Page 18 of A Lady's Curves
“Calliope, is that you?” Honoria drifts across the room to join us.
“Honoria?”
They both curtsy and then kiss cheeks.
“I had hoped to see you tonight.” Honoria’s smile is contagious and even Lady Kendall is susceptible.
“It’s good to see you. It’s been many years. I understand you are employed.” There is no love in the last word.
Honoria’s smile widens. “I found that life had grown dull.Husbands dead, children grown and living their lives. I needed something to do with my time. Withering away gracefully isn’t my style.”
There’s a longing in Oscar’s mother’s eyes. “I know what you mean, but taking employment. It’s unseemly.”
“Perhaps, but such fun.” She slips her arm around Calliope and moves her across the ballroom to the chairs along the wall. “Tell me what you’ve been doing with your time, I’ll regale you with tales of Everton House.”
Watching them, I find my love for Honoria grows even deeper. She’s always coming to the rescue.
“Miss Wittman?”
I’d forgotten how close Oscar was. His voice is buttery and only inches from my ear. I spin around. “My lord?”
“May I have the first dance?”
“With me?” I blink and shake my head as if that might make sense out of this evening.
He chuckles and takes my hand. Bowing, he kisses my knuckles. “With you, if you will.”
“I’m here to assist Louisa, not to dance.” The denial is as weak as the reasoning.
“She can spare you here in her family home. Besides, my niece has found her voice. She’s going to be fine.” He looks at me as if the credit falls to me, but Louisa did it on her own.
“I only offered some encouragement.” A bit lightheaded, I say, “I would enjoy the dance, my lord.”
He whispers, “Oscar.” With a brief smile for me, he crosses to greet his brother-in-law.
The Earl of Creeves is tall and thin with stern eyes and a sharp jaw. Despite the harsh look, he seems genuinely happy to see Oscar. They shake hands and exchange a few words.
Oscar grins and nods before leaving the ballroom.
A few guests begin to enter, their voices excited for the anticipated ball.
Remembering my place, I step back until I’m hidden by a large statue decorated with white and blue flowers.
“Miss Wittman, I presume.” The Earl of Creeves rounds the statue and stares down his patrician nose at me.
I curtsy. “Lord Creeves. I am Ann Wittman. A pleasure to meet you.”
“I admit to curiosity about you and your profession after hearing much about you from my wife and now my daughter.” He bows. “The pleasure is mine.”
Keeping my shoulders back and my chin up, I meet his gaze despite my pounding heart. “I hope whatever you have heard did not displease you, my lord.”
“On the contrary. They both esteem you greatly. My daughter has asked me to give her until the end of the season to choose a husband. She has informed me that she favors Lord Mansfield, but would like time to decide her future. She made a compelling argument.” He steps next to me and watches the partygoers file in.
“She is a very bright young lady.” I keep my other thoughts to myself as I wish to know how Louisa’s proposal was received before I make my opinion known.
With his arms crossed over his chest, he looks grave, but a hint of a smile shines in his eyes. “She is. I was only blessed with daughters, Miss Wittman. I want them to have security and perhaps have sons, that one of them might inherit should my cousin precede me in death. More than security, I wish them to be happy.” He waves at the air as if words are hanging there. “I know society brands me heartless, but I do care that Louisa and her sisters live happy lives.” After a long pause, he clears his throat. “I have granted Louisa the time she requested and when offers come, as it seems they will, I shalltell the gentlemen they must wait until the last week of this season for my answer.”
“That is very good of you, my lord.” Excitement thrums in my chest. I could not be prouder of Louisa.
