Page 14 of In Scandal with the Duke
Her chin was held high, her posture exuding confidence. She met the gaze of the onlookers with the poise of a lady seemingly unaffected by the whispers that fluttered behind their fans.
How unflappable you are, Miss Armstrong.
James lifted a brow when he noted a slight flush on her cheeks, which betrayed a hint of awareness, suggesting that she was not entirely indifferent to their stares and murmuring. He smiled, impressed by the strength she displayed. Many ladies of thetontended to shrink under the weight of societal disapproval, but not Miss Armstrong. There was a distinct fierceness in her expression and a resolute tilt to her head that informed one of her refusal to be cowed or intimidated by anyone’s judgment.
How interesting.
James was acutely aware that there was no rational explanation for why Miss Armstrong had occupied his thoughts so persistently since their last meeting. No justification whatsoever for the intrigue she stirred within him.
It is ridiculous.
He resolved that this dance would be atonement for his mother’s thoughtlessness, and then he would firmly remove her from his thoughts.
CHAPTER5
Lady Weatherby’s grand ballroom was tightly packed with all the popular ladies and gentlemen in their fineries. The golden chandeliers above cast a warm glow on the dancers, making the silk and satin gowns sparkle as if studded with stars. Music, laughter, and chatter pulsed around Elizabeth, and as she stood by the sidelines, she hated that she had attended tonight. There was simply no use for her attending balls. Her recent public disagreement with the Duke of Basil had not gone unnoticed, and it left her standing alone, an observer of the joy she could not touch.
Whispers followed her like shadows, and the smiles she received were tight, polite, but cold reminders of doors closing one after the other. The ardent hope that the marriage mart in London would be different from New York had died a swift death. Without her fortune acting as a beacon, no one dared court her. It was her fourth ball since her arrival in London, and she felt a profound sense of isolation. At least back home, her dearest friend Cassandra would keep her company with her delightful presence.
“Mama,” Elizabeth said, “I believe it is time I return home. I find no enjoyment at tonight’s ball.”
“My dear, only an hour has passed,” her mother said softly, understanding in her gaze. “Please give it some more time.”
A perverse humor darted through her. “More time for what?”
“Someone might ask you to dance.”
She stared at her mother in astonishment, wondering about her ability to ignore the obvious. “Mama, even before my … social gaffe with the duke, no one asked me to dance. The reason for this is evident. I am not of theton, and there is no reason to consider me when there are far more eligible ladies here. The only offers I have received are ones without honor.”
Shock widened her mother’s eyes. “Who had the audacity?”
“Two earls and a viscount,” Elizabeth said. “The letters are at home in my letter box if you wish to read them.”
“Oh, Bette, why did you not tell us about it?”
“Because it was irrelevant.”
Her mother said no more as her brother came over. She smiled when he lifted her gloved hand to brush a kiss there.
“You look lovely tonight, Bette.”
“Nonsense,” she said with a light laugh, “Ialwaysappear lovely.”
“Mama,” Brandon said, “you seem upset. Is all well?”
Their mother took a steady breath to compose herself. “We shall not speak about it here.”
He frowned. “Now I am worried.”
Elizabeth leaned closer to him and murmured, “I unfortunately mentioned to Mama a couple of unflattering and audacious offers I received. They were not offers of marriage but a far more suggestive arrangement.”
Her brother stiffened, anger darkening blue eyes remarkably like hers. “Who dared?”
“There are some who do,” she said softly. “I will not respond, and I do not think you should either. These are powerful men in thetonand it best to ignore them.”
“Men have fought duels for less,” Brandon said through gritted teeth. “I will not allow—”
She reached out and gripped his hand. “Please, Brandon. You and I both know dueling affairs are often made public, and such a spectacle will only cause more scandal. Do not let me regret informing you.”
