But she had to set matters straight before their one encounter was blown completely out of proportion and turned into a social disaster.
She relaxed in the tub while Betsy washed her hair and scrubbed her back. She even added scented oils to the water as though Adela were some exalted Egyptian queen. A slightly aching queen, truth be told, but a long soak in the bath did wonders for her bruises.
When her hair dried, Betsy styled her unruly curls into a surprisingly flattering upsweep.
Not that she was hoping to entice the duke.
How could she possible entice such a man?
But if he were to approach her, she did not want to embarrass the two lovely elders who had taken her under their wing. After all, should she not look her best when he snubbed her? He would not do it to be rude, but everyone of more noteworthy consequence would be clamoring for his attention.
It was well past eight o’clock in the evening by the time she and Lady Dayne made their way along the reception line. Adela smiled politely and greeted their hostess, Lady Marbury, warmly. She received a cold look in response.
What had she done to offend the woman?
She pondered the reason while she and Eloise strolled into the ballroom to await the start of the dancing. “Eloise, did I imagine it or was Lady Marbury angry with me?”
“Indeed, my dear. She was quite put out.”
“But why?” Adela really hated these affairs.
“Because you look beautiful tonight and will outshine all the diamonds, including her daughter.” Eloise patted her hand. “I think the young men are going to start taking notice of you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Lord, I hope not.”
“Adela, there are plenty of fine men here. You must stop scaring them away. You look exceptionally pretty tonight, which only proves how attractive you could be if you ever bothered to take interest in your appearance. I am glad you wore the blue silk gown. I have been trying to get you to wear Madame de Bressard’s magnificent designs for weeks now.”
“I know. I still do not feel comfortable in something so elegant, but I agree that it is now necessary because–” She was about to explain her reasoning when a buzz suddenly swept through the crowd.
All eyes turned to the entrance.
Huntsford had arrived.
Young ladies all around her were suddenly fluttering their fans. Well, she could not blame them since the heat level in the room had just soared.
Despite his cool demeanor, this duke was hot enough to set the room ablaze. He looked magnificent in black tie and tails that enhanced the black of his hair, the silver of his eyes, and the broadness of his shoulders.
He made his way slowly through the crowd and…was he coming toward her?
Drat.
She tried to back away, but Eloise now held her wrist in an iron grip. Phoebe, who had joined them several minutes earlier, now grabbed her other wrist. “Don’t you dare run,” Eloise whispered. “The dancing is about to start and he is going to claim one from you.”
“How do you know? Dear heaven, I hope not.”
Phoebe, the little dowager, frowned up at her. “Adela, what is wrong with you? Every young lady here would kill to be asked by him.”
“Well, every young lady here has practiced her dancing. I haven’t so much as tapped a toe in time to the music since last year’s debut fiasco.”
Eloise cast her an encouraging smile. “Then just tell him. He will take extra care to guide you. He knows how to hold a woman in his arms.”
“Of course, he does,” she muttered under her breath as he was now upon them.
Up close, he was even more magnificent than at a distance.
Was there anything he could not do to perfection?
He even knew how to stand there in perfect nonchalance.
