He noticed that she had relaxed her demeanor around him and answered her smile with his own.
“You’re in trouble now,” she warned.
When the kitten hopped down, he saw Beast trotting toward the guests. His cousin Juliette was approaching, and Lily offered, “I’ll go and get him before he’s trampled.” She excused herself and hurried after the animal before their hostess could greet her.
His cousin met his gaze with a warm smile, oblivious to the kitten. “It was so good of you to come this evening, Matthew. We haven’t seen enough of you as of late.” He tried to manage a smile, and she teased, “I am certain my aunt Charlotte had to drag you here, didn’t she?”
“Indeed.” He narrowed a glance at Lily, who was following the kitten as he moved toward the center of the ballroom. She looked ready to pick up her skirts and pursue the animal but wastrying not to be too obvious. Instead, she walked slowly toward the kitten, as it disappeared behind the guests.
“Well, I intend to steal you away for a moment.” Juliette linked her hand in his arm and brought him over toward several young ladies. Matthew sent Lily a silent plea for help, and she nodded, her gaze turned downward to search the floor for the kitten.
He could only imagine the horrified screams, if Beast happened to attack the skirts of any young ladies. Though the animal was quite a handsome feline, the element of surprise would make any woman screech.
“Are you feeling better?” Lady Falsham asked, in all seriousness. Her green eyes held concern, and she added, “Your wounds seem to be healing.”
“They are.” He glanced back toward Lily, who was standing still in the middle of the ballroom. From her posture, it appeared that she’d trapped the kitten beneath her skirts.
“And what of Lady Lily?” his cousin prompted. “Have you renewed your friendship?”
“We have,” he said, though he didn’t know if Lily was still frightened of him. At the moment, he was grateful that she was trying to prevent the Beast from being trod upon. When he glanced back at her, he saw that her face was flushed. People were beginning to stare, for she was standing in the middle of the room for no apparent reason.
“That’s good,” Lady Falsham said. “Her grandmother hopes that she will marry. I know Lady Wolcroft has her heart set upon Lord Davonshire, but I think you might have a chance at Lily, if you gave her a reason to hope.”
An older gentleman had caught sight of her and was approaching now. Matthew saw no choice but to rescue her swiftly. “An excellent idea, Cousin. In fact, I believe Lady Lily promised me the next dance. If you will excuse me.” He bowed, not giving her the chance to stop him.
The older man approaching Lily was portly, and he lifted his hand to her in a wave. It was Lord Tyson, a widower who had fourteen grandchildren at last count.
Matthew saw the amused looks on the faces of the bystanders, and he crossed to Lily’s side quickly before the gentleman could reach her.
“The Beast is under my skirts,” she said. “I can’t move or he’ll escape.”
“What do you want to do?” Matthew couldn’t exactly kneel down and peer under her gown to find the creature.
“Pretend as if we are in a conversation, and I’ll crouch a little lower to keep him from escaping. With any luck, he’ll stay imprisoned by my petticoats.”
“Lady Lily!” Lord Tyson smiled broadly as he reached them. “You look simply beautiful this evening. I know you must be itching for a dance.”
“Thank you, Lord Tyson, but I intend to sit out the next set.”
His smile didn’t diminish at all, but he withdrew an ear trumpet from his coat pocket. “What was that?”
She raised her voice slightly and answered, “I said I prefer not to dance.”
His face furrowed and he inquired again, “What did you say?”
This was getting out of hand. Matthew took Lily’s arm, and said, “I am escorting the lady back to her mother, Lord Tyson.”
“Whatever for?” He appeared genuinely puzzled.
“Please excuse me, Lord Tyson.” Lily crouched down in a mock curtsy and kept her skirts trailing along the ballroom floor.
“I am in need of a wife, you know!” he called out. But she pretended not to hear him, shuffling across the floor.
Matthew led her away and inquired, “How long have you known this man?”
“I met him two days ago.” She placed her hand in the crook of his arm, trying to hurry him along. “Let us go to the terrace, and then I’ll lift my skirts for you.”
He couldn’t stop his smile at her remark. “That sounds scandalous, Lady Lily.”
