“Privacy. Yes, that would explain why no physician in Bath has heard of him either.” The woman’s smile could have curdled cream. “My nephew is studying medicine there, you see. He made inquiries when I expressed concern for dear Lord Sulton’s health.”
Louise’s fingers tightened on her fan. Behind Lady Tupperton, she could see the punch bowl that had been her destination, as unreachable as the moon.
“How thoughtful of your nephew.”
“Isn’t it? He’s terribly thorough.” Lady Tupperton leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper that somehow carried to everyone within ten feet. “Some people, unkind people naturally, have suggested that Lord Sulton isn’t in Bath at all. I’ve heard some people whisper that he’s not in England, even.”
“People do love to speculate, my lady.” Louise kept her voice steady through sheer force of will.
“Oh, but this goes beyond speculation. There are rumors of gambling debts.” Lady Tupperton’s eyes glittered with malicious delight. “Someone even suggested he’s involved with criminals. Can you imagine?”
Louise felt the blood drain from her face. Around them, conversations had quieted, everyone pretending not to listen while hanging on every word.
“Of course,” Lady Tupperton continued, her voice rising slightly, “I defended dear Lord Sulton vigorously! But it seems odd that he would abandon his sisters during their time of need. Unless, of course, his absence is not entirely voluntary?”
The implication hung in the air like poison gas.
“My brother is ill, my lady. There’s not much else entertainment to find in this story, I’m afraid,” Louise said.
Lady Tupperton’s eyes still twinkled with curiosity. “Oh, but of course, Lady Louise?—”
“Lady Tupperton. Lady Louise.”
Aaron stopped directly before them, and Louise nearly sagged with gratitude. He had a smile that would have seemed genuine to anyone who didn’t know him.
“Lady Tupperton, I believe the musicians are beginning a waltz. Would you honor me with this dance?”
The woman’s mouth fell open in shock. Around them, Louise heard several sharp intakes of breath. The Duke of Calborough rarely danced at small gatherings, and certainly not with married women of Lady Tupperton’s age and disposition.
“Your Grace, I … that is … I would be delighted!” Lady Tupperton placed her hand on Aaron’s offered arm, her expression shifting from predatory to preening.
Aaron led her away without so much as glancing at Louise, leaving her standing alone by the punch bowl she no longer wanted. She watched them take their positions on the small dancing area, her chest tight with an emotion she refused to examine too closely.
Lady Harbury appeared at her elbow with the suddenness of a benevolent fairy godmother. “Well, that was unexpected.”
“His Grace is being courteous.” Louise kept her gaze fixed on the dancers, watching Aaron guide Lady Tupperton through the waltz with perfect propriety.
“Courteous.” The Dowager Duchess of Raynsford joined them, her tone suggesting vast amusement. “That’s certainly one word for it.”
“I prefer strategic,” Lady Densham observed, appearing at Louise’s other side. “Lady Tupperton can hardly continue spreading poison about your brother while His Grace honors her with his attention.”
Louise watched Lady Tupperton’s face, which had indeed transformed from sharp speculation to obvious delight at being singled out by a duke. The woman would dine out on this story for months, and any nasty gossip about George would be overshadowed by her triumph.
“Clever boy,” Lady Harbury murmured. “However, someone looks rather put out by his choice of partner.”
Louise realized the older women were all looking at her with knowing expressions. She straightened her spine. “I’m merely surprised. His Grace rarely dances.”
“Mmm.” The Dowager Duchess’s expression conveyed volumes of disbelief. “And it has nothing to do with the fact that he’s dancing with that harpy instead of you?”
Heat flooded Louise’s cheeks. “I’d never expect His Grace to dance with me.”
“Oh, my dear.” Lady Harbury patted her arm with grandmotherly affection. “For someone so intelligent, you can be remarkably obtuse about certain matters.”
The waltz ended before Louise could form a response. She watched Aaron bow to Lady Tupperton, who clutched his arm as if reluctant to release her prize. He said something that made her giggle like a debutante, then smoothly extracted himself.
Instead of returning to his previous position, he walked directly toward Louise and her companions.
“Ladies.” He bowed to the dowagers with genuine warmth. “You’re looking formidable this evening.”
