Page 51 of Leap of Faith
“Are you concerned for your sisters?”
“Not particularly. Should I be?”
“I was only trying to discern what was consuming your thoughts.” He led her through a series of turns which almost left her breathless.
“Do you expect me to think after that?”
A knowing twinkle lit his eyes.
“I do wish you would tell me what this is about.”
“Whatever do you mean?” he asked with an air of innocence.
“There is no need to play coy with me. I hardly believe you are here out of benevolence or concern for me and my sisters’ welfare.”
“You wound me gravely,” Miss Whitford.
“I do not believe that either. It has something to do with Sir Julian, does it not?” She could see by the anger in his eyes that it did. “I wish you would tell me.”
She could tell he intended no such thing. But why? Perhaps she would see Sir Julian herself and try to discern what was happening. Lord Westwood would not confront him in the middle of Almack’s. If he meant to be autocratic and overbearing and keep things from her, it would serve him right.
“There is nothing to concern you at this point. As I told you before, I am only trying to prevent mischief.”
Faith seethed at his dismissal, but she held her tongue. As he escorted her back to Lady Westwood, she searched to see if Sir Julian was still there.
He was at the other end of the ballroom, near the retiring rooms, but he was watching her. As soon as Lord Westwood left her side, she made her excuses to Lady Westwood and walked towards that side of the room. He stopped her as she had known he would.
“Do you dare defy your guardian and dance the next set with me?” he asked.
“Why should I? Will you tell me why he has forbidden it?” Suddenly, it did not seem like such a good idea, but still, she felt the need to know more.
“I cannot imagine, unless it stems from jealousy. I am a perfectly respectable member of Society. With five girls to fire off, you would think he would be pleased.”
“I would think so, too.”
“So will you do me the honour of dancing the next set with me?” She looked up to see Lord Carew standing before her.
“Unfortunately, Sir Julian, the next set is mine.” He took her arm and led her out to the floor before she could protest.
“That would not have been a good idea, Miss Whitford.”
“So, it would seem all of Lord Westwood’s friends are as high-handed as he is,” she said coolly.
“If not more so in my case,” he agreed cheerfully.
“And will you do me the honour of explaining why Sir Julian is to be avoided at all costs, when the rest of Society accepts him?”
“Your guardian will not tell you?” Carew seemed to cogitate that fact as the music began.
“Have you not discovered that he is an ogre?” she asked.
“Most certainly. However, I will tell you if you promise not to tell him I told you.”
“That will prove no difficulty. In fact, I will relish knowing that he thinks me ignorant!”
Carew laughed. “I rather think I am going to enjoy this,” he said as they turned.
She had to wait patiently until it was her turn with him again.
