‘Rainton!’ A loud voice boomed in his ear before he could reciprocate. ‘I didn’t expect to see you in London again this season.’
‘Archibald.’ He turned to shake his old school friend’s hand. ‘Neither did I, but it was a last-minute decision.’
‘How are you?’ Archibald lowered his voice, a mass of shaggy blond hair falling forward into his eyes. ‘I never got a chance to say how sorry I was about what happened. Damned shame to be caught like that.’
‘Caught?’ Leo feigned an expression of surprise, as a new idea occurred to him. Since there were obviously plenty of rumours already circulating about him and Florence, why not start another? There was nothing Archibald enjoyed more than spreading gossip.
‘Yes. You and that companion in the library. I heard she lured you there with some story about a message.’
‘You’ve been listening to the Wadlows.’ He took a casual sip of champagne. ‘There was no trap and if there was any luring, it was entirely my idea. Their daughter might have been the sensible choice, but when it came to it, my heart overruled my head.’
‘What?’ Archibald gave him a double look. ‘You mean, you and the companion…?’
‘I admit, I behaved badly, playing court to one woman whilst conducting a secret liaison with the other, but I couldn’t resist. Only things had gone so far with Miss Wadlow…’ He lowered his voice, as if he was sharing a confidence. ‘Causing a scandal seemed the only way out.’
‘Why, you old cad, I didn’t think you had it in you!’ Archibald sounded gleeful. ‘They said you were trapped by a scheming fortune hunter. Paltrow and the Malverns and Lady Lansbury as well. They witnessed the whole thing, didn’t they?’
Leo snorted, adopting a cynical expression. ‘No doubt the Wadlows resented the fact that I preferred the companion to their daughter. As for the others…perhaps they simply misunderstood the situation?’
‘Well, I have to say I’m relieved. I’ve been afraid to go anywhere near a library for weeks in case any other ladies get ideas.’ Archibald grinned. ‘Married life isn’t so bad, then?’
‘Not at all. I’m perfectly content with my choice of bride, thank you.’ Leo took another sip of champagne, surprised by how true the words felt.
‘Then perhaps you’ll do me the honour of an introduction?’ Archibald nudged him with his elbow as the dance ended and George escorted Florence over to join them.
‘Of course.’ Leo advanced to meet them, reaching for her hand and pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles. ‘Florence, this is Mr Archibald Thornton, an old friend. Archibald, my wife, Lady Rainton.’
‘Oh.’ Her eyes widened at the attention, though she recovered quickly. ‘Good evening, Mr Thornton.’
‘Delighted to meet you.’ Archibald managed to bow and tap the side of his nose at the same time. ‘Your husband’s just been setting me straight about a few things. Well played.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘I’ll explain later.’ Leo tightened his grip on her fingers, reluctant to share her with any other man a moment longer. ‘I believe the next dance is a cotillion. Shall we?’
‘Dancing twice with your own wife?’ Archibald waggled his eyebrows. ‘You really have fallen hard. Lady Rainton, good evening.’
‘What was all that about?’ Florence watched him go with a quizzical expression.
‘More gossip, I’m afraid, although it should work in our favour this time.’ Leo repressed a smile. If he wasn’t mistaken, Archibald had already found a group of people to share his news with. Whether they believed it or not, at least he’d added an element of doubt.
‘I’d say tonight was a triumph, wouldn’t you?’ Cassie declared as they climbed into their carriage at four o’clock the next morning. ‘I had a marvellous time. And I made a point of telling everyone how wonderfully happy you are, so hopefully that should put a stop to any more rumours.’
‘Thank you.’ Florence smiled. ‘We could never have done it without you.’
‘Well, obviously, but it’s nice to hear.’ Cassie twisted her gaze towards Leo. ‘Some people might say I was right and that attending a ball was the smart thing to do.’
‘Some people might.’ He paused. ‘And I would have to agree with them.’
‘Good!’
He chuckled as his sister laid her head on George’s shoulder and gave a self-satisfied sigh. The whole evening had gone much better than he’d anticipated. There had only been one strange moment, when he’d caught sight of Hugh Vaughan, Major Vaughan’s older brother, during supper. He didn’t know the man well, only from his club, but from the way his expression had shifted, turning to one of mild panic, shortly before he’d made his excuses to leave, anyone would have thought he’d been afraid of being challenged to a duel. As if Leo might object to his brother marrying Miss Wadlow. As if he cared in the slightest…
‘Speaking of rumours, I heard a new one tonight.’ George commented, yawning widely.
‘Oh, really?’ Leo lifted an eyebrow.
‘Yes. From what I gather, the two of you are a love match.’
