And, had he been able, then it would have been Miss Beatrice Williams on his arm.
2
Beatrice looked about the ballroom, her head spinning. This year, she was not making her debut at the very least, but all the same, the sheer number of ladies and gentlemen present was quite overpowering.
“You are not going to faint, are you?”
Glancing up at her brother and realizing just how tightly she was holding onto his arm, Beatrice released him just a little. “No, of course not.”
“You have gone a little pale.”
Swallowing, Beatrice lifted her chin. “It is only that the sound came at me in a rush. I am quite all right now.”
“Good.” He sighed and then smiled at her. “You and I both share the same requirement, do we not?”
Beatrice nodded, her throat squeezing. “Yes, we do.”
“Mother is not here to berate or encourage us as she was last Season and thus, we must do what we can for each other,” Lord Warwickshire said, a hesitancy in his voice. “If you see any young lady that you think suitable, then you can inform me of her name and make an introduction. Should I come upon an excellent gentleman, then I shall do the same for you.”
“Though he must be handsome,” Beatrice quipped, trying to find some happiness in this moment. “I shall not have a plain fellow for a husband.”
At this, Lord Warwickshire laughed so loudly that one or two other guests looked back at them both, making her face flame. Her brother did not appear to notice, however, setting his hand on hers and patting it gently. “I will make certain of it,” he replied, leaning down just a little. “And for your part, I favor young ladies with golden curls that remind me of the sun as it begins to dim low in the day.”
Beatrice smiled back at him, her own nervousness still lingering. “I shall do my very best, brother.”
“Good. Then come, let us go and find at leastoneof my acquaintances, so I can introduce you and have at least one dance filled!”
Despite her own nervousness flooding her, Beatrice walked alongside her brother with as much confidence as she could muster. Last Season had gone very well indeed, but Beatrice had made it quite plain to both her mother and her brother that she had no intention of marrying during that time. Neither of them had any particular concern in that regard, and thus, she had been able to try and enjoy the Season as best she could. This time, however, the responsibility upon her shoulders was all the greater, and she felt the weight of it keenly.
And, despite her attempts to forget him, the gentleman who had kissed her for the very first time lingered in the back of her mind, just as he had done for the last eighteen months.
“You must try to smile, Beatrice,” her brother murmured, out of the corner of his mouth. “You will appear a good deal happier if you do… and certainly will look less fearful!”
“I am not afraid!” Beatrice exclaimed, only to blush as one or two heads turned in her direction. There was no fear in her heart, but certainly a good amount of nervousness; she was notafraid to admit that! It was quite something to step back into society, knowing full well that this time, she was to try and find herself a good match. A match that would last her lifetime, a match that would change her situation entirely, for she would be mistress of her own home instead of living under her brother’s authority. Not that her brother was in any way cruel or the like, of course, though he could be a little frustrating in his manner at times.
“Then if you are not afraid, smile,” he instructed, only to lift his head and call out the name of someone that Beatrice did not recognize.
“Lord Kingsley, good evening! How good it is to see you again.”
“Lord Warwickshire!” Lord Kingsley, a gentleman with a shock of fair hair and clear blue eyes, smiled warmly and then shook Lord Warwickshire’s hand. “How excellent it is to see you again. You are in London for the Season, then?”
“I am indeed. Might I introduce my sister to you?”
Beatrice dropped into what she thought was a near-perfect curtsy as her brother made the introductions. She smiled as best she could and accepted the warm compliments given her by Lord Kingsley, returning them with one of her own.
“It is always delightful to make new acquaintances,” she said, as her brother looked on approvingly. “Might I ask if you have been in London some weeks already, Lord Kingsley?”
He shook his head. “No, I have just arrived. It has only been two days since my return to London, but I could hardly wait to throw myself back into all that society offers!” His eyes brightened, but it was not from the conversation, his gaze went over Beatrice’s shoulder. “Ah, another good acquaintance of mine – Lord Dorset! Good evening to you!”
Quite surprised that Lord Kingsley would think it suitable for him to shout in such a loud manner, Beatrice remained preciselywhere she was and did not turn her head to see who it was he spoke with, making sure to wipe all astonishment from her expression.
“Another acquaintance,” her brother murmured, as the gentleman drew near. “Be sure to speak well, now.”
Beatrice wanted to roll her eyes and tell her brother that she knew how to act very well indeed, but there was no time. Lord Kingsley welcomed Lord Dorset to their conversation, though, to Beatrice’s interest, he brought two ladies with him.
“There will need to be introductions all around!” Lord Kingsley laughed, looking at the second young lady. “I am afraid that, whilst I am acquainted with your wife, I do not know this charming young lady.”
Throwing a quick, sharp glance towards her brother – one that told him she did not need to linger long with this new gentleman given that he was already wed – Beatrice put a smile on her face again and waited for the full introductions to be made.
