He caught his name in their hushed conversations filled with speculations about what might have led to the termination of his engagement. They eagerly awaited any morsel of new information to either affirm their suspicions or alter their opinions.
None of them had ever mustered the courage to say anything to his face, even though he hadn't concealed himself from their judgmental gazes, as he had been advised to do within the confines of his home. Their opinions held no significance for him, and he had no intention of suddenly granting them his respect.
Benedict had no interest in validating their assumptions. His concern was solely for his sister. He observed her now, engaged in lively conversation with their mother. Her hands gestured animatedly, excitement sparkled in her eyes, and her words paused ever so often, creating smiles that played on her lips.
She was happy and he would do anything to keep her so. He would be damned if he let the mistakes he made and the selfishness of another affect his sister’s prospects. Choosing to ignore the whispers of the ton, he focused instead on the two women in his life, giving them his full attention.
“Oh, I do hope my dance card will be full. I’ve always wanted to dance all of it at a ball,” she said with excitement, her eyes roaming around the room as she took it all in.
“You have danced all of this with me. Shouldn’t that be enough for you?” he asked, his playful grin erasing the seriousness from his face.
“Ah, but that is quite different from dancing at the ball. I did not practice so much just to only dance at home with you, dear brother. Besides, it’s my first night introduced into High Society. I should be allowed some fun,” she said, batting her lashes innocently.
Benedict shook his head at her antics, although glad. He knew what she was trying to do. Letitia had always been the person he was closest to, which meant she knew him even when he was trying to mask his emotions. While he could often conceal his feelings from others, it was a rarity with her.
That aside, she was right. He should be the one to help her in this new journey into High Society and the marriage mart.
“You’re right, of course, my lady. I cannot rob you of an eventful first night. I do apologize for speaking out of turn,” he said, executing a bow with a flourish.
Letitia laughed and rolled her eyes at him when he glanced up at her. Her eyes held sadness for him, but he knew she was happy to see him being more light-hearted after the terrible hand he was dealt.
“Away with you two then. Perhaps I can get a moment’s peace. I have not had to chaperone at a ball before,” The Dowager Duchess teased, eyes glinting.
“You jest, Mama. I know you will miss me and wish that I return, the moment I go off to dance,” Letitia scoffed, quite unladylike but she was not chastised.
Benedict adjusted his expression, donning a scowl as he heard footsteps approaching their direction. He watched as Colin Dunn approached them. Much in his usual fashion, he was dressed in a dark red coat, blue pants, and a long blue hat.
“Your Grace,” he bowed, taking off the hat to show luscious long blonde hair tied at the ends and falling down his back.
Benedict refrained from rolling his eyes. The man was more interested in himself than he was in others. Which begged the question of why he was currently standing in front of him.
“Lord Colin, how do you fare?” Benedict inquired, his voice taking on a gravelly tone that had been notably absent during his earlier light-hearted banter with his sister.
Her eyes cut to him; a look of curiosity painted on them, but he shook his head discreetly.
“I am quite alright, Your Grace. It’s refreshing to see you in a gathering like this, especially after what happened. You were the last man I expected to see here, though I’m glad you graced us with your presence,” he chattered away, as per his usual manner, seemingly more absorbed in his own words than their impact on others.
“Yes, I am sure it is. It is my sister’s introduction into High Society, and I would not miss it for the world,” he said, gesturing towards Letitia although he wished he did not have to.
“Ah, Lady Wenstall, I heartily welcome you,” he said, a smile forming on his face. “I am Lord Colin, readily at your disposal.”
“Thank you, Lord Colin. I will be certain to remember that,” she said with a smile.
Benedict scowled as he observed the instant change that took hold of his expression. Lord Colin’s reputation was well beyond him, and he would not be getting anywhere close to his sister were it not for propriety.
The last thing Benedict needed was to cause a scene that would cause the eyes of the ton to focus on his sister as well. Still, he had no plans of letting Lord Colin anywhere near her.
“Forgive me for not sending a letter or paying you a call when I heard the news of your broken engagement,” Lord Colin apologized although his eyes constantly wandered to Letitia, never staying on him for longer than two seconds.
“I simply believed that it was best to let you be at peace in the comforts of your home, with your family,” he continued.
Benedict did not believe the excuses the man made. Although he had not always been the friendliest of people, members of the ton avoided him like the plague ever since the event that happened.
“Yes, I must thank you for your consideration,” he said simply, ready to be done with the conversation. Lord Colin did not appear to be interested in a conversation with him either as his eyes were completely focused on Letitia.
He frowned when her cheeks pinkened from the attention he was showing her. She raised her fan to her face, a look of excitement in her gaze.
Perhaps his mother was wrong after all. While Letitia was always eager to do as she pleased, paying no mind to the rules, she had not yet come to know men like Lord Colin who lay in wait for innocent young ladies they could deceive with their charms and empty words until they got what they wanted.
