Page 27 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
The rage that shimmied through him made him want to punch something—or someone. “Did he strike her?”
“Not to my knowledge but there are other ways to make a person feel less or unworthy, aren’t there? I think she was rather mortified she had judged him so incorrectly, which is the reason she’s guiding me. So I don’t make a similar error in judgment. The thing is, people can hide things from you, and then how are you to know?”
Like he was hiding his true reason for giving her attention. Something of his guilty thoughts must have crossed his features because she reached out and placed her hand on his arm, squeezing lightly.
“Not to worry. I’ve assured Tillie your intentions are honorable.”
If he wasn’t careful, in order to get the horse, he was going to have to marry the girl. He gave her a sardonic smile. “Does she believe you?”
“I’m afraid not, but you mustn’t take offense. Marriage to Downie taught her one thing: no man is to be trusted.”
Him least of all at the moment. He was grateful the music started up so he didn’t have to contemplate that unsettling realization for long.
After leading her onto the dance floor, he took her in his arms and swept her around the room. She was graceful, but he suspected her sister would be more so. He imagined her smiling up at him. She wouldn’t have to gaze up as far because she was a few inches taller than Gina. He couldn’t seem to stop comparing the two of them.
“Does your brother ever attend balls?” she asked.
He frowned. “Andrew?” He shook his head. “Hardly ever. It is his intention to remain a bachelor for the remainder of his life.”
“Do you resent that you have responsibilities and he doesn’t? That you must marry?”
“Because not marrying wasn’t an option, I’ve never really considered having a life without a wife.”
She gnawed on her lower lip. “I’ve been told by numerous mothers that I shouldn’t take your attentions seriously. That you would never marry an American.”
The mothers were supposed to prod their sons in Gina’s direction, not cause her to doubt his intentions. “I’ll admit I’ve always favored English lasses, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be won over by an American.”
Her laughter tinkled around them, and he found himself wondering how her sister’s laughter sounded. Damnation, he had to focus.
“I’m so glad Tillie got to go to the theater with us. I’m not certain all men will be as accepting of her as you are.”
“You are her sister. I would not expect you to have to choose me over family.”
“You are a rare find, my lord.”
“You humble me, Miss Hammersley.”
“Gina.”
The music began to drift into silence.
“Will you dance with me again before the night is done?” she asked.
“I will indeed. The last dance.” To show the mothers they knew not of what they spoke—even though they did.
He escorted her back to the maid. While he was in the mood for a stiff drink and a game of cards, he stayed in the grand salon and watched Gina from afar, striving to determine if any gent had more than a passing interest in her.
“Rexton.”
He glanced over at the man who’d approached. “Hammersley.”
“Care to join me in the garden for a cheroot?”
“I’d be delighted.”
They found a spot far from the terrace where the shadows were thick and they weren’t likely to be overheard. Hammersley had the manners to wait until their cheroots were lit and they’d both taken a couple of puffs before saying, “I expected the girl to dance every dance tonight. I may have misjudged your influence.”
Misjudged his older niece’s notoriety more like. Rexton slowly inhaled, blew out the smoke. “I’m not yet done. Another outing or two, one more ball... finding the right gent takes time.” While he’d thought he’d be done within a week, he was rather glad to discover he wasn’t.
