“It is nothing of consequence, at least.”
Allowing his shoulders to relax, he threw her a glance and then, with a nod of his head, stepped away.
Constance’s heart sank as he walked away. She was aware that he had felt distinctly uncomfortable and unsettled at what her mother had been speaking of. What was it that had caused Lord Seaton so much distress? How embarrassing that her mother had behaved so! Had she truly not seen that Lord Seaton had no wish to discuss the matter?
“You are to dance with Lord Seaton, then?”
Starting a little, Constance smiled with relief as Lady Yardley looked at her.
“Yes, I am.”
“And there is no sign of Lord Timpson either.”
At the mention of that particular gentleman’s name, Constance rolled her eyes.
“No, indeed. Did Lady Brookmire tell you of it? I was so very grateful to her for her aid.”
Lady Yardley chuckled.
“Yes, she informed me of how white Lord Timpson went when she spoke of his marriages.” Her smile slowly faded. “Though I have been considering how I might be of aid to you in this.”
“Of aid to me? In what matter?”
“Why, in the matter of your father and his decision to find a husband for you.” Lady Yardley laughed as Constance smiled, a little embarrassed. “And I think there is something I might do.”
Saying nothing, Constance waited for her friend to continue her explanation.
“Being the author of ‘The London Ledger’ has its advantages.” Lady Yardley’s smile stiffened. “Although it can also be something of a burden. I know a great deal about thetonand those within it… both the good and the bad.”
Constance’s eyebrows lifted.
“And you think you might be able to speak against any gentleman my father considers? Just as Lady Brookmire did?”
“It could be a small thing that I might be able to push into gargantuan proportions.” Lady Yardley lifted one shoulder. “I do not think your father would read ‘The London Ledger’, however.”
“I think you are correct in that,” Constance answered with a wry smile. “My mother might be inclined to do so.”
“I have a better idea.” Lady Yardley gestured across the room. “You need to introduce me to your mother. Whatever I say to her will no doubt be passed to your father.”
“Yes.” Speaking slowly, Constance hesitated. “Though I cannot be certain he will give it much credence.”
Lady Yardley shrugged.
“Then I will speak to him myself, if I must.”
Constance’s eyes flared.
“You would do such a thing for me?”
“Certainly, I would.” Lady Yardley squeezed her hand. “Both myself and your friends would do anything required to make certain that you have as much opportunity as they had to find a love match.”
Tears threatened, but Constance blinked them away, happiness and relief warming her through.
“Thank you, Lady Yardley. Come, let me introduce you to my mother at once.”
* * *
The thoughtof dancing the waltz with Lord Seaton had been difficult enough, but now she was standing up with him, the prospect was utterly overwhelming. She had not been entirely truthful to Lord Seaton, for while it was quite true that she had not danced the waltz in some time, the only person she had ever danced it with had been her dancing master. Having never been in a gentleman’s arms, she now found her confidence to be shattering into tiny pieces on the floor.
