Page 89 of Nothing But a Rakehell
“Have you spoken with Miss Munroe or Lord Keswick yet, sir?” she asked as they passed through the flower-flanked doors.
“Not yet. I have spoken with Lord Tensford and Mr. Sterne, and I’ve seen the specimen. It will make a wonderful addition to our collection. The guests should be quite impressed with the presentation tonight.”
“Tensford will make sure of it,” she said wryly. “His enthusiasm is contagious.”
“Yes. Mr. Stillwater has certainly caught the fossil bug. He had as many questions for me as I had for you. He lives in the county, nearby?”
“Yes. His estate lies about ten miles away, I believe. I did see him speaking to you quite seriously in the parlor, before dinner.”
“I didn’t mind. It’s always a pleasure to talk with someone with shared interests. Mr. Stillwater meant to go straight to the room where Sterne is watching over the fossil after dinner. He said he wants to examine it thoroughly before he has to fight the crowd. He certainly seems quite knowledgeable.” He grinned and gave her a gallant bow. “Although, of course, the conversation was not nearly so enjoyable as talking with a lovely lady like you.”
She smiled her thanks. She and Lucy had made a real effort tonight, and she knew she looked well. Her under gown was one of simple elegance, with detailed white-on-white embroidery, while her over gown was of shot-silk in her favorite color of bluish green. The colors changed with every shift of the light and perfectly set off her skin and hair.
Nearly everyone smiled and nodded as she passed, which felt remarkably gratifying. At least, it would if she didn’t know it was all due to Keswick.
He had not been present at dinner. Clearly Hope had known that he would not attend, as there was no embarrassingly empty place at the table.
Glory did not crane her neck to look for him, although she was sorely tempted. She kept her attention on Mr. Simon, and tried not to debate whether finding Keswick here would be worse than not.
On the one hand, she ached to think that this afternoon had been their final goodbye. On the other, she knew she would also ache to see him tonight, to act calm and collected as he smiled, perhaps flirted, and definitely danced with other women—or any woman who was not her.
She was destined for misery either way, it seemed.
They passed by Miss Vernon, who stared, but did not speak. Glory thought the sour look she cast her way made her pale yellow silk resemble curdled milk instead of springtime blossoms. She walked past, then stopped and looked over her shoulder. “What a shame, Miss Vernon, that you did not bring a pair of long gloves on your journey north.”
The other girl gasped and clapped a hand over the unsightly welt on her arm. “Well, I told you the shopping would be highly inadequate in your tiny excuse for a village,” she sneered. “There was not a pair to be found anywhere.”
Glory merely smiled. She knew there had been none available. She’d sent Lucy down last evening to buy up every single pair.
She gave the girl a sympathetic look and walked on.
“There is my spot, Mr. Simon.” Hope had made sure that there were chairs scattered throughout the ballroom, but Glory knew this one had the best view of the room. “You may leave me here, but I urge you to go over and speak to Miss Munroe. She will likely be very busy dancing, soon.”
“Which is she?” he asked, looking around.
“There, the very pretty girl in pink. I know she is looking forward to speaking with you. She is very interested in the natural sciences, you see.”
“Is that so?” He held the chair for her and bowed over her hand. “Thank you for you company at dinner, my lady. I have greatly enjoyed it.”
He turned to go, but found his path suddenly blocked.
“Good evening, Lady Glory.” Lady Tresham smiled at Mr. Simon like a cat that had just scented prey. “Won’t you introduce me to your friend?”
Glory made the introductions.
“If you know of someone available for the opening dance, Lady Glory, please let me know. I’ve somehow failed to engage a partner for that one.” She smiled at Glory, looked at poor Mr. Simon through her lashes, and turned to go.
“Oh, I say, I’m free for the first set, should you care to dance it with me.” Mr. Simon looked slightly dazzled.
“Oh, how lovely. Thank you.” Lady Tresham took his arm and began to lead him away. “Tell me, please, about your position. It must be fascinating.” She grinned over her shoulder as they left and Glory laughed and gave her a nod and a wave for good luck.
Sitting back, she gazed around, and froze. Keswick stood near the double doors, watching her. He inclined his head to his left, toward the buffet table at the far corner of the room, where Hope had made sure to feature plenty of lobster patties. Glory gave a nod and stood, and began to casually make her way around the perimeter of the dance floor, to meet him there.
She was greeted often as she went, and paused to exchange pleasantries several times. A glance or two showed Keswick making the same, slow progress. Mr. Sommers waved at her and stopped to tell of the news he’d received from home—the birth of a colt with a distinguished pedigree and the hope of a great future on the racing circuit. She offered warm congratulations, then moved on, her gaze seeking out Keswick.
She began to move with purpose when she saw him. He was laughing with Miss Rutledge and Sir Blackwell in the opposite corner, but his father was fast approaching behind him, his expression grim.
She started to hurry.
