Page 80 of Passions of a Wicked Earl
“The first and the last.”
Beth beamed up at him. “You shall have them.”
With a bow, he took his leave.
Beth took a sip of champagne before grinning at Claire. “He is the one, sister.”
“The one what?” Westcliffe asked.
Beth rolled her eyes. “The one I shall marry.”
Claire squeezed her hand. “He must ask first, dear.”
“He will. I’ve told him Westcliffe speaks for my father.”
“Maybe you should have asked your father first,” Westcliffe said.
“He doesn’t care,” Beth insisted. “Come along. It’s time to dance.”
They wended their way through the crowd until they reached the stairs. As they were announced, and Claire squeezed her hand on her husband’s arm, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of ownership, of pride. This man was hers until death did them part.
“Good God,” Westcliffe muttered, as they were descending the stairs. “Is that my mother?”
Claire looked in the direction he was gazing and saw the duchess talking with Lord and Lady Lynnford. Leo stood solicitously beside her. “Yes, I believe it is. And there’s Leo. I suppose we should try to find time to finish the portrait.”
“After the Season. We should have more time then—when your sister isn’t bouncing from ball to ball.”
There it was. Confirmation that they would be together after the Season.
Then they were approaching their hostess. She was stunningly gorgeous in a pale green gown. She took Claire’s hands as though they were dear friends. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“We’re very happy to be here,” Claire said. “It’s so lovely.”
“And you, Westcliffe,” Lady Anne said. “You’re looking well.”
“I have much for which to be grateful.”
Claire couldn’t prevent a surge of gladness because she knew he was speaking of her.
“You are such a handsome couple,” Lady Anne said. “She complements you, Westcliffe. I wish you every happiness.”
With that, she turned to the next couple she needed to greet.
As they walked away, Claire said, “That wasn’t so awful. I could almost see why you were drawn to her.”
“Strange,” he responded quietly. “I couldn’t.”
Now and then, stopping to speak to an acquaintance or two, they made their way to a group of chairs. Just as they did so, the music began, and Greenwood was immediately at Beth’s side, whisking her onto the dance floor.
“I don’t think she will be condemned to a life with Hester,” Claire murmured.
“I would say not. I wonder if anyone has bothered to tell him so he can begin looking for other prospects.”
“Perhaps we should wait until everything is official.”
“After spending her Season flirting with Greenwood, even if he does not ask for her hand, do you really think she would even consider Hester?”
“It would all depend upon our father’s wishes.”
