Page 97 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
With a nod, he tossed back a good portion of the whisky, relishing the burn. Yes, the sharp bite was exactly what he’d needed, a kick to the system that might carry him through the night. “It’s unusual for you to be at a ball.”
“It’s Mother’s ball. Besides, she gave me a rather stern lecture on the importance of attending and making Lady Landsdowne feel welcomed. So I know what tonight was supposed to be about. I’m dreadfully sorry all didn’t go as planned regarding the ball and your lady,” Andrew said. “You seemed to fancy her quite a bit.”
Rexton almost touted all her exceptional qualities, but he knew once he began traveling that path he’d be holding his brother captive for the entirety of the evening, so he merely shrugged as though his disappointment was of no consequence. “Perhaps I’ll meet someone tonight who I’ll decide to court.”Not bloody likely. He couldn’t imagine courtship being in his near or distant future. “How’s your actress?”
Staring forward, Andrew pursed his lips, took a sip from his flask. “We’ve parted ways.”
“Then I don’t suppose I’ll be finding you in my box anytime soon.”
“I might make use of it yet. Are you truly not interested in Miss Hammersley?”
“Not in the least.” Then the tone of his brother’s question hit him and he stared at Andrew. “Don’t tell me you are?”
Andrew shifted his stance. “She doesn’t seem a bad sort and these Americans are a bit more daring than our English roses.”
“Somerdale has shown some interest in her.” Although as far as he knew he’d only called on her the once.
“Ah, she won’t be happy with him.”
“You don’t know that.”
Andrew merely chuckled. “I know a good many more things than you give me credit for.”
“You’d best not hurt her,” Rexton admonished.
“I thought you were done with her.”
“She’s no longer under my protection—” Damn it all to hell. “She’s under my protection. Her uncle is worthless. Besides, apparently Grace and her friends have taken up her cause and intend to see her well matched.”
“You don’t think I’d fit the bill.”
“Only if you think you can love her.” He finished off the whisky, set the glass aside. “Be aware I shall warn her about you during our waltz.”
Andrew grinned. “I’ll convince her you lied when I dance with her after you.”
“I’m serious, Andrew. I know you have no plans to marry so don’t go anywhere near her.”
“Surely a dance can’t hurt.”
He’d thought the same thing the night he’d first danced with her. It had taken him on an unexpected journey. “Drake warned me things never go as planned. Steer clear of her.” Leaving his brother with that bit of sage advice, he went in search of Gina.
He found her engaged in conversation, smiling, and laughing with three gentlemen, who seemed to have a keen interest in her. Looking past one, she widened her eyes and her smile. “My lord.”
He was grateful she was having a jolly good time, that tonight’s efforts wouldn’t be completely wasted. He did want her to find happiness, and the right man. While he liked Somerdale, he couldn’t help but wonder if Andrew was correct. “Excuse me, gents, but I’m fortunate indeed that this dance belongs to me.”
Once they reached the dance floor, he swept her into the fray of dancers, trying not to recall how he’d longed to do the same with her sister. “You look exceedingly lovely this evening, beyond compare.”
“You’re kind to say so, but I know it’s not me with whom you wish to dance. I’m dreadfully sorry she didn’t come. I tried to convince her otherwise, but she’d have none of it.”
“No matter. I don’t know that this residence could hold one more guest.” Although he’d kick the lot of them out to make room for her—which he supposed would defeat the original purpose of even having the blasted affair.
“For what it’s worth, I think she’s a fool.”
Perhaps he’d been the fool, for not wanting to marry sooner, for not being here when she was younger, for not meeting her before Downie. But he didn’t want to think about what might have been. What would never be. “You seem to have drawn the attention of quite a few gents tonight.”
Her smile rivaled the stars. “Your sister and her friends are powerful allies. Every dance is claimed. I rather wish no gentleman decides to court me seriously as I’d like to have an entire Season like tonight. It was like this for Tillie. Everyone wanted to be with her, to be her friend... and then they didn’t.”
“Their loss.” In the end. And his.
