“You’re beautiful,” he said, sounding as if the admission was causing him pain.
“So are you.”
He snorted. “Men are not beautiful, Duchess. Handsome, yes, even pleasing, but beautiful, no.”
“The music has finished, your Graces.”
“Eva looked into the smiling face of the lady who was walking past them with her partner.
“Thank you, Lady Tilbury.”
“Is something wrong, Daniel?” Eva questioned as she noted he was now scowling.
“Come, Duchess.” He did not answer her question, instead grabbing her hand and towing her from the dance floor. They did not stop until Claire stood before them.
“Good evening, Daniel, Eva.”
“I shall leave my wife in your hands, Claire.”
“You’re leaving?” Eva hadn’t meant her words to sound desperate, but the thought of being in this room filled with strangers, without him at her side, was daunting.
“I will return for the second waltz, Duchess.”
“Of course.” Eva straightened her shoulders. “I shall be fine here with Claire.” That sounded better, stronger, as if she was in control and not quaking with nerves inside.
He gave her a last, intent look before walking way.
“You look beautiful, Eva.” Claire took her hands, holding them wide. “It is a far cry from the dress I first saw you in.”
“‘Not quite the thing’, I believe you said.” Eva remembered that day clearly, because after Claire left, she had been attacked by Gilbert Huxley. Was he here? She hoped not.
Thinking of Lord Huxley brought her father to mind. How could she have given him Daniel’s grandfather’s ring? Dear Lord, what would her husband think of her if ever he found out? It had been desperation that had made her hand it to Bartholomew. She’d had nothing else to give at such short notice. If pushed by Daniel to hand it back, she could say she had lost it or it had slipped off her finger. She hated betraying him now, when they seemed to be bridging the gaps that had kept them distant from each other, yet she had to if she was to keep both he and Reggie safe.
CHAPTER TEN
“Two of the most beautiful woman in the room and standing together. I am blessed, indeed.”
“Simon, how are you this evening?” Eva placed her hand in his as he joined them. He looked handsome with his silver hair and black evening jacket.
“Very well, your Grace. Good evening, Miss Belmont,” he added.
“Lord Kelkirk.” Claire sank into a curtsy with great reluctance.
“Will you dance with me soon, Eva?”
“I would love to.”
“And you, Miss Belmont, would you dance with me also?”
“My card is full, Lord Kelkirk.”
Eva watched his mouth draw into a thin line before he relaxed once more. “I shall return for you shortly, Eva.”
“That man is insufferably rude,” Claire snapped, glaring at Lord Kelkirk’s retreating back.
“Simon? Surely not. I think he is one of kindest gentleman I know,” Eva stated. “Not that I know many gentlemen, but he has always been so lovely to me, Claire.”
Claire didn’t speak straight away, her eyes on Simon’s retreating back. She looked pretty in soft apple blossom, her hair pinned into place with tiny diamond pins that sparkled as they caught the candlelight. “I am sorry, Eva. It is just that I…he seems to annoy me for some reason that I cannot identify.”
