Page 9 of The Penitent Duke
And, Lucian knew, his eyes closing as he rested his head back against the chair, he had brought all of it upon himself.
Chapter Four
“Do you want me to introduce you?”
Rosalind glanced uneasily around the ballroom, quite sure that at any moment, someone from thetonwould see her and begin to whisper about her presence. “I do not know. I am sure that there are many here who know all about my brother’s foolishness and will not be glad of my company.”
“Nonsense.” Lady Eleanor lifted her chin, as though daring any member of thetonto say anything unkind to Rosalind. “You are here, you are just as welcome as any other member of society, I am sure.”
“I do not know if that is true,” Rosalind answered, her shoulders heavy now. “Did you not see the look that our hosts gave us upon our arrival? There was a coldness there, a sneer almost on the face of Lord Helensburgh. Maybe they had forgotten our invitation and now regret our presence here!”
Lady Eleanor turned to face Rosalind, grasping her hands in her own, a steadiness there which chased some of Rosalind’s fears away. “You must remember that you have donenothingworthy of their disdain. Your brother has behaved poorly, indeed, but you yourself are entirely innocent! You cannot let fear of what they will say or do frighten you in any way. That will only give thetonmore to whisper about, I am afraid.”
Rosalind swallowed hard, trying to find some sort of strength, some courage by which she could hold her head high as she walked around the ballroom. “Very well. You may introduce me to Lord Radcliffe.”
A squeal of excitement came from Lady Eleanor, surprising Rosalind though her friend instantly blushed, a smile spreading wide across her face.
“You – you are interested in Lord Radcliffe?” Rosalind asked, as Lady Eleanor waved one hand vaguely, looking away from her now. “Is he very handsome?”
Lady Eleanor’s face heated all the more. “I think he isveryhandsome,” she said, though her voice dropped low as she spoke, leaning in a little more towards Rosalind. “I think he is handsome, kind, well-spoken, an excellent dancer and wonderful in his conversation.” She took in a breath, giving herself a slight shake. “But I am being foolish in that, I know. I would very much like to introduce you to him, however.”
“Because you can then spend more time in his company?” Rosalind asked, a teasing smile on her lips. “I am glad for you if you have found someone to interest you.”
Lady Eleanor giggled, her eyes alight. “Well, I will not pretend that I do not look forward to being with him again, indeed, but also recall that he has a friend with him which I thought might be of consideration?”
At this, all of the lightness in Rosalind’s spirits faded. “Yes. I recall that you said he had a friend who seemed to care very little for society.”
“That is quite so. I am sure that Lord Radcliffe will introduce you to him if he is present.”
Rosalind swallowed hard but then nodded, recognizing that she had no other course to take. If she wanted a husband, if she wanted to find someone who might be willing to consider her, then she had to take a hold of every opportunity. “Very well.”
“Excellent! Come then, take my arm and let us promenade around the room.”
Still reluctant, Rosalind did as she was asked, watching her friend for a moment and seeing the excitement and anticipation rippling across Lady Eleanor’s expression. This Lord Radcliffe, whoever he was, clearly had made an excellent impression upon her friend. Licking her lips and trying to push away her nervousness, Rosalind did her best to remain outwardly calm and composed despite the fluttering in her stomach.
“There!”
The word was breathed from Lady Eleanor’s lips and Rosalind, a little surprised, looked straight ahead. There, she took in a broad-shouldered fellow, with light brown hair and a bright, broad smile on his face. He laughed at something another said and instantly, Rosalind recognized what her friend had meant in describing him as kind. There was a softness to his eyes, a gentleness there which told her that he was a considerate sort.
“Look, there is his friend. I was not introduced to him so I cannot tell you his title nor his standing but he was in prolonged conversation with Lord Radcliffe the last time I saw them, so I am sure if you asked, Lord Radcliffe would be glad to introduce you.”
“And you also,” Rosalind answered, a little hurriedly. “I know that I am in need of a match now more than ever, but I would not want it to be so obvious.” Lady Eleanor agreed quickly as Rosalind took in the gentleman that her friend had indicated.
He was not smiling, nor was there any hint of delight or happiness in his eyes. In fact, it appeared to be that he had no joy at being present at this ball, given the way he had his arms folded across his chest and waspractically glowering at anyone who dared to so much as even glance at him.
“I do not think him particularly handsome,” Rosalind murmured, seeing the dark hair that brushed across his forehead, the dark blue of his eyes and the jutting forward of his jaw. “He does not seem to be pleased with anyone or anything at this present moment!”
“I am sure that is because he has a dislike of society,” came the reply. “I observed the very same when I saw him at the soiree. To my mind, it shows that he is disinclined towards any gossip or the like, which is a good thing, yes?”
“But we do not know if he is looking for a bride,” Rosalind answered, keeping her voice as quiet as she could. “It may all come to nothing.”
“It may, but you cannot know unless you try and that begins with becoming acquainted with him,” came the reply, Lady Eleanor’s eyes twinkling at Rosalind’s reluctance. “He may not be as handsome as Lord Radcliffe but I am sure that when he smiles, you will think him a little improved at least!” She laughed as Rosalind blushed, catching her arm again and then walking forward before Rosalind had a chance to protest. Within a few minutes, she found herself in front of Lord Radcliffe, the others who had been speaking to him quickly dispersing – though, Rosalind told herself, that was not because of her presence.
At least, I hope it is not.
“Lord Radcliffe, how very good to see you again!” Lady Eleanor beamed at Lord Radcliffe, then gestured to Rosalind. “Might I introduce you to my dear friend?”
Rosalind waited as Lord Radcliffe settled his gaze on her, half afraid that he would reject her, would say that he had no interest in becoming acquainted with her given the rumors he had heard but, much to her relief, he quickly smiled warmly at her.
