Page 49 of Wicked Rivals
“Welcome!” A middle-aged man with graying temples dressed in a fine blue coat was just inside the door, greeting the guests.
Regina made the introductions. “Mr. Merton! Thank you so much for inviting my family and my guests. I would like to introduce you to Lady Melbourne.”
Merton bowed. “Charmed, simply charmed to have you here, Lady Melbourne. Please come in. We are letting gentlemen sign the ladies’ dance cards.” He handed her a small card on a string, and she slipped it around her wrist. The use of dance cards meant there had to be a number of people in attendance.
“What a crush this will be! Come with me.” Joanna tucked her arm in Rosalind’s, and they proceeded to the location where all of the gaiety was occurring.
The ballroom was full of people laughing and talking with delighted animation. It was more informal than the balls she’d attended in London. It was clear that this was an occasion to be celebrated among friends, not a place for political or business alliances and gossiping matrons with social agendas.
Against her own wishes, Rosalind sought Ashton out, trying to find him in the throng of people.
Mr. Merton followed them into the ballroom. “I shall be the master of ceremonies tonight. Let me take you through the room and make the necessary introductions. Then you will be free to accept dance invitations.”
Rosalind met a series of polite and charming bachelors, all strangers to her except one. And his presence came as quite a surprise.
“Lady Melbourne! This is famous! How glad I am to see you again.” The Earl of Pembroke kissed her hand. “How is…everything?” He nodded discreetly in the direction of Ashton, who was standing close to the far wall, scowling with his arms crossed. Jonathan and Charles were talking next to him, but Ashton was staring at her and ignoring them.
So he’d been hiding against the wall. The baron was a wallflower? She nearly laughed at the thought.
“It has not been easy,” Rosalind admitted. “At this moment he controls everything, my lord. I’m not sure how to escape him.”
Lord Pembroke shot Ashton a furious look. “What’s he demanding? Perhaps I could buy your debts up and—”
“No, thank you, my lord. I must deal with him on my own. He intends to marry me, and nothing will dissuade him.”
“Lennox wants tomarryyou?” Pembroke’s shock was a little upsetting. Surely she couldn’t be that much of a poor prospect as to shock the man.
“Well, I know I’m not an ideal match as a widow, but—”
Pembroke held up a hand. “You mistake my surprise, Lady Melbourne. Lennox has always been so mercenary in his interest in the fairer sex. I simply cannot fathom a romantic side to him. Then again, you are a tempting prospect.” Pembroke’s smile was warm and genuine.
Rosalind nudged him with her fan. “You mustn’t tease me, my lord.” It was so easy to see why Emily Parr liked and trusted this man. He was a true gentleman.
“I would marry you, Lady Melbourne, if you wish it. I am a loyal man and have been told I’m a good lover.” He winked roguishly. “I must confess, I’m rather fascinated by you.”
Two offers of marriage in less than two days? She had to hide her surprise at Pembroke’s unexpected offer. It was incredibly chivalrous of him.
“No, that’s not necessary, my lord, although I am honored by your offer.”
“I mean it, Lady Melbourne. I would behappyto marry you.”
“I see why Lady Essex values your friendship, my lord.”
Pembroke sighed, taking the subtle refusal as well as he could. “I will admit I am disappointed, but I see you’re determined to fight this battle on your own. Very well. However, might I suggest a plan that would make Lennox jealous?”
Rosalind beamed at him. “What a wonderful idea! He’s far too possessive, and I’d very much like to remind him I am a free woman.”
“Then allow me to sign your dance card.” He searched her arm and then penned his name to the first two dances. “I wouldn’t want to cause too much of a scandal by taking more than two, but any more than one is bound to be noticed by Lord Lennox.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
With a smile, Pembroke kissed her hand once more. Then Rosalind watched him move on to another young lady.
A tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed man approached her. He was so like Ashton that he startled her at first.
“So, you are my brother’s latest paramour.” His lips twitched as he captured her hand, kissing her gloved fingertips. She noticed he used his left hand, not his right.
“And you must be Mr. Lennox, Ashton’s wayward brother.”
