandra smiled up at him. “To be serious, it is perfectly suitable for you to dance with any gentleman who asks. Unless, of course, he is well known to be a rogue or a scoundrel, in which case you may refuse him.”
Lady Cassandra stopped suddenly, turning to face him, her eyes wide.
“But how am I to know which gentlemen are rogues and scoundrels? I knew there would be one or two such gentlemen, but I believe now that there are a good many more than I had ever expected. How can I tell which gentlemen are of good character and which ones are not?”
Jonathan smiled, lowering his head a little.
“I shall stay nearby if you wish.”
Lady Cassandra blinked for a moment, looking up at him, her hand slipping from his arm as though she could not quite believe that he had offered her such a thing.
“Do you not have any intention of dancing this evening? I am aware that you promised to help us, but surely that does not mean that you have to give up your own pleasures for our sake.”
“I do not have any interest in dancing,” Jonathan replied truthfully. “I have spent a few Seasons in London already, and have done a great deal of dancing, whereas you have done very little. I would be very glad indeed to make certain of your happiness this evening.”
“Then you are a very kind gentleman.” Lady Cassandra took his arm again, a soft sigh of contentment slipping from her lips. “Already I feel a good deal more confident.”
Jonathan smiled to himself, a little surprised at the sense of satisfaction which came with being beside her. The truth was, he would usually have preferred to do as he pleased on an occasion like this. He might decide to dance, or go to play cards, or perhaps simply converse with as many of his acquaintances as he wished. But he now appeared quite content to allow Lady Cassandra to dictate what he would do with the rest of his evening. Was he truly as enamored of her as that?
“Now, listen for a moment,” he murmured, leaning a little closer to her ear and choosing to put such questions aside. “Here comes Lord Ramsworth. He is an exceptionally conversational gentleman. I am sure that he would be very pleased to have your company. You should not hesitate to give it to him, only be aware that you will have very little opportunity to say anything at all!”
He chuckled as Lady Cassandra shot him a sharp look, seeking to know if he was entirely serious, only for her eyes to twinkle when she realized that he was. Lord Ramsworth was a very amiable fellow. He had never shown any desire to wed, much as Jonathan himself had not, but that did not stop him from dancing - and speaking - with as many young ladies as he could. Upon discovering anyone who was not acquainted with him, Lord Ramsworth would determine to acquaint himself with them just as soon as he was able. Lady Cassandra’s mouth opened as though to say something, but Jonathan merely straightened, seeing that there was no time to say anything more, for Lord Ramsworth was now upon them.
“Good evening, Lord Sherbourne.”
Jonathan inclined his head, wasting no time.
“Good evening, Lord Ramsworth. Might I introduce my new acquaintance to you?”
Lord Ramsworth’s round face lit up as he grinned down at Lady Cassandra. Clearly, this was precisely what he had been hoping for.
“Yes, I should be very glad indeed if you would.”
Quick to oblige him, Jonathan made the introductions, and then took a small step back, allowing the gentleman to speak openly with Lady Cassandra without being interrupted. The gentleman first enquired as to whether she was enjoying the Season, asked questions about her presentation to the Queen and, eventually and almost as an afterthought, for her dance card. Jonathan chuckled quietly, only for his arm to be caught by someone to his left. Swiveling his head around, he grinned as Lord Knoxbridge nodded his head toward Lady Cassandra.
