Page 97 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
Chapter 25
After several sets, Graciela stepped off the dance floor with Mr. Penderbrook and her gaze followed his.
Charley had just released his sister and was leading the Duquesa onto the floor.
Penderbrook moved quickly to block her view. “It’s only a dance,” he whispered. “Just like ours.”
She sighed. “You would say that, Penderbrook. You’re a man.” Yet, he was right, and she shouldn’t be staring like a jealous wife.
She forced herself to turn away. Across the room she spotted another face, and her nerves prickled. Captain Llewellyn had made a late, unannounced appearance. He started their way.
They had reached the side of the room and Penderbrook leaned close to her ear. “I believe he dallied for reasons of national interest. What reasons, do not ask, because I don’t know. Who is next for you?”
“Mr. Gibson.” Only Mr. Gibson was nowhere in sight, but Captain Llewellyn had almost reached them. “Perhaps I shall beg off.”
“No. Go and dance. Give Everly a kick when you pass him.”
She sent him a rueful smile and turned to greet the Captain, who bowed and greeted her.
“Are you free for this dance?” he asked.
“It is promised.” She spotted Mr. Gibson coming nearer, and the Captain followed her glance.
“Perhaps later.” He bowed. “I must apologize for my behavior yesterday, Grace. I’m returning to my ship earlier than expected, but I stand ready to assist you if ever you should need it.”
Mr. Gibson joined them, and, hearing the last remark, frowned. “Our dance, Graciela?”
She took Mr. Gibson’s arm, made introductions, and said, “Captain, I shall keep that in mind. And you should keep in mind that if you are a friend of my father’s cousin, you are no friend to me.”
A deep frown furrowed his brow. “I am not in league with him.”
She felt the Captain’s eyes on her as Mr. Gibson led her onto the floor.
Mr. Gibson looked grim.
“He was a friend of my father and mother,” she said.
Across the room, Charley and his partner were bowing and curtseying. She tried not to watch.
“I see. I shall step on her Excellency’s toe in passing if you wish,” he murmured. “I’m only a great clod anyway.”
She smiled and blinked away sudden moisture. He was kind, this brother of Charley’s, and anything but a clod.
Several couples away Charley inclined his head to his former lover, listening intently. The Duquesa’s eyes glowed, her full lips pursed in a pouty whisper. A large sapphire nestled in her breasts reflecting the astonishing blue of her eyes and the stones of the tiara that rested in her golden hair. The Duquesa was a glittering diamond to Graciela’s polished quartz.
Her heart began to race, leaving her breathless. Assignment or not, if Charley thought to keep contact with the lady, Graciela would leave him.
Not with Captain Llewellyn. She need not take ship at all. Now that she was married, she was of no value to Lord Kingsley or Carvelle. They would not come after her. She could find some place in England and wait for Papa to return. And if he didn’t come soon, she could hire a ship and go look for him. She had the funds now.
The music started and she tried in vain to turn her attention to the dance. Mr. Gibson blithely rescued her and covered her missteps. As the dancers moved and formed new boxes, she finally met with Charley.
“What did Llewellyn want?” he whispered.
She managed what she hoped was a sweet smile.
“I love you,” he said, without lowering his voice, a frown coloring his words.
He was jealous, and when she looked, the Duquesa’s eyebrow lifted. And what in the name of God did that mean?
