Page 25 of Courting the Earl
Miss Stapleton leaned closer. “My sister was hoping to attract his attention. Would it be possible for you to mention her as a possible dance partner the next time you speak to him?”
She couldn’t deny the woman’s request despite the fact she very much wanted to do so. Hargrove wasn’t hers. Even if he did manage to free himself from his betrothal to Lydia, he wouldn’t court Eleanor.
She searched out the woman’s sister and found her dancing with a man twice her age. She winced. It was no wonder she was hoping to dance with Hargrove if that was the quality of suitors she was attracting. Still, Miss Stapleton’s sister was rarely without a partner. Like Lydia, she danced most of the sets, sitting out only when she needed a break.
“It doesn’t appear that your sister is lacking for partners.”
The woman’s sigh was louder, and Eleanor suspected that she’d annoyed the woman with her observation. No doubt she’d expected Eleanor to agree to make the introduction as soon as possible.
“This is her second season, and she hasn’t shown an interest in any of the men who are pursuing her. I thought that it might be prudent to broaden her circle of acquaintances. And since Lord Hargrove is being very elusive…”
“It doesn’t appear that he’s searching for a bride.” That much was true.
Miss Stapleton narrowed her eyes, and Eleanor wondered if she’d done a poor job of hiding her dismay at the idea of Hargrove courting her sister.
“Are you denying my request?”
Eleanor shook her head. “Of course not. I’ll see what I can do. I was merely worried about how I would bring up the subject.”
The woman smiled, her relief obvious. “You’ve always struck me as a skilled conversationalist. I’m sure you’ll have no issue mentioning my sister to Lord Hargrove.”
Eleanor’s smile felt frozen as she accepted the compliment.
Miss Stapleton frowned. “Is something the matter? You don’t look well.”
Eleanor brought a hand to her temple, which was now throbbing with her very real dismay. “I fear that I have a headache. Are you finding it stuffy in here?”
The other woman patted Eleanor’s arm. “I’ve attended a few events myself when I was feeling unwell. But such is our lot in life. Our needs will always be second to those of our charges.”
The sympathy in the woman’s gaze only served to worsen Eleanor’s mood.
“Perhaps I should go out onto the balcony for a few minutes. The fresh air might help to clear my head.”
“Oh of course, my dear. This set won’t be over for some time yet. If your cousin comes to look for you before you return, I’ll keep an eye on her.”
Eleanor thanked her and made her way to the garden doors. When she exited, there were several other couples already there, chatting amiably. The sight only soured her mood further.
Seeking solitude, she moved to the far end of the balcony, away from the laughing, happy couples.
When she’d arrived in London with her cousin’s family, she’d thought she’d come to terms with her lot in life. But something had changed in the past few weeks. And she knew exactly who was to blame.
Hargrove.
“Eleanor.”
For a moment she thought she’d imagined his low voice, coming toward her from just beyond the steps that led into the garden. But then she heard it again, and she turned toward the sound and squinted.
Hargrove was standing at the very edge of the pool of light that spilled out into the gardens from the open ballroom doors. It was as though she’d conjured him merely by thinking about him.
She looked over her shoulder. There was only one other couple on the balcony now, and their backs were turned to her. Before she could change her mind, she slipped down the garden steps and went to him.
“I don’t—”
He placed a finger over his lips, reminding her that she shouldn’t speak lest they be discovered. Then he held out a hand.
She stared at it for several long seconds, considering whether it was prudent to take it. But she’d only be lying to herself if she thought even for a moment she wasn’t going to follow him.
She placed her hand in his, her heart leaping at the way he smiled down at her, and allowed him to lead her farther into the darkened garden.
