He let out a huff of laughter, which wasn’t at all her intention. Then, thankfully, what had felt like the longest dance in the history of dances finally ended. “Thank goodness that’s over,” she said as they bowed and curtsied to each other.
One dark brow rose. “You didn’t enjoy the dance?”
She smiled. “It’s just that I’m frightfully thirsty.” She glanced around and saw the other Lady Charlton signaling him, a grim expression on her face. “Oh, look over there—your mama wants you. Hadn’t you better run along?” As if he were eight instead of eight-and-twenty.
He didn’t even glance in his mother’s direction. “I did not survive years at war with Napoleon’s forces only to dance to my mother’s tune,” he said, escorting Lucy to a nearby seat. “I’ll fetch you a drink. And then, perhaps you’ll grant me a second dance.”
Lucy had to admit she liked his matter-of-fact attitude, but she couldn’t afford to let him get to know her any better. The minute he’d gone, she jumped up and hurried across the room to where Alice was standing with her tall admirer.
“Godmama,” she said, “excuse me for interrupting, but I feel the most horrid headache coming on. Would it be possible for me to go home early?” She fixed Alice with an intense look, hoping she got the message.
“Yes, of course,” Alice responded instantly. “You poor dear, you’re looking quite pale. We must leave at once, get you into bed with an eau de cologne compress.”
Lord Tarrant glanced at Lucy. His mouth quirked. “Dear me, yes, that’s the palest flush I’ve seen in a long time.”
Alice’s lips compressed. “Come along, Lucy dear, we will just make our apologies to our hostess and be off. Goodbye, Lord Tarrant, so... interesting to have met you.”
They hurried away.
“Do I really look pale?” Lucy whispered.
Alice glanced at her. “No, but it was the first thing that came to mind. Drat him.”
“You wanted to leave early, too?”
She nodded. “Now hush and try to look ill,” she said to Lucy as they approached their hostess, who was also called Lady Charlton. Lucy found it very confusing.
“Almeria, I’m very sorry but—” Alice began.
“So you ought to be!” The other Lady Charlton gave Lucy a scathing look. “I warned you about attempting to entice my son with your... yourguest.” The way she saidguestit might have been dipped in vitriol.
“Gerald asked to be introduced. I could hardly refuse,” Alice said calmly.
“And then theydancedtogether.” Lady Charlton glared at Lucy as if she’d committed the crime of the century. Old bag.
“Yes, because Gerald asked her in front of others. She could hardly refuse that, either,” Alice said. “And now, Almeria, we’re leaving. Miss Bamber has the headache.”
Lady Charlton sniffed.
Lucy tried to look pale and wan. She was impressed with Alice’s cool responses. If anyone had spoken to her like that, she would have snapped back, and probably lost her temper. But Alice had responded so calmly and reasonably, the other Lady Charlton had nowhere to go—you could see the frustration on her face.
Even more impressive was that Alice had defended Lucy. Nobody had ever defended Lucy.
“Thank you for inviting us,” Alice said. “It’s been a delightful party.”
“Yes, thank you so much,” Lucy murmured. She glanced back and saw Lord Thornton holding a glass of ratafia and looking around. She slipped an arm through Alice’s, and they quietly slipped away.
***
Did my nephew upset you in some way?” Alice asked once they’d reached home.
Lucy was embarrassed to explain, but it had to be done. “No, I’m not upset—but oh, Alice, he’s going to be a problem.”
“In what way?”
“I’ve met your nephew before—and not in the best of circumstances.” She told her about their encounter on the Brighton road.
Alice regarded her wide-eyed. “You meanyou’rethe reason Gerald lost his race?”
