Page 101 of Leap of Faith
“May I join you?” Lord Carew asked, sliding into the seat beside her before she answered. “You look as though you are in mourning rather than celebrating.”
Hope tried not to watch as Lord Rotham twirled the beautiful Virginia Cunningham around the room. She was Freddy’s younger sister and every bit as beautiful. She was the complete opposite of Hope, with her blond curls, and looked ethereal next to Rotham’s dangerous dark looks.
“Would it help if we danced?” Carew asked, as if reading her thoughts.
“I doubt it.”
“Which sister will be next, do you think?” the dowager asked Lady Westwood none too quietly—at least from where Hope sat it seemed as though she was almost shouting.
“It is hard to say. All of them have plenty of suitors.”
Hope heard a humph. “Better catch Rotham for the next one.
Her ears pricked at the name.
“He will have to want to be caught. I am not certain that will happen very soon.”
“Balderdash! He will want what his friends have, mark my words.”
Hope frowned at that. What a lowering thought. To be wanted only for such a reason.
“Come. You need to dance.” Carew held out his hand to her, and she accepted it.
“Perhaps you are right.”
“My attentions to your sister seemed to get Westwood’s notice. Maybe Rotham will wake up and notice the prize before him as well.”
As she was swept into his arms, Hope thought perhaps she had fallen for the wrong man.
* * *
“Someone doesn’t look happy,”Faith said as she saw Hope sitting at a table, scowling at Lord Rotham dancing with Lady Virginia.
Dominic’s gaze followed Faith’s to where Hope sat, looking miserable, despite Lord Carew trying to charm her. He laughed. “Do not worry. Carew knows what he is about.”
“Does he?” Faith was not so certain.
“Stop worrying your beautiful self about Hope. Everything will work out as it ought.”
“I only want her to be as happy as I am.” She smiled up into his face, unable to mask her love.
“Everyone should be as happy as we are.” He squeezed his hand on her waist.
“Everyone?” Had he already forgotten about Sir Julian? Although he was dead, and perhaps no longer counted.
“Why the wrinkled brow?” he asked as they waltzed around the ballroom floor.
“I was thinking about Sir Julian.”
“I most definitely was not. He has no place in our wedding day. Although, were it not for him, it might have taken me longer to come to my senses.”
Faith scowled at him and he laughed.
“I think it is time we leave, my dear wife.”
“After the dance, if you please,” Faith said primly.
“I was not going to carry you from the dance floor. Though it is not a bad thought…”
