Page 81 of The Baron Takes a Bet
Gavin gently squeezed the tips of her gloved fingers as they walked, causing Holly to glance back at him. Evidently, the sentiment about wishing they were home was shared, for the expression he gave her was warm and deliberate. She shivered slightly as they met Derek.
“I swear, these mamas grow bolder each year,” he said lowly to Gavin. “One just nearly assaulted me into agreeing to dance with her daughters.”
“It does seem a cutthroat business,” Gavin said, glancing at Holly. “Thankfully I’m out of it.”
“And not a sight too soon. The minute you inherited that title of yours, they would have been swarming.”
“Then perhaps I owe a great deal of thanks to my uncle.”
“Because a few mamas wish you to dance at a ball? Surely you both aren’t afraid of a few devoted mothers, are you?” Holly asked, earning her a skeptical glare from Derek.
Holly knew very well that debutante mamas were some of the most ruthless people in the kingdom, but she did enjoy teasing Derek, and the tiny nod from Gavin encouraged her to do so.
“I see this is your first time at St. James,” the earl said sardonically.
Holly smiled.
“The only balls I’ve attended are public ones in the country.”
“Well, prepare yourself. For there’s never been anything quite as dangerous as a coming out ball.”
Just then, it was announced that the presentation was about to begin. For the next hour, lady after young lady was presented to Princess Elizabeth, the king’s sister. In Holly’s opinion, each lady was more lovely than the last, and she was surprised to find that she was holding her breath by the time Katrina made her way down the crowded corridor.
Her sister’s gown was simple in design, unlike many of the overtly embroidered dresses chosen by other young ladies. Katrina had decided on it herself, and while Holly had been nervous that a lack of beads and crystal might make her sister appear provincial, the opposite effect happened. Katrina seemed fresh and beautiful, not needing any fringe or embellishment to distract the eye.
It was soon whispered that Miss Katrina Smyth was the loveliest of the debutantes, and Holly’s heart nearly exploded with joy. Never in her life had she much cared for the approval of anyone, but to know that her sister would be a success was enough to give her a great deal of joy.
After the presentation, the guests were ushered into the ballroom, where a few dozen musicians began to play. It was tradition for the debutantes to dance first, and Holly was rather charmed when Gavin offered to dance with Katrina.
Holly smiled as she watched them twirl away as the music began, only to be met with Mr. Mannion. She tried to make her face impassive, so as to not let him see how surprised she was to see him. What was he doing here?
“Lady Bairnsdale,” he said with a slight nod, gazing at the floor. “A pleasure seeing you again.”
“Mr. Mannion. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Yes, well, you’re not the only one lucky enough to be connected. I’ve a cousin who is a marquis. Well, a second cousin, but I was able to get the old goat to invite me and the missus sothat we could present our daughter,” he said, scanning the floor. “There she is! Dancing with the Earl of Trembley.”
Holly glanced over the crowded room, and sure enough, she was able to spot Derek, stone-faced, dancing with a young blonde lady Holly recognized as Daphne. The girl seemed to be talking excessively, as was her wont. Holly had to bite her lip to stop herself from smirking.
“How lovely,” she said eventually.
“Lovely nothing. My wife is certain the earl will propose to our girl in a week or so. She had to practically push him away when he first saw her, you know. Said he’d never met a prettier girl.”
“Is that so?” Holly said. “Well, my felicitations to you.”
“Thank you,” the man said, facing her. “I hope there aren’t any hard feelings between us. What with that business with your brother and all.”
Holly’s smile shrank slightly. She didn’t wish to discuss her brother, but ignoring the topic would only encourage Mr. Mannion.
“Of course not. It is in the past.”
“A kinder lady I know not. You’re quite like your mother; god rest her soul. She was an exceedingly gracious woman.”
“Thank you for saying so Mr. Mannion.”
“I was never able to get her to sell me Felton Manor either, you know. She was dedicated to that house just as much as you were.”
Holly’s brow pinched together.
