“Thanks ever so.”
Her smile slipped when she glanced toward Benedict once more and found him studying her with something fond in the soft corners of his eyes.
“Yes,” Henry whispered. “His eyes haven’t left you all evening. Worry is unnecessary.”
“I wasn’t…”
“You were, but you needn’t be. He smiles every time you do. I wanted to tease you a little; give him cause to do so.”
“What?” Her attention shifted to Henry as the dance separated them for another spin. The ladies met in the center.
“Yes,” he added as soon as they joined again. “You should know I’m most disappointed. I was prepared to play the elder brother and defend your honor against a scoundrel who soughtto seduce you. Imagine my disappointment when I found that besotted fool.”
“He’s not…” she protested, even as her lips curled into a smile.
Henry rolled his eyes. “Of course not.” They were separated again for a measure. “I am pleased for you, Lizzie. I will, of course, steal him from your side to the billiards room for a drink and an inquest. I expect to return him to you no worse for wear.”
“Thank you, truly,” she said, curtsying as the dance wrapped. “And thank you for distracting me.”
“Anything for my favorite dance partner,” he said before his gaze flicked behind her. “Soph, may I borrow your partner? I’m in need of a drink.”
“I expect you’ll find him a very distracted companion, but Lizzie and I shall manage without you,” her sister agreed in her usual bell-like notes as she slipped her arm through Eliza’s and left the dance floor.
“Ladies,” Benedict said, his eyes on Eliza. “Are you in need of refreshment before your cousin absconds with me?”
“We’re fine. Off you go.” Sophie said with a dismissive shooing motion as they reached the hall.
He hesitated, gaze searching Eliza. “You should go before they finish the good scotch.”
The pair separated, the men turning into the room where gentlemen had been disappearing to all evening while Sophie dragged her to a room a few doors down.
Eliza found herself in the blessedly empty ladies’ retiring room. Sophie shut the door. Her curls shook as she surveyed the empty room.
“Lizzie…” she whispered, excitement etched in the syllables. “He’s in love with you.”
Eliza had no notion of her sister’s intent when she’d tugged her away, but she wouldn’t have guessed that. “I beg yourpardon?” Try as she might to suppress it, a bubble of hope was growing in her chest.
“Right this moment is the longest his gaze has been off you all evening.”
“Well, that’s hardly?—”
“He didn’t respond to me. All the ways I usually fluster men… nothing. I fluttered my eyelashes, bit my lip, teased him—I even brushed imaginary dust off my décolleté. He didn’t even notice.”
“You… you were flirting with Benedict? On purpose?”
“Benedict?” Sophie demanded, her eyebrows hitting her hairline.
“That is not the point.”
“I rather think it is. He has given you leave to use his name?” She gave a little bounce of excitement.
“Do not try to distract me. I am cross with you.”
“You’re cross with me, but why ever for?”
“You were flirting with my… with Sinclair.”
“I wasn’t. I tried, but he would not flirt back. Because he has feelings foryou. I was merely ensuring that his eye wasn’t inclined to wander.”
