Page 69 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
‘Terrified,’ she admitted. ‘Do you think Albert will be here?’
That was not something he had considered. ‘He may be.’
If she baulked tonight, there was nowhere else he might take her, not before the eyes of theton. The elite in society had nothing better to do with their days than gossip. She was throwing herself into deep water this evening. It was brave. He respected her courage a dozen times more.
‘If this is awful, you may remember I am doing it for you,’ she whispered.
‘Thank you, but it will not be awful.’ Their quiet conversation ceased as their party stopped to speak to Lord and Lady Pickford who were receiving their guests.
Drew turned to Caro. ‘If you need to leave, tell me; we may leave, at any point.’
She gave Drew a nervous nod, her fingers gripping Rob’s arm rather than resting on it.
John and Kate were introduced to the Earl of Pickford, then Drew and Mary, and last Rob stepped forward, leading Caro.
Pride puffed up inside him as Caro lifted her hand for Pickford to take.
‘It has been a while, Caroline,’ he said as he bowed his head and she curtsied.
Rob was thrown by Pickford’s use of her name.
‘Indeed,’ was all she answered, before she turned to his wife and curtsied again. ‘Lady Pickford.’
‘Lady Kilbride.’
A frown furrowed Rob’s brow, as he greeted Pickford. Why would the man use Caro’s first name and his wife not? A bitter taste filled Rob’s mouth. Jealousy was not an emotion he was accustomed to.
‘How do you know him?’ Rob questioned before they caught up to the others.
‘I know everyone, Rob. I was a Marchioness. I held and attended dozens of balls and numerous parliamentary dinners. He was, is, an ally of Albert’s. I had forgotten until I saw his face. Yet it means Albert will be here.’
Rob’s heart pumped a rush of blood to his limbs.
‘Will you dance the first with me?’ she asked.
Rob nodded. Then noticed Drew had heard her ask and was watching them with an enquiring expression. Rob smiled towards him.
‘I will dance the set after that with you, Caro.’ Drew walked closer. ‘Dancing will keep your mind off other things.’
‘Do you dance now, Caroline?’ John had also heard.
Her lips pursed, as she nodded uncomfortably.
Pride became a firm spear lancing through Rob’s chest. It seemed that love amplified every emotion. At least pride felt better than jealousy.
‘Then may I have your hand for the next after Drew?’ John asked.
‘Thank you, Your Grace.’
Rob’s Uncle Richard and Uncle Robert stood together on the far side of the room, beyond them was a large family group. John led their party in that direction.
Caro looked around the room.
Rob looked too, now he knew she must be looking for the Marquis of Kilbride. Kilbride was shorter than most men, he might be unnoticeable among the crowd.
‘He is here,’ Caro whispered, her fingers clawing into Rob’s arm. ‘He just walked into the anteroom over there.’ Her other hand pointed subtly. Her eyes were wide and the black pupils large.
‘Are you sure you wish to dance?’
