He frowned at her overt annoyance. “Do what?”
“Flexing your arm.” She tugged at her hand and it came free at last, but she lost her glove in the process.
The pressure left him and he handed her the glove, heat from embarrassment rushing up his neck. He hadn’t realized he was so edgy about the entire affair. He exhaled. The last time he had given into his baser needs over a woman, it had ended in disaster.
He was older now, but apparently no wiser, because as much as he wanted distance, he wanted to be with her more.
Chapter Thirteen
The ballroom was alive with activity, the warmth in direct contrast to the coolness of the garden. Randell’s guests were enjoying all their host offered. The music was exceptional, and the couples took to the dance floor as a country dance began. She doubted anyone present had any idea the elaborate event was possible because of their host’s illegal activities. Many in the aristocracy indulged in duty free goods, even her own father.
Lady Collette stood in conversation with Sophia. As usual, Langdon’s sister had her hair styled in a severe bun, her blond hair unadorned. The stark white dress covered her from head to foot and was ill-fitting. To the uninformed, she looked more like Lady Colette’s companion than her daughter. Both of their faces lit up at the sight of Elizabeth and Langdon. Sophia’s entire being transformed, revealing a hint of the beauty beneath the austerity.
“There you are.” Lady Colette inspected Elizabeth with an inquisitive sweep of her person.
She curled her fingers into her gloved hand and suppressed the need to check her hair to see if it was awry. Langdon had tangled his fingers in the thickness as he kissed her until she could hardly think of anything but the feel of his lips.
A flush stole up her cheeks. The man walking quietly beside her was no less noticeable to her scrambled mind. If Cane had come a few steps closer, he would have discovered them in the study. The knowledge damped her enthusiasm, but nothing could stop the tingling of awareness he had on her every waking thought.
“Mrs. Adare, Sophia and I were just discussing your absence. I see my son has taken good care of you,” Lady Collette said.
“He had been very solicitous after he found me wandering the halls.” A lie, pure and simple. He had been surly until she called him on it. Then his mood turned seductive. She whipped out her fan and cooled her heated face. Langdon annoying was, well annoying; Langdon amorous curled her toes in her borrowed slippers.
Langdon brought a hand to his mouth and coughed, the light of amusement in his gaze.
The stuffiness in the room seemed to intensify. “The hem of my dress tore. The maid in the ladies’ retiring room sewed it up in a thrice, and after I left I became hopelessly lost.”
“The house is quite large. That is a very becoming gown. It is difficult to stand out amongst this sea of white.” Lady Collette gave Elizabeth the once-over, a sparkle in her own eyes. “Doesn’t she look lovely, Simon?”
The older woman was shameless in her matchmaking. Elizabeth hardly took affront, however. To the outside observer, the attention Langdon showed her would draw the conclusion that something existed between them. Since they were both respectable members of the aristocracy, there would be speculation. The fact she was a widow would bring about its own connotations.
“Very lovely,” Langdon said with a brief nod. He didn’t look at Elizabeth, however. “As are all three of you ladies. Excuse me while I fetch some refreshments. I find myself quite parched and I am certain Mrs. Adare could use something to bolster her constitution after her adventure.”
“Indeed.” A glass of sherry would be just the thing. She was more rattled than she cared to admit after the events that transpired in Randell study. Randell had the combination memorized and the documents she had wished to see were in the safe. Sadly, they were no longer available to her. Langdon claimed they were of no value, but Elizabeth was dying to see what information they contained. Perhaps a trip to Pike’s office was in order.
“My son also looks rather dashing this evening,” Lady Collette hinted broadly to Elizabeth the minute he walked away.
Elizabeth fought the flush burning her cheeks and offered a tight smile. If the lady only knew the truth about their relationship, she might act differently toward Elizabeth. “His attire is impeccable.”
“Indeed, my son is the handsomest of men. But I am afraid he is overshadowed by his brothers.” Lady Collette sighed and shook her head at the unfairness of it.
“He is not the only Beaumont overshadowed by their sibling,” Sophia said, fiddling with the handle of her fan. “Simon and I are the less exquisite of us siblings. Aimee has been dubbed the Angel by society and with good reason. While my sister and I often disagree, as sisters are wont to do, there is no denying her beauty.”
“Although your siblings are indeed the picture of perfection, you’re forgetting the fine traits you possess. Your eyes for instance. They shine with an inner light which speaks of your kindness and fortitude. And like Langdon, your wit and humor are most refreshing. You may think yourself plain, Miss Beaumont, but I assure you, kindness is a better attribute then physical beauty.”
