Sir Paul laughed. “And it would bemypleasure to introduce you to some people, Campion. Shall we?”
“Of course.” To Lady Brentwood, he bowed. “Until later, madam.”
They left her preening behind her fan. Richard did his duty, greeting everyone Sir Paul introduced him to, but always with one eye on the door. He had deliberately come early, but expected Evangeline and her charge to arrive at a more fashionable hour.
Clemency arrived, Gerhard in tow, and exclaimed in delight when she saw him.
“Oh, youdidcome,” she cried, giving him her hand.
“I told you I would.” He raised a brow. “What made you think I would not?”
She blushed. “You so often don’t! I’m just delighted to see you.”
Richard looked at Gerhard, who gave a tiny shrug. “Would you like some champagne?” he asked his sister.
“Oh, yes,” she said, with an artless glance at Gerhard. The man turned on his heel at once and plowed through the throng toward a footman with a tray of flutes.
“Neatly done,” he said in amusement. “I hope he brings some for me as well.”
She swatted his arm. “Don’t tease me, Richard. Have you seen Lady Courtenay?”
His gaze skimmed once more over the crowd. “Not yet.”
“I believe she and her niece were arriving as we were climbing the steps.”
He barely heard her, scanning the guests more closely. She was here, somewhere, or would be at any moment. He felt as eager as a child on Christmas Eve. “Excellent,” he murmured.
“Richard.” Startled by her tone, he looked at her. She pursed her lips and straightened his cravat. “If I may give you a word of advice... Ask Miss Bennet to dance first. I understand she is not one of the popular young ladies, and it will seem quite heroic in her eyes, and likely in her aunt’s.”
Richard looked at her in surprise. That was an excellent suggestion. “Brilliant thought, Clem. Thank you.”
She flicked something from his sleeve, fussing over him as if he were one of her sons. “And be very gallant when you ask her. Lady Brentwood will have no choice but to approve, but the more regard you show for the proprieties... Well, it may sway the other dragons watching.” She smoothed his lapel and gave it a pat. “Good luck.”
He covered her hand and pressed it. “Thank you.”
Over her shoulder he caught sight of Miss Bennet, who looked decidedly more elegant than usual. Richard had only met her once, but tonight she wore a gleaming gown of gold that gave her a new sophistication. Her face was bright with excitement as she came into the room, and there, a step behind her, was Evangeline.
God above. He stopped breathing for a moment at how beautiful she was. Her gown was deep blue, as if she had planned it as a foil to her niece’s shine. Around her neck and at her ears, he recognized the sapphires he had given her a year ago.
And it hit him that he loved her—he would always love her, only her, and he would never feel complete without her. No other woman had ever moved him, amused him, intrigued him,comforted him, warmed him to the very bottom of his soul the way she did.
Sir Paul interrupted his realization with an inane question, and then Lady Brentwood came over to lead the opening set with him. He smiled and flattered and danced, and finally made his way toward her.
Miss Bennet had been talking with a pair of young ladies, but they left as Richard approached, to his relief. His sister’s suggestion was a good one, even if he could see that Miss Bennet was covertly searching the room—for Burke, no doubt. Richard had spotted the viscount lurking behind a pillar earlier.
He bowed in front of the ladies. “Good evening, Lady Courtenay. Miss Bennet.”
The young lady beamed as she curtsied and returned the greeting. Evangeline gave him a simmering look as she dipped her head.
“You look exceptionally lovely tonight,” he said.
“Did you come over here just to express the obvious?” she said with a smile. “My niece looks magnificent, and I warrant everyone recognizes it.”
He smiled back. From the corner of his eye he saw Miss Bennet blush, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Evangeline. He felt starved for any sight of her. “I recognized it from the most distant corner of the room.” With effort, he turned to her niece. “I wonder if Miss Bennet would do me the compliment of partnering me in the next dance?”
The girl’s eyes went wide. “I would be delighted. Thank you, sir.”
Evangeline sent him a look of adoration that made his heart leap. Richard said another silent thanks to his sister. He led out her niece, and reminded himself to make polite conversation. “Are you enjoying the ball?”
