Page 17 of The Duke's Gamble
Florentina blinked, not quite certain where to look and finding herself caught by the softness in his eyes as well as the astonishment of his words. He was smiling gently, as though he were aware of the shock he had caused but was now waiting for her to respond to what he had said.
She swallowed, hard. “I did not think that…” Pausing, she offered a slightly wry smile and then closed her eyes briefly. “Forgive my surprise. I have been very afraid that society would, as a whole, turn its back upon us, given the foolishness of my brother. I had a faint hope that it would not be spread through society though now, after speaking with you, I am afraid that they will all soon know of it.”Though they will soon have more to say, once news of my engagement to the Duke is known.
“There will be many who do turn their back upon you,” came the honest reply. “But those who do so are gentlemen and ladies of thetonthat I would consider to be most unwise and therefore not worth your company or your time. Someone like myself, however, would be worth your consideration given thatIhave not turned my back upon you.”
Seeing his twinkling smile, Florentina could not help but laugh. “Does that mean, then, that you would be glad for me to offer you my company whenever I wish it? Any time?
With another broad smile, Lord Allington reached out one hand again, pressing it lightly to her arm. “I should be very glad to be often in your company, Lady Florentina, whenever you would so wish it.”
Ignoring the way her heart began to dance around at this, she gave him a swift smile. “I am certain that my sisterand I would be very grateful for any and all company, Lord Allington,” she told him calmly, refusing to allow her emotions to overwhelm her. After all, she had only just become acquainted with Lord Allington, and she certainly could not permit herself to become overly familiar, particularly after such a short acquaintance. Besides, she reminded herself, as much as she found him handsome and genial, was she not already betrothed?
Heat filled her face. If only the Duke had not demanded that they remain silent about the betrothal! If she had been able to speak of it, then she was quite sure that Lord Allington would take his attentions away from her almost immediately!”
“Then I will be very glad to offer you as much company as you wish.” Lord Allington smiled again, then glanced to his right. “See now, here is your sister returned to us.” Snapping his heels together, Lord Allington made to take his leave. “I shall take my leave and permit other gentlemen to seek you out, Lady Florentina. Your dance card will be full within a few minutes; I am quite certain.” With a smile, he inclined his head. “I very much look forward to our dance later this evening.”
“I thank you.” Offering him a smile in return, Florentina murmured her farewell, then turned to attention to Christina. She was still talking animatedly to Lord Barlow and as they approached, Florentina found herself smiling. Despite her initial concern and anxiety, this evening was going very well indeed. This was in no small part thanks to Lord Allington and Lord Barlow, for their willingness to engage with both herself and Christina meant that other gentleman might soon be eager to dance with them as well. Yes, Lord Allington had mentioned that some of thetonwere aware of what her brother had done and the current situation with the Duke of Dartmoor, but mayhap that would not be as great a concern as she had feared.
“I must step away for a few minutes.” Lord Barlow smiled and then moved away from Christina, though his gaze still lingered on her. “Good evening.”
“Good evening.” Christinas let out a small, contented sigh and then took Florentina’s arm so they might, together, begin to meander around the ballroom.
“Lord Barlow appears most interested in you.” Florentina lifted one eyebrow but Christina only shook her head.
“He is very kind but I will not expect anything more from him than that.”
“Why not? It appears to me that he is interested in furthering his acquaintance with you.”
A light smile touched Christina’s face. “If he does, then I shall be grateful for it but I am quite determined to maintain a careful acquaintance with him. It would not be wise to permit my heart to chase after one gentleman simply because he shows me a little attention.”
Florentina smiled. “That is very wise.”
“I thank you. Though I must say, I was rather astonished by Lord Allington!”
Florentina’s smile fell away. “Yes, I was also.” She did not tell her sister of the quickening of her heart nor of the way that her interest had been piqued by his presence.
“He is a gentleman, well used to enjoying the company of young ladies, I think. I thought him a little overwhelming in his remarks!”
Florentina made to agree only for her eyes to go to a figure that, for whatever reason, caught her attention. It was a gentleman standing quietly to the side of the dance floor, looking around him and not showing any particular interest in talking to anyone, despite the fact that there were numerous young ladies and gentleman standing around him.
Oh no. Why did he have to be at this very ball?
“Good gracious!” Evidently aware of who she was looking at, Christina clutched at Florentina’s arm. “Why ever is the Duke at this ball? I thought he said he would not often be in society.”
Florentina could not answer, for her stomach was swirling in the most unexpected manner.
“Is that not what he said?” Christina persisted and Florentina nodded, her whole body suddenly cold.
“It is.” Turning on her heel, Florentina made her way to the opposite side of the room. “But I have every intention of staying as far from him as possible, now that we know he is here. After all, he is the one who stated that he did not want to have even the smallest connection between us during our time in London, did he not?” Her breath twisted in her chest, a desperate desire to distance herself from him surging within her, wanting nothing more than to avoid him completely.
“That gentleman is nothing but arrogance and pride,” she heard Christina say, clearly speaking both half to herself and half to Florentina, given the way her voice dropped low. Unable to do anything other than agree, Florentina took in long, calming breaths, pressing one hand to her stomach as tears began to burn in her eyes.
And that is the gentleman I am one day to call my husband.
Chapter Six
“I thought you said you would not often be in society.”
Samuel smiled briefly, though his shoulders lifted just a little in tension. “Yes, Crawley, but as you can see, I have decided to attend this one.”
