Page 6 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
She led the girl off.
“Nicely done, Perry,” he whispered, and shuffled off after the damsel in distress.
Lady Kingsley steeredher prisoner so quickly through the crowded dance floor she would have eluded a man with less experience chasing women.
Earlier, he’d noted that this crowd of dandified coats and sprigged up muslins was not the smartest of theton. Country nabobs, rising industrialists, and the sort of nagging noseys who expected a drama—and who were not to be disappointed tonight—populated the room. He saw only a few of Perry’s bluestocking friends, and none from the ranks of the foreign diplomatic corps.
She’d nabbed him and Pender just as they’d been heading out for a round of their usual haunts, insisting she wanted to meet the young lady. Perhaps she really was considering escape from the traps of marriage and a voyage to the new world, in which case, their goals might align.
He held that thought for later. The huntress and her prey had reached Lord Kingsley, and next to him, Carvelle stood in disdainful stillness. He couldn’t see her face, but Miss Kingsley’s back told an eloquent story.
Oh, it was a lovely, creamy, straight back, and one could tell from the mound of hair arranged upon her head that once the pins were removed, an abundance of shiny dark silk would fall at least to her waist.
Carvelle, he decided, would not be allowed to run his fingers through those tresses.
He bowed his way past a clammy matron with a magnificent bosom, moving nearer. Lord Kingsley signaled and the music came to a sudden stop.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The man’s booming voice could halt a full stampede. No doubt his would be the loudest in the Lords if he bothered to speak up with an idea of his own.
The crowd hushed and leaned closer. Charley jostled his way even nearer.
Lady Kingsley turned her ward to face the crowd, and he could see a pale cheek, the corner of her full lips drawn down, eyelashes fluttering lower.
Kingsley pushed back his wide shoulders and thrust out his ample belly, hands folded behind his back at parade rest. “I have an important announcement to make. No sense delaying. My ward here, my cousin, the late Captain Kingsley’s daughter, and Mr. Gregory Carvelle, are to be married.”
Sharp breaths, murmurs and scattered applause broke out. Even this crowd knew it was wrong. Charley pushed his way through them.
Carvelle reached for the lady. She rounded her shoulders squirming away.
A step closer to Charley. Close enough that when she folded, it was he who caught her.
