Page 3 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
“Nor I. Do you suppose he is intimidated by you?” The duchess looked her over. “He should be enchanted.”
His Grace stood taller, his gaze travelling over the attendees. “Perhaps the lad is tongue tied. Happens to a man sometimes, you know, when the lady is particularly beguiling.” The duke nodded as though an expert on the topic of amorous dealings.
“I cannot account for it.” Charity watched him leave the ballroom, growing more puzzled.
Then a group of the more handsome set approached.
“Oh, dear.” The duchess fanned her face. “They can have nothing to be interested in here.”
“Except perhaps she will be all the more beguiling to the others of their sex who might have an interest.” The duke nodded to Lord Granville who paused, greeted the duke and duchess, and then turned to Charity. “I did not know you would be in London for the Season.” He dipped his head. “Might I have this first set?”
“Certainly. It’s always good to see you, Lord Granville.” They didn’t always agree, but whodidCharity always agree with?
As she placed her hand on his arm and he led her out onto the floor, he grinned. “I already know this set will be the most enlightening and lively in conversation of any I have of the evening.”
She laughed. But only nodded.
“Come now, what is to be our topic? Wellington’s last battle? The state of the poor and the cost of food? Or is it to be women’s suffrage? Land ownership?”
She shook her head. “Have we already addressed all those issues, you and I?”
“We certainly have and more besides. You are an uncanny conversationalist. I only ask you for a set when my mind is up to it.”
“And so you are energized and ready for a duel of words, then?”
“I am if you are so inclined, but might I say first, that you are particularly stunning this evening. I could hardly resist the set if my mind were mush.”
She dipped her head, strangely flattered instead of offended at the mention of her beauty. “Thank you. Then perhaps we might discuss something that does not inspire debate?”
“Oh?” his eyebrow rose and the spark of interest in his expression told Charity that flirting might be easier than she imagined.
“Yes, I’d be most interested to hear of your estate. Your family. You.”
He seemed flustered for a moment, but just briefly. “Well, I’m honored to have garnered a particular personal interest in one so well-read.” He circled her in the set. “Then I shall tell you, all is well in the lake country. We do boast one of the prettier parts of England for my estate. Lakes, vales, flowers in bloom, plenty of rainfall.” He paused. “And you? How are you and yours? The castle is well-nigh completed I’ve heard.”
“It is, yes, thank you. We are all well. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are moved in to the castle and the stables have almost doubled in size.” Charity shook her head. “Grace has opted to move to live with Lord and Lady Morley until her first season. And I move around between the two. Of course, now I am staying with the Duchess of York.”
“Lovely people. He is also the man most apt to defend your causes on the floor of the House of Lords.”
“Is he?” She turned to find her benefactor, but he had gone, the duchess deep in conversation with a group of her friends. “I did not know that.” A man opposed to bluestockings but so open to change? She was intrigued.
“In truth, since talking to you, I’ve become much more inclined in the direction of universal suffrage. There is talk, you know, and of course the riots.”
“And there you go, bringing up interesting topics. Shall we move on from the personal?”
“Are they not one and the same to you?”
She dipped her head in acquiescence. “I’m certain it seems as much.” They moved down the middle of the line together. When they were facing each other again, she shook her head. “But tell me more of the lake country. I’ve never been.”
She could hardly recognize herself. A perfect opportunity to cheer this lord on in his efforts in the House of Lords and she was bringing up the lake country? She couldn’t account for it, except that she’d agreed to give this evening her best go at perhaps opening up personal connections with someone, more than one if possible. And, if she were being totally honest, she’d always wanted to see the lake district.
They talked of simple things, pleasant things; she learned all about his home. And by the end of the conversation, she felt almost as if she’d had a good coze. But she couldn’t resist—as he was leading her off the floor, she pressed her hand into his arm for emphasis. “But I must tell you as well, I am most pleased with your efforts. If we can just get a large enough vote…”
He dipped his head back and laughed. “I didn’t think you’d be able to resist. Yes, Miss Charity. You do not need to worry further. I have heard you and will do my best.”
Only partly satisfied, she nodded. “Thank you, then.”
“Iwilldo my best. I take the role seriously, and knowing that I represent you gives me some motivation.” He grinned and then straightened as though remembering himself. His bow was smart, and he left her just as another lord approached.
