The last thing he would allow to happen was for his sister to fall into that trap.
He turned to the women. “I wish that we had more time to be more than mere strangers. Perhaps I might have my name on your dance card and be the first person you dance with tonight?” he asked as though he’d only just thought of it.
Letitia looked at Benedict who frowned, his disapproval obvious to all but Lord Colin who stared at Letitia inappropriately, his gaze roaming up and down the length of her body.
The Dowager Duchess who’d remained silent during the whole exchange discreetly placed her hand on his arm moments before he moved towards the man, stopping him where he stood.
She cast him with a concerned expression that served as a reminder of where he currently stood. Benedict raised a brow at her. He would handle things however she chose to, and nothing else.
“I apologize, Lord Colin, but my first dance has been promised to another,” she said, pointing at him with a charming smile that did nothing to calm him while Lord Colin still stood so close to her.
She looked at him worriedly, a question in her gaze but he shook his head at her.
“Then perhaps I might write my name on your card for the second? It would be quite an honor to have the belle of the ball on my arm. I assure you I would be the envy of all men present,” he said, his eyes gliding over her.
Benedict frowned as his sister’s face pinkened. He could not tell if she was moved by the sweet words and flattery or if she was simply embarrassed by all the attention he was showing her, either way, he was not willing to stand by and find out.
“Lord Colin, I-” he began, ready to send the man away with a warning to stay away when a woman interrupted him.
“Lord Colin, I knew it would not be long before I found you if I simply looked at the ladies in the hall,” she said, her voice sweet and light, although Benedict could have sworn her words had another meaning.
He looked at the woman who had injected herself into their conversation with no warming or forethought.
Is she acquainted with Colin?
His eyes lingered on the mysterious woman as she stared up at an incensed Lord Colin. She was tall and slender, reaching up past his shoulders. Her green eyes shone bright, glinting in the well-lit room. She was dressed in a gold trimmed green gown that matched the green of her eyes. Her hair was a chestnut brown, delicately styled in a curly bun with intricate curls that framed her slender face.
Benedict’s breath caught in his throat as he observed her. The proud tilt of her head, the determined glint in her eyes and the smile on her lips as she focused her gaze on Lord Colin, not looking at any of them, drew him to her.
Her eyes settled on him and he frowned. She did not possess the gaze of an innocent chit who was easily deceived by the cunning of men like Lord Colin, so what could she possibly want with him?
She looked away from him but his gaze remained fixed on her. She stared down Lord Colin. With the raise of a perfectly trimmed brow, she gave Lord Colin a look of silently declared war.
“Ah, Lady Augusta, always a pleasure to see you,” Lord Colin said through gritted teeth. Although his lips spread in a smile, he was unable to mask the clear dislike he had for the woman standing before them.
“Why, thank you. I assure you it is a pleasure for me also. While there’s much you believe the lady can benefit from your acquaintance, I do believe she will fare better if she were perhaps left in more suiting company?” she said innocently, her smile still plastered on her lips.
“Lady Augusta, the lady and her family are dear friends of mine. I do not know what it is you believe to be happening but I only wish to dance with her as a way to help her ingratiate into society. Surely, she will not want to sit out the dance,” he said proudly, shoulders puffing like a peacock.
“Are you saying that she is incapable of filling her dance card without help from you?” she asked him.
“What?” Lord Colin shouted, looking around when his pitch came out louder than intended. He looked at Benedict. “That was not at all what I meant to say. The lady is only misconstruing my words and intentions. I swear on my honor.”
“On your honor? I don’t think it is honorable to blame a lady for your words and actions, Lord Colin,” she said, her eyes glinting as she baited him.
“No, I-”
“I believe it is time you let the family carry on with their business. I’m sure you have someplace else to be?”
“Perhaps you are right,” Lord Colin stuttered, looking embarrassed. “Your Grace, Lady Wenstall, Lady Letitia.”
He bowed, quickly retreating, all the while, her eyes followed him until he was completely out of sight.
Benedict watched the mystery woman with a newfound respect. She’d done so calmly with her presence, what he was planning to do himself, despite being a lady. Her confidence while she navigated the conversation had been even more impressive.
She turned to them, wearing a smile more genuine than earlier. “I apologize for simply barging in on your conversation. I hope you will look kindly on me and forgive me for this.”
“It is quite all right, dear. I do want to hear what your reason is for chasing Lord Colin away however, no matter how polite you may have been, doing so,” the Dowager Duchess responded, a soft smile gracing her lips.
