“I’m aware,” she grudgingly admitted. “And so is Roslyn. But as she stated before, he claimed his dance. He’s not likely to accost her in front of the ton. We must keep up appearance.” She hated they skated on the edge of scandal.
“I understand.” Maybe he did. Somehow, she didn’t think he fully did, though. “As long as you’re aware…”
She lifted a brow. “And what would you have me do? Rush out there and drag her off the floor?” What a scandal that would make…
“Of course not,” he said. “That’s a bit much, don’t you think? Just have her refuse future dances with the man.”
“If she started refusing all that asked her, she might never dance.” Eden shrugged. “As long as she doesn’t find herself alone with any of them, she will be all right. You need not worry about her welfare.”
He frowned. “Why are you not dancing?”
“I don’t enjoy dancing.” She wouldn’t mind being in his arms again, but she’d never admit that.
“You lie,” he said, then leaned down. “I’ve had you in my arms before. I know exactly what you enjoyed.”
Her heart stilled and breathing became more difficult. Was she wrong? Had he actually remembered and now he was calling her out on it? What should she do? “Pardon me?” she squeaked out the words.
“You dance far too beautifully to hate it.” He lifted her card and wrote in his name. “and I’ll prove it to you later. When we waltz again.”
With those words, he strolled away. The damage had been done, though. Her heart raced, and she was shaken to the core. Dancing. Of course, he meant dancing. God help her, she wouldn’t survive anymore interactions with the duke. He drove her mad. With desire and worry….
Five
Avoiding her dance with the Duke of Carrington was high on Eden’s list. She nibbled on her bottom lip and considered her options. She couldn’t depart the ball. Roslyn had a full dance card and it would look suspicious if she insisted they leave. They already skated the edges of society because of William’s actions. She could not add to the gossip mills just because she feared dancing with the duke again. The last time had left her a mess of emotions and she didn’t wish a repeat. She had barely held herself together. The duke was to dance with Roslyn soon, too. Her dance with him was two dances after Roslyn’s. If she hoped to avoid him, she would have to be indisposed before the dance with Roslyn ended. He would probably keep a close eye on her after so he could seek her out for their dance.
That dance would not happen…
Eden would do whatever she could to avoid it. She had to... It was imperative to avoid any undo anxiety. Her poor heart could not take any more taxing emotional upheaval.
So what should she do? She frowned as no obvious answer presented itself. Eden sighed. Why had she allowed her life to become so damned complicated? All she had wanted was one night of pleasure. Just. One. Night. How could she not have foreseen how that selfishness would be her downfall? If she kept spending any time in the duke’s company, he would remember. And if he did… What would he do then? She couldn’t predict his reaction, and frankly, didn’t wish to attempt it either.
“You look like you’re about to either cry or scream,” a female said from beside her.
She glanced over and smiled at her friend, Claudine. “I didn’t know you were going to attend tonight?”
“It hadn’t been the plan.” She shrugged. “But there is a widow that I need to speak with about being a potential member of the league, and, well, sometimes these societal functions are the best places for discreet meetings.” She sighed. “I must say part of me wishes that I still avoided society. I don’t relish attending balls.” She wrinkled her nose. “The price I pay for falling in love with an earl and agreeing to being his wife.”
Eden chuckled. “And you’d willingly pay it again.” She envied her friend, though she’d never admit that aloud. She had never known love, and definitely not one that appeared to be as deep as what Claudine shared with the Earl of Wyndam. Somehow, she doubted she would ever have anything that profound in her life. It had to be enough that she had her son, and that love was unconditional. He was her world and had been since she first learned she carried him inside of her. That was the only true love she was destined to have in her life, and she was resigned to that fate.
“You’re right, of course,” Claudine agreed. “I’m lucky to have found love and realize there are many that are not so fortunate.” She frowned. “Which is why I am here. Another widow may need my assistance and I won’t fail her.”
“I have faith in you,” Eden told her. “There is no one more determined than you are. Except perhaps Lady Wyndam. Is she excited about the wedding?” Claudine was marrying the dowager countess’s grandson. The older woman had been resigned to the idea of never seeing him wed, but meeting Claudine had changed everything for all of them. It was so lovely to see them all so happy.
“She is,” Claudine said. “There are so many plans for it all. My head is swimming. I would be happy to have a simple ceremony, but Lady Wyndam refuses to let such a momentous occasion go by without due celebration.”
Of course she did. It was definitely a cause for celebrating. Her grandson was marrying a woman the dowager countess admired. Claudine would be a welcome addition to her family. “When is the wedding?” She hadn’t realized how busy she’d become preparing for Roslyn’s season. So many days and weeks seemed to have flown by without her notice. “Soon I’d think?” She frowned.
“In a fortnight,” Claudine told her. “You should have an invitation soon. It’s going to be at the Wyndam country seat. The countess decided that a proper wedding should have weeks of festivities to celebrate beforehand and there will be a grand house party leading up to the wedding, and for those that wish to stay some more afterward.”
“That doesn’t leave for much planning…” Roslyn would want to attend. Everyone who was anyone would be at that house party. It was an excellent opportunity for her to meet many eligible gentlemen. They would have to prepare for it and undoubtedly depart London soon. She couldn’t recall where the Wyndam country seat was located, but she’d have that information soon enough. They wouldn’t expect everyone to arrive on the first day and would allow traveling time for all those invited. She doubted many would stay for the actual wedding. Most would be lured away by the idea of a grand house party.
Claudine blew out an exasperated breath. “It has not escaped my notice. I’ve never seen Lady Wyndam so filled with enthusiasm. She’s running poor Juliet into exhaustion.” Miss Juliet Adams was the countess’s companion. She did anything and everything the countess needed.
“Then she’ll be glad to see this wedding at an end,” Eden laughed. She glanced around. She had been so caught up in her conversation with Claudine she’d forgotten her need to escape the ballroom. Drat. The duke was currently dancing with Roslyn. She was running out of time and had to leave the room soon if she hoped to avoid that dance. “I am looking forward to your wedding. It is sure to be a happy day.”
“I hope so,” Claudine said. “Ah, I see the lady I need to speak with.” She placed her hand on Eden’s arm. “I will come for tea soon. We have much to discuss.” With that, she left Eden alone, and she took that opportunity to exit the ballroom. She did not know where she was headed, but she knew she had to leave as fast as possible.
Maxwell liked Lady Roslyn. She was amicable, lovely, and ideal for the position of his wife. But she didn’t spark any genuine emotion in him. When he was near her, he felt…nothing. Was that a good thing? Would it make their possible marriage easier to stomach? He certainly had no real desire to wed. He only entertained the notion now, for Sarah’s sake.
