Page 32 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
Had they all suddenly grown some sense and appreciated all the wonderful things about her? His heart sank. His hopes to be with Charity were in serious jeopardy.
But he stood taller, undeterred and pushed his way through so that he was standing at her front. “Miss Charity.” He held out his hand.
“Lord Lockhart. It’s good to see you.” Her face lit with more happiness which gratified him to no end.
“I’ve come for our set?”
The men all around her laughed.
And Charity’s shone with amusement but also a touch of disappointment. “I’m sorry, they’re all taken.”
His mouth dropped open. They’d always had the first set. They used the time to plan strategies for the ball. Well, except for last time they were at a ball together. He’d stayed as far away as possible. The men were watching him. He’d been quiet too long.
He bowed. “I’ll leave you to it then.” He turned.
As he walked away, someone said something about Lord Lockhart losing his place if he wasn’t careful. And the others laughed.
He made his way to the exit. He had no need to stick around.
But the Duchess of York stepped in his path. “Where are you going?”
“Leaving. Every dance is taken.”
“And so you will give her up? Just like that?”
“What do you want me to do, create a scene? Force my way in?”
She clucked. “Don’t be a sore loser. Wait for her. Be here. She’ll come to you when she wants a break. She’ll find you, and you will know that she is still interested.”
“Is she?”
“I’d imagine so. She’s only been here at this ball for thirty minutes. Do you suppose her allegiance would change in so short a time?”
“Does she have an allegiance?” His mouth tugged, ready to show his hope rising.
“You’ll have to discover that for yourself.” She turned from him.
And he decided to stay.
Lord Wessex led Charity out onto the floor. And that was enough to make Andrew wish to stalk off again. But he kept his hessians firmly planted on the floor. He would stick it out. A devilish idea caught him. He moved to the edge of the dance floor, crossed his arms, and watched.
With a man like Lord Wessex, they couldn’t be too careful. He could kick himself for not declaring his intentions sooner. His eyes sought the Duke of York—who was watching him to his surprise. His Grace’s eyebrows went up.
Andrew nodded. He would speak to the man straight away.
Between them was a whole ballroom full of people—including those dancing what promised to be the longest country dance of all time.
As his gaze followed her down the line, laughing and moving each step as though lifted by joy itself, he was astounded that he’d not seen this side of Charity yet before. Certainly, she was always full of energy. She was always about the importance of doing things. And he knew she received great satisfaction from her usual activities, but fun? He realized this was one of the first moments he was witness to Charity having fun just for the sake of it.
And he vowed to offer her this part of her life more often.
When their gazes met, hers held questions, but he just nodded.
Lord Wessex smirked at him and let his hands linger longer in their dance.
When he led Charity off the floor, another lord escorted her right back out.
Andrew stood his ground.
