Page 8 of The Duke's Scandal
With a roll of his eyes, Amos told him briefly about his encounter with not only Lord Meadows but the two ladies he had been speaking with. “As I said,” he finished, “I spoke hastily and without considering what Lord Meadows might have done. I also fear that they believe I feel the same way as he when it comes to bluestockings.”
Lord Galbraith scrunched up his face. “I do not have much inclination towards bluestockings, I confess.”
“I would never consider a bluestocking, admittedly,” Amos agreed, “but I do not think them a stain upon society, as Lord Meadows seemed to suggest.”
“And you wish to find them and apologize?”
Amos nodded. “I think it's the right thing for me to do. I do not know their names, however, so that does make it a little more difficult.”
“Your Grace! Why are you hiding in the shadows so?”
His stomach knotted but he quickly pushed a smile to his lips. “Good evening, Lord Bristol. And to you also, Miss Shelton.”Thiswas an acquaintance he remembered, for Miss Shelton was small, dainty but with such a loud voice, he was certain the entirety of the room would be able to hear her the moment she opened her mouth. “Might I introduce you both to the Marquess of Galbraith? He is my brother-in-law, present here with me in London for the Season.” Sending the gentleman in question a brief smile, he gestured to the others. “The Viscount of Bristol and his sister, Miss Shelton.”
“A pleasure to meet you both.” Lord Galbraith swept into a bow.
“Adelightto meet you,” Miss Shelton exclaimed, making Lord Galbraith’s eyebrows lift and Amos’ lips quirk. “How wonderful it is for you to be present here with the Duke!”
“It is, yes,” Lord Galbraith said, casting Amos a wide-eyed glance, forcing Amos to fight the smile that pressed against his lips. “Although I confess that I do miss my wife a good deal.”
“Lady Flora, yes?”
Amos turned his head quickly, seeing another two young ladies coming towards him, one with a light smile on her face. His heart sank. Was he not to have even a single moment of conversation with Lord Galbraith? Was his every moment to be interrupted by the arrival of either known or unfamiliar young ladies?
“She is now Lady Galbraith,” Lord Galbraith replied, though warmly. “Lady Deborah, yes?”
“Yes, I am.” She smiled back at him, ignoring Amos whilst her companion gazed up at him with wide eyes as if she were slightly in awe of him. “I was acquainted with Lady Flora – I mean, Lady Galbraith – for a time.”
Which means I ought to recall her also.
“Are you acquainted with the Duke of Exeter, then?” Lord Galbraith asked, as Amos forced a brief smile, seeing Miss Shelton’s mouth open and then close again, evidently desperate to say something that would draw his attention back towards her.
“No, I am not.” Lady Deborah smiled warmly, her blue eyes looking up at him. “I do not think you were in London at the time of Lady Flora’s debut.”
That explains why I do not know her.“I was not, no.” At that time, his father had still been alive and thus, Flora’s debut had been his responsibility. “I would be glad to make your acquaintance, however?”
Lord Galbraith nodded, hastily making the introductions, and Amos smiled, bowed, and did just as he ought to do following a new introduction.
“And then might I present Lady Clara?” Lady Deborah gestured to her friend, who quickly dropped into a curtsy. “Her father is the Earl of Oswestry. Lady Clara, the Duke of Exeter and the Marquess of Galbraith.”
“A pleasure,” the lady gushed, dipping into what was now her second curtsy. “How glad I am to have met you both. When Lady Deborah told me that she was already acquainted with Lord Galbraith, I was truly delighted!”
Because he is my brother in law and therefore, she can be introduced to me.Amos kept his smile fixed, though his gaze did continually turn towards LadyDeborah. Yes, she had been a little forward in coming to speak with them, but her attentionhadbeen upon Lord Galbraith for a time, he supposed. And it was her friend who appeared to be so enamored with him! She, Amos considered, was doing very little to catch his attention. That was of note, he had to admit.
“And are you to dance this evening, Your Grace?” Miss Shelton took a step closer to them all, her loud, high-pitched voice capturing the attention of everyone. “We are all so very hopeful that you will be!” She giggled, but the sound grated, making Amos wince. Quickly, he dropped his head and coughed lightly so as to hide the expression from her.
“I have chosennotto dance this evening,” he said, raising his eyes and seeing her smile crack in an instant. “It is the first ball of the Season for me, and therefore I have chosen to simply be present and converse with as many acquaintances and friends as possible.”
“An excellent notion,” Lady Deborah said, with a smile of understanding. “I am sure we can all understand that. It must be a little overwhelming to have so many of thetoneager for your company!”
This made a wide smile spread across Amos’ face. Evidently, this young lady understood exactly what it was he was battling, which Amos had to admit, was very pleasing indeed. “Thank you for your understanding, Lady Deborah,” he said, as Miss Shelton opened her mouth to say something more. “I must – oh!” His attention was suddenly caught by a familiar face coming near to him, making his eyes flare and his breath hitch. It was one of the young ladies from the park, when he had spoken a little foolishly and without a great deal of consideration. Someone that hehadto apologize to.
“Do excuse me,” he said hastily, barely glancing atanyone else present before he stepped away. “I have seen someone I must speak to.” Hurrying into the crowd, afraid that the young lady would go out of his sight before he had time to catch her, Amos weaved his way this way and that, never once taking his eyes from the dark copper curls that bounced gently as she walked. Her hair was certainly an unusual color, making it easier for him to keep his gaze trained – and, after only a few more moments, he managed to catch her.
Realizing that he did not know her name, Amos reached out one hand, catching her shoulder for a brief second. “I beg your pardon, but might I have a moment of your time?”
The lady turned her head and looked back at him, her eyes rounding a little. “It would be most improper for me to speak with a gentleman I have not yet been introduced to.” One eyebrow arched. “I am also without company at present, for you have waylaid me in following after my brother.”
“Then pray, do go after him,” Amos said, hastily, “and I will find someone to introduce us. I should very much like to apologize, you understand.”
