Page 21 of A Lady's Beastly Duke
“Harriet is so worried,” she murmured to Sidney.
“I know,” Sidney agreed. “She’s worried for us, too,” he added. “The duchy and all. Should I not...not...” he could barely say the words. A year ago, before the accident, he would have had no worries in the world. Finding a duchess would not have been hard-all he would need to do was go to Almack’s and the ladies would vie to get him on their dance-card.
He swallowed hard. He was in London and Almack’s Assembly would be opening soon for another ball, as it did with a regular tempo during the Season. He had to go. If he did not—if he did not quickly produce an heir for Willowick—Giles would be the next to inherit the title. And love his cousin as well as he might, he could not bear to see that rakish dissolute sit in the seat his father had sat in. He had to do something. He had to do it fast. His promise to Papa made his heart twist painfully. He had to keep it—that was the least he could do.
Chapter 8
“I can’t! I won’t!” Lilly shouted, her feet echoing on the stone steps as she ran. Anastasia, standing on the stairs just above the entrance-way, felt a frown wrinkle her forehead.
“Lilly?” she called. She hurried down the cold stone steps, her feet feeling the hard edges through the thin indoor shoes she wore. She still felt tired and a little dazed following the ball the previous night. Lily’s shout had shaken her out of a daydream, and she ran to find her. “What grieves you?”
“Anny!” Lilly sobbed, running to her.
“Shh...what is it?” Anastasia murmured, holding her sister tight. Her shoulders were shaking with sobs, her long honey-brown hair falling loose over her shoulder from her run.
“It’s...it’s Mr. Halloway.” Lily was sobbing, now.
“What happened?” Anastasia asked, her back tensing at the name. “Whatever did he do?” Mr. Halloway was the dance instructor. Anastasia had learned mostly from Miss Prestwick, their former governess, and then a little from Mr. Halloway, after Miss Prestwick retired into the country. She had not liked him. He was cold and disinterested. His criticism had always seemed arbitrary, as though he enjoyed being critical rather than because there was truly a reason for his censure.
“He...he said I’m clumsy. That I’m not ever going to be a good dancer. He said he would give up right now if Papa wasn’t paying him as much as he is.” Lily sobbed and Anastasia held her tight, anger rushing through her like a wave of heat.
“I am going to give him a piece of my mind,” Anastasia said grimly. She stepped back from Lily, who stared up at her, hazel eyes round.
“You are?” There was a look that was part delight, part fear in her eyes, as though she wished Anastasia to do it, but was scared of what would happen were she to do so.
“I am,” she replied. “I suppose he is in the ballroom?” She walked steadily, Lily following her.
“He is. Oh, Anny...don’t do it. He’ll be so angry that I told you, and...”
“Ah. Mr. Halloway.” Anastasia’s voice was cold as the dancing instructor walked briskly out of the ballroom. His prominent blue eyes were cold. He reminded her just a little of Lord Ridley, except that he was lean where Lord Ridley was not.
“Lady Anastasia.” He sketched a slight bow. He was an expert in all matters of dance and movement, and he could have bowed as low as he liked, but the brief inclination of his torso was meant to insult; she was sure of it.
“I understand you had words with my sister?” Anastasia said, barely able to hide her rage.
“Now, my lady, do not take such matters to heart overlymuch. I...”
“Why not?” Anastasia countered coldly, interrupting him. “My sister informed me that you told her she was clumsy and would never be a good dancer.”
“Well, I didn’t say exactly that. I was...”
“My sister does not lie,” Anastasia said in a tight, hard voice. “I am sure that is exactly what you said. I do not take kindly to insults to my family. And how is she meant to learn, when you have already informed her that it is impossible? That is no way to teach.” Her eyes held his. She saw rage flare in their flint-blue depths.
“Do you presume to tell me how to conduct my trade?” the man hissed.
Anastasia looked at him in disbelief. She allowed all the coldness and anger she felt to infuse her stare. She saw his eyes widen and his posture change from aggressive to fearful. She paused.
“I presume to tell you that your manner of conducting your trade is not welcome here. If your means of conducting it is to insult and belittle, then there is not much merit in it.”
“But...but...” the man stammered.
“I will see to it that other employment is found for you,” Anastasia soothed. She was stunned by his rudeness, but she could not bear the thought of throwing the man onto the street empty-handed. “But your services are not needed here.”
“But...but how is she to learn dancing?” the man demanded angrily.
Anastasia just looked at him. “I will instruct Lady Lily.”
“You?” He sounded outraged.
