Page 39 of A Duchess Bound
Gerard vaguely recalled her as one of the unmarried misses whom he had seen with Lady Bridget.
“A wise pursuit,” Gerard said. “You are more likely to win her heart with all the others pursuing Lady Bridget.”
“I find it peculiar how quick you are to offer me advice on whom I ought to wed,” Pontoun said, “given that you remain unwed yourself.”
Gerard tried to silence Lady Everleigh’s voice echoing in his head. He forced a smile, feigning rakish indifference. “That is by choice. If I wished to marry, I am certain that I could have a wife. I am a duke, after all.”
“Such a romantic,” Pontoun said dryly.
“If you want a romantic, you should talk with Byron.”
“He is on the continent,” Pontoun said. “I suppose I will have to settle for you.”
Gerard chuckled. “You poor soul.”
Leedway entered the ballroom, escorting his sisters. Gerard’s breath caught in his throat as he beheld Lady Dorothy. She wore a pale blue gown with a white sash, displaying her slender waist and hips to their best effect. Seeing their entrance, a few gentlemen slyly began to approach. Their prey was doubtlessly Lady Bridget.
Gerard’s blood roared in his ears. “I should greet Leedway.”
“Is it Leedway who you are greeting? Or is it Lady Bridget?”
Gerard grinned. “Leedway, of course.”
Neither, of course. Gerard placed his empty champagne flute onto a table that he passed and crossed the room, weaving adeptly through the crowd of lords and ladies. Lady Dorothy spied him before he reached her, and their eyes met.
Gerard frantically searched her face for the smallest clue as to what her answer might be, but he found nothing. He supposedhe would learn soon enough, but first, he would have to separate her from Leedway and Lady Bridget. Being a mostly respectable spinster, Lady Dorothy would not wish to speak of their affair before her siblings.
“Leedway,” Gerard greeted.
It was best to pretend as though he had come to speak to their brother. He would greet the ladies only out of courtesy, which would not arouse suspicions.
“Layton,” Leedway said, his face stern. “Good evening.”
Gerard assumed that the man suspected him of pursuing Lady Bridget, despite his promise not to. To be fair, Leedway was not entirely wrong to be concerned; it was only that he assumed the wrong sister was being pursued.
Lady Dorothy was watching him carefully. Even without turning to look, Gerard sensed her eyes upon him.Good. Regardless of what she had decided to say in response to his proposal, he liked that she was looking at him.
“Good evening,” Gerard echoed. “I wanted to tell you that you presented an excellent proposal before parliament. I was deeply impressed.”
Leedway’s expression brightened. “Thank you.”
“But I will not take all of your time tonight,” Gerard said. “I am certain that you are not here to discuss politics all night.”
“I would not be opposed to that,” Leedway said, glancing at his sisters.
Gerard followed his gaze. Lady Bridget had her dance card at the ready and was dutifully adding names to it under the watchful gaze of Lady Dorothy.
“I see that your youngest sister is quite desired,” Gerard said, choosing his words with care. “It is fortunate that she has Lady Dorothy to ensure that she does not fall prey to a rake.”
“Very fortunate.”
At last, Lady Dorothy glanced his way.
Perfect. Gerard bowed deeply. “Lady Dorothy,” he said. “Leedway and I were just discussing you.”
“Were you?”
Lady Dorothy glanced at Lady Bridget. The spinster seemed to mull over some decision for a heartbeat. Then, she moved away from her sister and curtsied.
