Page 90 of The Most Eligible Viscount in London
Next to her husband, Adeline closed her eyes and shook her head. “We asked Lord Lytton and Lady Aurelia to join us. When they do one of you will ask to have a private word with his lordship, and the rest of us will follow.”
“That is a very good idea.” Georgie gave their friends an approving look. “We had expected a reaction from the gentleman when he saw me, but there was nothing.”
“Yes. We thought it was odd.” Adeline glanced to the side. “They will be here shortly. Hmm. Did you notice the way he is looking at Lady Aurelia?”
Gavin looked at the pair, but they had been stopped by the lady’s brother. “Not particularly.”
“One thing at a time,” Georgie said in a voice tinged with humor. “We can play at matchmaking after we resolve the current issue.”
“Lady Littleton, Miss Featherton.” Lytton bowed. “This ball appears to be quite well attended.”
“Indeed it does.” Georgie dropped a slight curtsey. “Lady Aurelia, are you enjoying yourself?”
“I am.” The lady curtsied as well. “I have been looking forward to this evening.”
“Before the dancing starts”—Gavin focused on Lytton— “there was a matter I wished to discuss with you. Do you mind if we repair to the library?”
Lytton looked at Lady Aurelia. “If you do not mind, my lady?”
“Not at all.” She raised one brow. “In my experience gentlemen always have a need to repair to one room or the other for abriefconversation.”
“I assure you, my lady, this will be indeed short.” Gavin gathered Littleton with his gaze and the three men headed toward the other side of the room.
Now Georgie and Adeline just needed to get rid of Lady Aurelia.
“Lady Aurelia,” the duchess said from the chairs behind them. “Please attend me. I have something about which I wish to speak with you.”
She glanced at Adeline, who nodded. “Certainly, your grace.”
Adeline took Georgie’s arm. “That was good timing.”
“That was the duchess being helpful.” Georgie led her friend in the direction of the library. Fortunately, she had been there before.
* * *
“Your grace, ladies.” Young Lady Aurelia—well not that most people would call her young, but Lucinda and Constance did—curtsied. “I have not seen you for a long time, Aunt Bridgewater.”
“That, my girl,” Constance said, “is because you no longer come to Town.”
A light pink stained Lady Aurelia’s cheeks. “Aunt, you know that I was not very successful during my Seasons.”
“Thetonis full of numbskulls.” Constance’s voice was firm and reassuring.
“Yes, it is.” Lucinda was pleased to see how self-assured the girl had become.
“Well then, what do you think of Lytton?” When she had agreed to let Constance do the talking, Lucinda had not expected her to shoot a broadside.
This time the lady did not blush at all. “I think he will do nicely.”
“We’ve been receiving reports, and Lady Featherton and I agree.”
Lady Aurelia narrowed her eyes the tiniest bit at Constance. “Aunt Bridgewater, do you know why Lord Littleton and Lord Turley took Lord Lytton to the library?”
“Of course we do.” Constance rose from her chair. “And it’s about time we joined them.”
“Only if you are certain you wish to marry Lord Lytton.” Lucinda watched the girl’s countenance for any sign of distress.
Lady Aurelia was silent for several seconds. “I would like to wed him. We have found many mutual areas of interest this week. I think it would be a good match.”
