Page 2 of Playing the Scoundrel

“Of course. How silly of me to forget. Your Grace, Your Grace,” Laura said, acknowledging the duke as well.

Emma suddenly felt very small. Not only to be in the presence of nobility, but also to be the only one of the group that was not acquainted. And yet, she could also feel a stare settling on her. Emma didn’t want to confirm that Mr. Godwin’s gaze was very direct and unsettling, so she kept her eyes on the other guests.

“Yes, you must forgive me,” Mr. Godwin finally said. “It seems like the house party was ages ago, and yet just yesterday at the same time.” Then he stepped toward Emma, almost making her take a step back. “And was your friend present with us as well?”

Laura shook her head. “No, she didn’t attend the house party with us. Emma, this is Mr. Henry Godwin. And this is Miss Follett, a friend of mine from the country. This is her first season out.”

Emma wished she hadn’t tacked on that last bit. Not that she cared how these people might view her, but she didn’t want to be perceived as some green innocent. Emma had witnessed her share of treachery and malice of the world and was not ignorant to how society treated outcasts.

And yet, when Mr. Godwin looked at her, the last thing Emma felt like was an outsider. She felt highly regarded, like the only woman in the room. How did he manage such a thing with one glance?

“It’s a pleasure, Miss Follett. Any friend of Miss Roberts…” he said in a low voice, reaching his hand out to take her own and kiss it.

While Emma’s heart reacted with a gentle flip at the attention, she forced herself to reject the notion. This man was an obvious flirt, and she would have nothing to do with him. Especially if he was the one that Laura wanted.

The introductions had barely begun when they were interrupted.

“My dear boy!” The voice of a nearby elderly lady grew close. “Come, I wish to introduce Miss Clay to my friend’s nephew.”

“Of course she does,” the duke mumbled.

“Now, now. Don’t chide your mother.” The duchess patted his arm. “Every little bit helps.”

“Very well. Come along, Miss Clay. Another suitor awaits.”

The three of them excused themselves, leaving two couples and an upcoming set. Emma hated the pressure and the feeling of obligation, but there was no escaping it. Especially when Laura blurted out, “Have you danced much this evening, Mr. Godwin?”

“Not yet, Miss Roberts. And yourself?”

“We’ve only just arrived, you see, so my dance card is still rather empty.”

Again, Emma cringed with embarrassment as Laura smiled expectantly at him. But Mr. Godwin did not miss a beat, except for sneaking a glance at Emma herself before turning back to Laura with a charming smile.

“Well, in that case, won’t you honor me with the next set, Miss Roberts?”

Laura’s glow was undeniable. “I would be delighted, Mr. Godwin.”

“And come along, Thomas. Won’t you ask Miss Follett here to keep her from being a wallflower?” Mr. Godwin went on. “Shall I introduce my friend, Mr. Ramsbury, as your potential dance partner?”

“Unfortunately, I’m unable to, as I promised the next dance to Lady Finley.” The kind gentleman turned to Emma and said, “Do forgive me, Miss Follett.”

Emma nodded. “Think nothing of it.” Then he bowed to excuse himself.

“Well, allow me to fetch you some drinks for refreshment before the music starts.” Mr. Godwin already started stepping away.

“You’re too kind,” Laura said as he disappeared, and then she sighed. “Isn’t he the sweetest man?”

“Perhaps he is.” Emma didn’t want to plant seeds of doubt just yet. “Didn’t you already have your drink?”

Laura shook her head. “I don’t mind having another. And one delivered byhimwill be that much better.” Then sidling up beside her and linking their arms together, Laura whispered, “It’s so good to see him again. Don’t you think he’s the most handsome man?”

“He is very handsome.” Emma had to confirm the truth, even though she didn’t want to encourage the attachment. Laura was a sweet, attentive girl, but perhaps still a little too naïve in the ways of men to identify if a man really was a cad. Where Emma’s personal experience had given her lessons enough on the subject.

The hum of violin strings sounded, calling dancers to the floor, and Laura straightened her shoulders, ready for her dance partner to appear. Any drinks would have to be immediately discarded in order to join the floor on time, but as each passing second ticked by, Mr. Godwin did not return. Emma continued to pat Laura’s hand linked in her arm, but her friend was slowly deflating. Would he really leave her waiting after promising her a dance?

Laura opened her mouth, and a squeaky gasp came out. Emma looked to see what had caused such a sound, but then her own heart sunk when she looked at the dance floor.

Mr. Godwin was walking toward the dance floor with another young woman.

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