“Nora,” Farnsworth greeted, placing an affectionate peck on her cheek. “Is Father with you?”
“I am sorry to say, Elizabeth and I came alone. Business kept your father late this evening.” Lady Nora squeezed Elizabeth’s elbow, the gesture somewhat comforting.
“Cousin Elizabeth, I hope your father is well.” He offered her a bow in greeting, his smile cautious.
In all fairness, she couldn’t blame him for being leery. Civility wasn’t her strong suit with him. Perhaps it was time to heal old wounds. Fate had dealt their hands and being rude would change nothing. “He is taciturn as ever.”
A small smile played over his lips at her description. He would have to be a blind man not to see her father for who he truly was, a curmudgeon.
“Oh, Lord Langdon has arrived,” Lady Nora said, her grip tightening as the gentleman stepped before their party, a lady on each arm. “And your sisters. What a pleasure to see you all again. Is Lady Collette with you?”
Elizabeth’s stomach became tied in knots at the sight of him. The unsolicited response added to her growing anxiety. This attraction to him was bordering on the ridiculous.
“She was waylaid and will arrive later. Mr. Farnsworth, Mrs. Adare,” he said, flashing her a white smile. He wore severe black, his blond hair shining gold in the light of a hundred candles. “Please allow me to introduce my sisters, Miss Sophia Beaumont, and Miss Aimee Beaumont.”
Heat chased up Elizabeth’s cheeks at Langdon’s warm regard. She whipped out her fan and waved it before her face, her pulse racing. Why he had this kind of effect on her was perplexing. “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Mr. Farnsworth, I daresay I have misplaced my dance partner,” Aimee said, head angled in a telling manner. Her beauty was undeniable. She looked like a goddess with bouncing white-blond curls. “And I do so love the quadrille.”
Willowy with angled features, Sophia pressed her lips together and glared disapprovingly at her sister’s bold manner. Maybe she was not a pleasant sort like her sister or brother. Elizabeth, herself, was not well liked by the local gentry through no fault of her own. Well, perhaps it was a little bit her fault.
Either Farnsworth didn’t hear her request or ignored it. Aunt Nora had not, however. “It is a pity to allow a young lady to miss a dance. Anthony, dance with Miss Aimee Beaumont.”
Sophia released a soft snort of displeasure at the plea. Was she upset with her sister or with Anthony? Since her arrival, she hadn’t said a single word. She didn’t need to. Distrust was written in her gaze. There was history there; of that Elizabeth was sure.
“Yes, please,” Aimee said, tugging at his sleeve and ignoring her elder sister. With a reluctant grin, Farnsworth allowed her to drag him onto the dance floor.
“He will break her heart,” Sophia said under her breath.
The couple disappeared through the throng, oblivious to her disapproval.
Elizabeth glanced at Langdon to see if he was upset, but he appeared his usual calm self. Perhaps she had imagined Sophia’s dislike. Although given her history with Farnsworth, she understood being annoyed with him. However, he had been nothing but solicitous to her family. The questions would have to wait for later.
“Mrs. Adare, would you care to dance?” Langdon asked, holding out his hand, palm up.
“Yes, she would,” Nora said before Elizabeth responded.
Terror rushed through her at the thought of dancing in front of so many. Even now, she could feel a hundred sets of eyes on her, whether real or imagined. “I can’t leave you and Miss Beaumont, Aunt Nora, it would be rude.”
“Nonsense. You mustn’t worry about us. I will see Miss Beaumont finds an acceptable partner. Now run along.” She waved them in the general direction of the dance floor with one gloved hand. Sophia merely stood stiff next to her, looking none too pleased.
“I believe we have been dismissed.” Langdon placed her hand on his forearm and dodged another couple coming their direction.
Lord Nattering crossed their path. He licked his lips at the sight of Elizabeth, admiration in his regard. “Mrs. Adare. A rose by any other name...”
“Yes, thank you, my lord.” She tugged Langdon forward, needing to escape from more of his ridiculous comments. “Oh dear. That silly Nattering is most persistent.”
Langdon grinned at her observation. “While Nattering is, as you say, silly, he is considered quite sought after by the young ladies. Or so my sisters inform me.”
“Your sisters seem very nice.” It had been her greatest wish to have siblings, but alas, they had all died. Like her own unborn child.
“I have three sisters, to be exact. And two brothers as well,” he proudly informed her, moving to the edge of the dance floor. He turned to her, but she shook her head and backed away in panic.
“Langdon, I don’t wish to dance.”
“While I am not the most fleet of foot, I assure you I won’t step on your toes if that is your concern.”
She smiled slightly at his teasing. “Despite your protests, I have no doubt you’re a skilled dancer, but alas I am not. My leg...” she trailed off, unsure if it was proper to tell him about something so personal.
