“Yes, I quite recall. I am looking forward to it.”
Lord Sherbourne nodded but did not smile. With a parting smile, despite his stern look, Cassandra turned away from him and made her way after Lady Yardley, towards the gentleman in question.
Cassandra took her cousin’s arm, hearing her murmur that they would make it appear as though they were simply walking through the ballroom. It took all of her strength to keep her gaze away from Lord Alderton, but after a few moments, her patience was rewarded as a deep voice hailed Lady Yardley.
Cassandra smiled secretly to herself.
“Lady Yardley, might you not introduce me to your new acquaintance? I believe I have met almost all of the new arrivals, save for this fine young woman.”
Lord Alderton’s compliments warmed Cassandra’s heart, but she did not allow herself to overreact. Had she not just learned that every gentleman complimented young ladies very frequently indeed? It was to be expected.
“I should be very glad to.” Lady Yardley smiled at him, then gestured to Cassandra. “Lord Alderton, this is my cousin, Lady Cassandra, the daughter to the Earl of Holford. Cassandra, this is the Earl of Alderton.”
Cassandra immediately dipped into a curtsey, executing it perfectly, and keeping her head lowered for a moment as she murmured how glad she was to be acquainted with him. The gentleman replied with much the same, and it was only when Cassandra finally allowed her eyes to settle on his that she saw how warm his expression was.
“And are you enjoying the London Season thus far?”
Cassandra laughed immediately, only to see the gentleman’s eyebrows lift. A little embarrassed, she quickly attempted to explain herself.
“There is much I need to learn about society,” she explained quickly. “I have been in London for some Seasons already with my elder siblings, and have seen things from the sidelines, but to enjoy one’s own coming out into society brings with it a good deal more pressure and expectation. I am sure, however, that it will be a most enjoyable time and I will relish every moment.”
Lord Alderton blinked and it took a moment for him to smile. Silently, Cassandra cursed herself for being much too open with the fellow, realizing that she had spoken her mind without fully intending to do so. Her nervousness about being introduced to such a handsome gentleman – a gentleman who had been looking at her also – was evidently having an effect.
“I believe you will find that you already exceed expectations, Lady Cassandra.” It was another compliment and Cassandra’s cheeks blushed lightly as she smiled at him, a little relieved. Thus far, Lord Alderton seemed very pleasant indeed. “And do you have any dances remaining? Or am I much too late?”
Cassandra opened her mouth to say, unfortunately, she had none left, only for Lady Yardley to make a remark.
“I do believe that my cousin only has the waltz remaining, Lord Alderton.”
She gestured to Cassandra, who blinked in surprise at the statement. Had she forgotten the waltz was meant for Lord Sherbourne?
“I see.” Lord Alderton grinned, his blue eyes suddenly alight. “The waltz, you say? Well then, I –”
“I am afraid this waltz is taken.”
Much to Cassandra’s astonishment, Lord Sherbourne appeared by her side, his hand pressing lightly through her arm in a somewhat possessive gesture.
“Oh.” Lady Yardley’s eyes widened slightly in Lord Sherbourne’s direction and instantly, Cassandra understood what she had been trying to do. Believing that Lord Sherbourne had only taken Cassandra’s waltz to protect her from Lord Darlington, she was now really expecting him to step aside so that Lord Alderton might have it in his stead. For whatever reason, however, it appeared that Lord Sherbourne had no desire to do so. A measure of silence came across the group until Lady Yardley let out a soft sigh, obviously aware now that Lord Sherbourne had no intention of stepping aside. “Forgive me, Lord Sherbourne. I quite forgot.”
“Not at all.” Lord Sherbourne’s voice was quiet and Cassandra did not know where to look, caught somewhere between frustration and an odd thrill at being so desired. “A gentleman will always want to stand up with the lady he has sought out for a dance, will he not, Lord Alderton?”
“Yes, of course. I quite understand.” Lord Alderton smiled briefly but did not look toward Lord Sherbourne. “I shall hope for the next time, Lady Cassandra.”
Cassandra offered him a quick smile, fully aware of Lord Sherbourne’s hand still on her arm.
“Yes, I should be very glad at that, Lord Alderton.”
“Then I shall make certain to look out for you at the next ball,” came the reply as Lord Sherbourne began to tug her gently away from the group, the music beginning to flood the room already. Becoming a little irritated at Lord Sherbourne’s determination, she reluctantly turned away from Lord Alderton, and went with him, doing all that she could to keep her expression calm. He led her to the middle of the room and bowed swiftly, releasing her arm so she might curtsey before stepping forward to take her in his arms again.
“I do not understand why you…”
“I said I would dance the waltz with you, Lady Cassandra.” His interruption was somewhat gruff. “Therefore, that is what I am doing.”
Cassandra could give no reply, her irritation beginning to fade as his strong hand wrapped around her waist and his other hand grasped hers tightly. The music surrounded them and he began to dance. She followed him easily enough, looking into his face, but he seemingly refused to so much as glance at her, keeping his head turned away. Cassandra bit her lip, a little concerned at his expression, for Lord Sherbourne appeared irritated, if not a little angry, given how tightly his jaw was clenched. Her frustration gave way to concern. Had she upset him in some way? He had been so kind to her thus far, she did not want to injure him.
“I am sure Lady Yardley did not mean to forget.”
A small huff of breath came from Lord Sherbourne, his lips curving lightly.
