Chapter Thirteen
Grace bit back a smile of anticipation as they arrived at the Morris ball that evening. She hadn’t said much to Samantha by way of her new acquaintance, but had implied that she was excited for the evening. She was sure that Samantha and the viscount would be watching with interest, but she didn’t concern herself with it.
The Morris estate was a beautiful residence on Park Lane, with great stone pillars guarding the entrance. The grandeur of the entrance was built upon by the high-rising balcony overlooking the beautiful ballroom of their residence. It was a well-attended party, and Grace heard Samantha mention “crush” to describe it. It was an accurate representation of the collection of people, but rather than feel suffocated, she was too excited as she looked for a particular individual. The music floated through the air while footmen in scarlet offered lemonade to those who forwent the current dance.
Lord Wiltmen approached their party and asked for the next dance. Grace could feel Samantha’s scrutiny, probably wondering if this were the gentleman who had caught her fancy. Grace ignored her attention and graciously accepted Lord Wiltmen’s invitation. He gave a crisp bow and promised to return.
When Grace turned to Samantha, her eyebrows raised in silent question. Grace gave a definitive shake of her head and lifted a glass of lemonade from the passing footman’s tray.
“Would it be unforgivable for me to say I’m quite exhausted with the London scene?” the viscount commented quietly to his wife, but Grace overheard and gave a slight grin.
“Yes.” Samantha replied succinctly. “Especially here.” She gave a slightly arched brow expression. “You may seek refuge in your sanctuary later on.” She gave shake to her head as she smiled.
Grace bit back a grin. She’d often wished to know more about the mentioned “sanctuary,” but hadn’t been able to learn much. All she knew was that it was a place of business of some sort, and that it brought the viscount back early in the morning. When she asked Samantha, she was given a very short, curt answer.
Which had to mean it was scandalous or off limits. But she couldn’t imagine anything too scandalous since Lord Ramsey was involved. Wasn’t he utterly terrified of scandal?
And for good reason.
If half of what happened to him had plagued her, she would be terrified it of it as well.
The music ended and the musicians paused before beginning once again. Grace turned to find Lord Wiltmen approaching. He offered his arm, which she accepted, and they were off to the dance floor.
It was the cotillion, which was one of her more graceful dances, and belatedly she felt a shiver of apprehension. What if Lord Westhouse requested a waltz? Good Lord, she’d be forced to warn him to watch his feet. It was only the kind thing to do, wasn’t it? But it was humiliating, too. Just the thought made her stumble on the turn for the current dance.
The cotillion made conversation difficult, but to Lord Wiltmen’s credit, he tried to engage her as much as possible. He was a kind man, but there wasn’t any spark that set her to seeking further acquaintance. And when the dance ended, he took her back to the viscount and then took his leave.
“He’s a nice gentleman.” Samantha remarked, watching him leave.
“Yes.” Grace couldn’t deny it.
She waited for Samantha’s reply, but instead was met by silence. As she turned to her friend, her attention was engaged just over Grace’s shoulder. A shiver of awareness tickled down her spine, and before she could identity it, a somewhat familiar voice spoke her name.
“Ah, Miss Grace, what a pleasure to see you again.”
Grace couldn’t restrain her grin, but tried to at least temper it before she turned and met the engaging blue gaze of Lord Westhouse. “A pleasure to see you as well. I had no idea you’d be here!” she teased, then laughed softly,
“Imagine that!” he played along. “I do love to surprise unsuspecting ladies.”
“You’re all charm and delight, Lord Westhouse,” Grace remarked, her breath catching as he reached out to grasp her hand and kiss it. His blue eyes searched hers, and breathlessness overcame her.
A gentle touch at her back made Grace remember her place, and she slowly withdrew her hand and turned enough to allow for introductions. After swallowing back her response to Lord Westhouse, she turned to meet Samantha’s inquiring gaze.
“Lady Kilpatrick, allow me to introduce you to Lord Westhouse.” Grace stepped back slightly to allow for a better situation.
Samantha offered her hand and Lord Westhouse bowed over it, then released her.
Grace fancied that he held her hand much longer, and she hoped that it indicated his interest in her.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Samantha replied. “My husband just departed to speak with a friend. I’ll have to make the introductions later, I’m afraid.”
Grace glanced behind Samantha and noted that the viscount had his back turned to them, speaking to another gentleman, one she didn’t recognize.
But then of course, she didn’t recognize many of the ton.
“I was hoping to collect on one of the dances you promised.” Lord Westhouse turned back to Grace, his smile welcoming.
“Of course, I’d be honored.” Grace replied.Please don’t ask for a waltz!she thought furiously as she forced her expression to remain calm while he continued.
