“I believe so. Lord Graham, if I recall?” Matthew answered, but he kept a close eye on Lydia over the man’s shoulder. “How goes it in Parliament at the moment?”
“Oh, it’s as wretched as ever, a real travesty, I’d say,” Lord Graham replied, and at that, he launched into talk of politics that Matthew barely had to listen to. He was free to continue observing Lydia without being seen, only resorting to acknowledging the Viscount from time to time.
“And as such, there was a spectacular show of approval from the House,” Lord Graham said, beaming. “And what about you? You are surely returned home from the East?”
“I am,” Matthew said after realizing the Viscount had asked him a question. “At my father’s passing, it was necessary for me to return and assume his role at Paxton Hall.”
“Very good, yes, I had heard about your father’s passing. A terrible thing, really. To lose a man who was so full of life, and to such a terrible illness,” Lord Graham replied, his previously jolly demeanor instantly turning to an appropriately somber visage.
“Thank you, My Lord,” Matthew said, turning and giving the speaker his full attention now that such sentiments were exchanged. “I am glad to know that his friends mourned his passing as I was not here to pay him the respect he deserved.”
The pair parted ways after a few more words, then Matthew returned to watching Lydia. Only now, he noted that she was gone, the place where she’d been standing now taken up by a trio of matronly hawks who stood guard over the eligible young hatchlings enjoying their Season.
They’re no doubt watching in order to gossip, Matthew thought rather unkindly.It’s what these vultures do, they lie in wait for the least infraction and then broadcast the violation of the rules to any who would listen.
Stepping out from his hiding place in order to better see Lydia, Matthew nearly collided with his mother. Lady Paxton looked up at him, clearly unnerved by having to acknowledge his stature and age.
“What do you think you’re doing, skulking about in anterooms?” she hissed, her ever-present disapproval catching him off guard.
“Nothing,” Matthew replied sheepishly, aware that his spying on others was hardly acceptable in London society. He cursed himself for already forgetting his earlier vow to not allow his mother to insult him. “I am only looking to see if I know anyone.”
“Of course you know these people, you’re the Earl of Paxton, after all,” Lady Paxton said, reminding him of his earlier statement. “Now stop lingering in doorways and go present yourself to the hosts and the other guests. There are business relationships to forge and a wife to seek. Be quick about it, too.”
His mother turned and continued walking, all but dismissing him. Matthew seethed inwardly, but he refused to let his difficult mother unnerve him. He was at the ball with only one purpose, and it was not business alliances or eligible young ladies.
It was Lydia.
It was undeniable now, no matter how angry he had been at her betrayal, he couldn’t refute the feelings that welled up inside him when he’d seen her in the cemetery. His anger had been fierce but fleeting, and there was nothing to be done now about his earlier behavior. All Matthew could do from this moment was to seek her out and make amends.
Surely the years they’d been friends would still matter to her, even if his disregard in leaving her without so much as a word of explanation was a great insult to her heart.
“Lydia?” Matthew whispered before realizing he’d spoken her name aloud. He looked about to be sure that no one had heard him, then he stepped back into the ballroom.
Matthew looked this way and that, but he found no sign of Lydia. Surely she would be dancing with the other young ladies? But no. He couldn’t find her.
“Ah, there you are,” Matthew muttered, watching as a man he did not know led Lydia to the lines of dancers, her gloved hand perched delicately on top of his.Who’s this arrogant little prat now?
Matthew watched as the partner made a great show of bowing to Lydia at the first notes of the reel. For her part, she curtseyed and smiled up at him, clearly pleased to be dancing with him.
“What was I thinking?” Matthew whispered, alarmed at the thought. He rolled his eyes at how stupid he had been.She hasn’t seen me in eight years, and we were but children when I last was at Bronson Manor. It would be no wonder she has eyes for a man in the ton!
“You there,” Matthew called out to a passing servant bearing a tray of glasses. “I need to know something of a certain young lady here.”
“Of course, My Lord,” the man answered with a faint hint of a smile. After all, these events were practically intended for the young lords and ladies to become acquainted. “How might I be of service?”
“That lady there,” Matthew said, pointing quickly so as not to call attention, “Lady Lydia Reed. Do you know of her?”
“I know the name, My Lord, she has been a guest of Lord Verdurn in the past. What would you like to know?” the man continued, thankfully keeping his voice low.
“Is she yet betrothed? Or even courting?” Matthew asked, still watching Lydia dance with the unknown man.
“I’m sorry, My Lord, that wouldn’t be something I would know,” the servant replied sheepishly, looking somewhat embarrassed by the question.
“Of course not, I apologize to you,” Matthew said genuinely. “Then can you tell me who her dancing partner is?”
“Ah yes, that I can. He is Vincent Antworth, the Viscount of Lockwood,” the servant replied, turning his body slightly so that no one else might be privy to their words. “Worth only a small sum, or so I have heard. Has a particular fondness for cards and drink, and there’s some as say it’s quite an unhealthy fondness.”
“Thank you, you’ve been most helpful,” Matthew said, dropping a few coins on the man’s tray without thinking. He recovered and saw the man’s look of surprise, then said, “There’s more coins in it for you if you can learn anything else of import.”
