Page 91 of A Duke in the Rough

“Four times,” she whispered. What would her father think? Or Anne? “However, if you wish to change?—”

“There will be no changes to the assignments,” Burwood said. “Duke’s orders.”

She gaped at him, then glanced toward Drake. “Assignments? Do you mean these were intentional?”

“Not everyone’s. That’s what makes yours special. Everyone else’s cards were distributed randomly. Making sure there were no overlaps on the cards took me two whole days of planning.” Burwood gave a sharp nod, as if he expected congratulations for his efforts.

“I . . . don’t know what to say.” She truly didn’t.

Burwood winked. “Thank you?”

Honoria mumbled something—she wasn’t sure what—and entered the ballroom.

Soft candlelight from crystal chandeliers illuminated the enormous room. Tables heavily laden with epicurean delicacies lined the wall on the right. On a dais at the front, an orchestra began tuning their instruments. Along the wall on the left, chairs waited for dancers to rest their tired feet. People congregated in small groups, eager for the ball to commence.

Nothing was out of order, save for one small detail. Women gasped as they opened their dance cards, their eyes darting to the men before them who, no doubt, had requested the first dance. Confusion reigned supreme. If the perpetrator ofThe Muckrakerwas in attendance, the duke’s method of securing dance partners would surely garner a prominent place in the scandal sheet.

Miranda hurried forward. “Look at your card!” Her muffled exclamation was loud enough to cause a stir from those around them.

“I’ve already seen it.” She held out her card for Miranda’s inspection.

“At least yours is agreeable. Look at mine.” She held up the card, pointing to one name in particular.

“Lord Middlebury? Oh, Miranda, I’m so sorry. Perhaps you could discreetly disappear?”

Miranda’s mouth puckered. “I would, except the set right after is with Mr. Pratt, and at least he’s a marvelous dancer.”

“A magical reappearance? Or simply not claim him?” Honoria pressed her lips together in a sly smile.

“Perhaps. I shall have to weigh the pros and cons of dancing with Middlebury.”

“There arepros?”

Miranda tapped Honoria on the arm with her dance card. “Notthosekind, but yes. Possibly.”

“Are you going to tell me?”

“No.” Miranda grinned.

Charlotte rushed over. “This is outrageous!” She waved her own dance card in front of them. “I refuse to dance with that man!”

“Middlebury?” both Honoria and Miranda asked in unison.

“No, although that would be equally disturbing. Burwood. Ugh. Just the thought makes me nauseous.”

“Maybe we can trade?” Miranda asked. “I don’t find him disagreeable at all.”

“Burwood said there can be no changes to the assignments,” Honoria said.

Both Miranda’s and Charlotte’s dark brows lifted.

“Hedid this? On purpose?” Charlotte glared in Burwood’s direction as he entered the room. “That settles it. I’ll dance with him and trod on his boorish boots every chance I get.” A wicked grin spread across her face.

Anne appeared next to Honoria. “What are you grinning about?” she asked Charlotte.

“She’s going to stomp on Burwood’s toes,” Miranda said.

Anne’s eyes grew wide. “Don’t do that. I’m supposed to dance with him this evening.”

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