Page 32 of The Duke's Scandal
With a slow nod, Amos drank the rest of his tea as they all sat in silence for a few minutes, each mind heavy with the weight of their thoughts. Amos set his china cup down, then let his gaze drift once more to Lady Isobella. She had not stopped frowning, her gaze somewhere on the wall behind him, but her expression was one of thoughtfulness. He had never expected her to be able to do something so quickly to help him and found himself a little in awe of just how much she had managed to do. It would have taken courage, he realized, to speak up against Lady Clara in amongst so many other ladies and gentlemen of theton. There might well be those within the crowd who now thought badly of both herself and Lady Amelia for speaking and questioning as they had done, and that had all been on his account. A sudden guilt crashed into his heart, and he frowned.
“I am sorry if your willingness to help me has led to some in thetonthinking poorly of you for your refusal to believe Lady Clara without hesitation,” he said, only for Lady Isobella to hold up one hand, palm out to him.
“Please, do not concern yourself in any way,” she said, with a warm smile that spread light and relief into Amos’ heart. “We are bluestockings, after all. We are well used to thetonthinking a little less of us!”
“Quite,” Lady Amelia added with a smile of her own. “We are glad to be of help, Your Grace, truly.”
Amos rose to his feet, then bowed low, wishing that he could take Lady Isobella’s hand in his own again. “I am more than grateful,” he said, meaning every word. “If there is anything I can do that would be of use, then please do tell me what it is.”
“You can continue in society just as usual,” Lady Isobella told him, as she too got to her feet. “You must nothide away, you must not make it appear as if you are guilty in any way.”
Nodding, Amos felt a kick of nervousness in his stomach. “Some may give me the cut direct.”
“Yes, they might.” Lady Amelia lifted her shoulders and let them fall. “That cannot be helped.”
“There will be those who will stand up with you all the same, however,” Lady Isobella said, a light in her eyes that made Amos smile. “I am quite sure, especially after our conversation with Lady Clara, that there will be many in thetonwho will not reject your company.”
Pressing his lips flat for just a moment, Amos held Lady Isobella’s gaze, the nervousness in his stomach growing swiftly. “Then might I hope you would be willing to stand up with me this evening, Lady Isobella?”
“To dance?”
He gave her a small nod, holding his breath now in anticipation.
“But of course.” The happiness in her voice and the smile on her face brought him such great relief; his breath came out in a rush, forcing him to cover his embarrassment by bowing low again.
“I thank you. Lady Amelia, might you do me the honor also?”
The lady chuckled softly. “Your Grace, I am sure every bluestocking will dance with you, if you should ask us.” Her eyes twinkled. “You are not going to be alone, I can assure you of that.”
“Then I am already looking forward to this evening,” he said, with more confidence than he truly felt as the nervous kick in his stomach returned. “Thank you. Thank you both. I feel as if there is a little light in this otherwise dark situation – and that is solely because of you.”
Chapter Fifteen
Dancing with the Duke was not a new experience, but for Isobella, every moment felt tinged with excitement – an excitement that she tried hard to push down. She could not let herself feel anything for him, she reminded herself. It was much too dangerous to do so. Trust was not something she would give easily, if at all, and even though the Duke appeared to be quite trustworthy and genuine, had she not thought that before of the others?
“You are a little tense, I think.”
Surprised, she looked up at the Duke, her breath hitching at just how close he was to her.
“You are not smiling either, which makes me fear you have too many things on your mind.”
“I confess that I am a little distracted.” Refusing to say as to why, she let him assume it was because of his present difficulties. “But I am enjoying our dance.”
The smile on his face brought glimmers of gold to his eyes, and that, in turn, sent a light shiver down Isobella’s spine. Heat infused her cheeks, praying silently that he had not felt it.
“As am I.”
Those three words made the warmth in Isobella’s face rush down to her core, the gentle way they were spoken whispering to her that there was more to it than a mere acknowledgement of the dance itself.
“I hope that the other dances have been just as enjoyable,” she said quickly, spinning away from him for a moment before returning. “You have danced with all of my friends, I think.” Fully aware that she was saying such a thing to deflect attention from their own connection, she flushed hot all over again at the knowing smile on his face.
“I have been very pleased with each and every dance thus far, yes,” he acknowledged, taking her hand in his. “But this one, I think, is my favorite so far.”
Isobella did not know what to say to that. There was so much he was offering her in that statement, so much that she dared not move forward to claim for herself. Could she tell him about her decision to remain a spinster? Should she do so? Might that push him away from this gentle pursuit of her?
“Alas, now we must part.” With a light smile, the Duke released her and then stepped back, bowing as he did so. Isobella, curtsying quickly, was then offered his arm and, having no reason to refuse him, took it.
“Thank you for standing up with me,” the Duke said, as he brought her back to where her friends were waiting. “I do hope we will be able to dance together again soon.”
