Page 34 of Defying the Earl
He almost sighed but he didn’t want to draw attention to his misguided thoughts. It would never do to worsen the scandal that already threatened them. By force of will, Nathan turned his attention to the dinner companions by his sides even as he wondered why he hadn’t seated Lady Beatrice next to himself.
Of course, that might have stirred up even more attention than they wanted. He had considered it but had thought it would be considered overly forward for the Earl of Braxton tobe so very obvious in his attentions. Inviting her to such an exclusive event was evidence enough of his interest in her, he had reasoned. But now he was merely bored and wished he had thrown convention to the wind.
Lady Pemberton rapped his knuckles playfully with her closed fan.
“You naughty boy, your mind is elsewhere.”
Nathan blinked and almost frowned at her but managed to pin a smile to his lips. He hoped it was a pleasant one but he couldn’t be sure.
“My apologies, my lady. There is a bill that is to be voted on and I am pondering my arguments. It isn’t that it is more interesting, I can assure you, it is merely terribly important.”
Lady Pemberton actually snorted. “That is a rather interesting bounder, my lord,” she returned drily. “Which bill, is it then? For my husband hasn’t said a word about any important votes coming up this week.”
Nathan knew his smile to be more genuine as amusement filled him for a moment. “Perhaps his lordship is more experienced or skilled at keeping his thoughts to himself.”
“Still naughty, Braxton,” the older woman admonished even as she chuckled. “But never mind that, you could do much worse than that sweet girl. It’s a tragedy she was never brought out properly. I hate to speak ill of them, but your aunts ought to have done better by her. Turning her into a glorified servant was not in keeping with that girl’s birth.”
Nathan stared at the woman but before he could question her further, his attention was drawn to a concern being brought by the head footman, and then the moment had passed. Of course, he couldn’t very well admit to one of his guests that he didn’tknow what she was talking about in connection with the lady he was supposedly courting.
He managed to make it through the rest of the dinner unscathed. Conversing with those seated to either side of himself even while overhearing some of the other snippets of conversation around the table.
“Did you hear the lateston dit?”
“When do you go riding?
“Could I escort you one of these fine days?”
“You must call on me.”
“How are things on your estate?”
“The finest horses I ever did see.”
That last snippet sharpened Nathan’s gaze on the speaker to note if they were referencing his wager. Nate certainly hoped not. They were doing everything possible to ensure word of the ridiculous bet didn’t end up bandied about amongst theton. But he couldn’t detect any sly sideways glances toward either himself or Beatrice, so it seemed to him to be completely unrelated.
He felt it was a rescue when his Aunt Frampton finally rose to escort the ladies from the room. Nathan had nearly forgotten about that little ritual until right before the meal when his aunts had asked him if he had made arrangements for a lady to act as his hostess. He hadn’t known why they were asking until Aunt Frampton had rolled her eyes and explained it.
“You aren’t nearly as up to snuff as you’d like to think, are you Braxton?” she had asked with a short chuckle. “Never mind, we’ll take care of it. I hope you arranged the seating appropriately if you’re being this silly.”
Nathan hoped so too. He again almost shook his head as he watched the ladies file out, still chattering. Or perhaps chattering even more since they could now talk freely with the other females present rather than the staggered way he had seated his guests. He had thought it would stimulate more interesting conversations to not have ladies next to one another. Perhaps he had been right, he couldn’t be sure with the way his wits were scattered.
Chapter Seventeen
Beatrice was enjoying the evening far more than she ever would have expected. Nathan had done a wonderful job planning his supper party. And she had managed to get through the entire meal without spilling a single drop or crumb onto her lovely new gown. Not that she was usually the clumsy sort, mind you, but she also wasn’t used to having fancy new clothes and it had given her a turn of nerves when the light, frothy fabric had been passed over her head by the lady’s maid that evening.
Bea longed to check her appearance in the mirror to ensure she hadn’t come undone anywhere, but she was afraid it would seem terribly vain if she were to be observed doing so. She had to trust that the maid had done as good a job as usual in arranging her hair. Not that she was used to doing Beatrice’s hair. The maids usually only did for the Ladies but given the circumstances, Lady Frampton had deemed it necessary for Bea to receive the services of the lady’s maid as well. It made for a great deal of running around for the servants that week, especially at the times that all three of them were going out together. Normally, when Bea accompanied the Ladies as their companion, she did for herself with regards to her hair and gowns.
Probably wouldn’t be for much longer, though. Bea wasn’t sure if that thought brought comfort or disappointment. It would be nice in a certain way, not to have to fuss so much over her appearance. But it was nice to feel pampered, on the other hand. And feeling a little more right in her skin.
Bea had truly thought she had no interest in being a part of Society. She thought it was foolish for the most part. And yet, it felt more settled than the life she lived as the Ladies’ companion. That might not mean she was full of vanity. It could just be that it was such an in between situation that she wasn’t at home with the gentry nor the servants. Now that the nobles had claimed her, at least while the whim lasted, she felt more firmly in one camp. Of course, it was going to be extra awkward with the servants after this.
Her gaze strayed around the room as the feminine chatter filled it. Indeed, Nathan had done well with his supper party. She wondered how many of the other diners would be joining them at the theatre that evening. From the sounds of the conversation, many of them, but not necessarily in Nathan’s box.
Excitement filled her. She had never been to the theatre. She could only hope it lived up to her expectations. But so far, since she’d entered Society properly a couple days ago, everything had lived up to how she had expected it, which was surprisingly lovely.
There was a ruckus at the door as the gentlemen poured into the room to join the women. Bea couldn’t help grinning at Nathan as he entered the room. Evidently the men hadn’t needed overlong to enjoy their port or whatever they did when the ladies left the table.
Her heart felt as though it skipped a beat when Nathan’s gaze settled on her. It had appeared as though he were searching forher and an expression of relief actually drifted across his face for a brief moment when his focus landed on her.Could he possibly be faking such concern?Bea’s heart didn’t believe that. But she continued her valiant fight not to allow it to get too attached. Then the ridiculous organ felt as though it turned over within her chest when she thought for a moment that his gaze had lingered overlong on her lips. Had she left crumbs there? Or was he thinking of their encounter two years ago? She shoved those thoughts from her mind along with all the rest. He was turning her head. That just wouldn’t do.
