Nathan just barely managed to prevent his snort from escaping him, but he was relieved when the valet stoppedlecturing and carried on with his ministrations. It wasn’t terribly long before he was freshly shaved, a crisp new tie graced his neck, and he was being tugged into the appropriate evening jacket in a shade the servant exclaimed was exquisite.
Nathan didn’t rightly care what the colour was as long as he was properly attired. It was only because of his valet that he had a reputation for being a fashion plate. That fact amused Nathan to no end, but he accepted that it might allow him to accomplish more in the House than if he didn’t stand out in some way. Because humans were much like sheep. If some of them thought he was important because of how he was dressed, others would follow. It gave him more power even than his title called for. And Nathan was determined to wield it for the most good.
~~~~
“My dear lady, I do thank you for your kind forbearance in forgiving my tardiness this evening.”
“Oh, posh, your silver tongue will get you out of any tight corner, won’t it, Braxton?” The aging countess smacked his hand with her fan but allowed him to kiss her wrist and fawn over her despite her feigned displeasure.
Nathan just offered her a grin. What could he say to that? Hewastrying to get out of a tight corner.
“Your lady has arrived long since, my lord,” the countess said, causing Nathan to tense at the woman’s tone. “And your tardiness might have cost you your place by her side. It is never good to dither in such matters, my boy.”
It felt as though the woman were taking delight in twitting him about something he couldn’t understand. Nathan felt his face freeze as he wondered what might be coming next. It allbecame clear, though, as he left the countess’ side and entered the ballroom.
Beatrice was holding court.
Perhaps Nathan was exaggerating slightly, but that was the sensation that filled him. And a wave of possessiveness flooded him. For a moment, he felt like a little boy wishing to keep his toys away from his older brother. But he was no longer a child, and Beatrice was not a toy he had to keep anyone from damaging. She was a grown woman fully capable of defending herself. Not that she needed defending in a crowded ballroom, Nate reminded himself as he did his best not to overreact.
He did not own Beatrice. Their courtship was fake.
Why was he having difficulty remembering that fact?
As he descended to the dancefloor, down the wide curve of the stairs, he could see the many eyes avidly watching her and searching for his reaction. Nathan hoped his face remained impassive. It felt frozen, so it was likely not transmitting any sort of message to the gossip hungry hordes. Or so he hoped.
Beatrice looked well. Better than well. How would one describe the floaty type frock she was wearing? It seemed to have multiple layers of floating material. Would his mother call it lace? But underneath, through the lace, he could see an underdress of some sort of shimmery blue material. It complemented her bright gaze.
Her bright gaze. Did she seem delighted by this turn of events? He didn’t think so, despite the smile that appeared almost frozen upon her face.
Nathan wouldn’t have thought she was the sort to enjoy being the centre of attention. But she appeared to be doing or sayingall the correct things. Everyone around her appeared to be hanging upon her words or seeking her approval.
Had his interest in her generated such a response? He would never have thought it possible. His feelings quite revolted at the very thought. He did not want to be the reason a young woman became overtaken by theton.
Unless she wanted to be.
Nathan sighed. He was not making any sense that night. He ought to take himself home and to bed. But now that he had been noticed watching her, he couldn’t very well do as he was inclined. That would cause a greater rush of gossip than anything else. And not the sort that would turn the attention away from Beatrice. Even Robertson and Douglas were watching him. Nathan reminded himself that he would have to speak with them and ensure they remembered their promise to keep the wager to themselves. But first he would have to ask Beatrice to dance.
This was not one of their scheduled encounters. He had only come tonight because he wished to curry favour with the earl whose wife was hosting the affair. But since it was a ball and he was publicly courting Beatrice, he would have to ask her to dance at the very least.
Making his way through the crowd, ignoring the disgruntled expressions of others as he elbowed his way past them, Nathan arrived within her circle.
“You are looking exceptionally well this evening, my lady,” he said as he bowed over her hand. He could feel a tremble in her fingers and glanced up quickly to ascertain the reason.
Chapter Thirteen
Why did he have to turn up now? And looking far more handsome than anyone else? It wasn’t to be borne!Bea wished to stamp her foot or throw herself into his arms. Neither could be done at the moment. Or ever, she reminded herself. She was cool and calm, not at all the sort to stamp her foot. Or at least that was what she wished to be true.
And of course, she would never even consider throwing herself at a man under any circumstance. Even if he were far more handsome than he had a right to be. And certainly not just for offering her a sincere sounding compliment.
She nodded her head in acknowledgment of his words and ignored the tremble in her fingers. It was just the excitement and nerves of the evening, she assured herself.
“Might I have the next dance?” Braxton asked.
Beatrice didn’t think it said anything good about her character, but she actually took delight in having to tell him that she was, in fact, already committed for the next dance.
“What about the one after that?”
Heat started to fill her face.
