“Why would I dance with her?”
“She’s on your aunts’ list, so the least you can do is appease them by showing interest.” Jamie was smirking now.
“Very amusing.”
“And there is that mutual love of archery you both share,” his friend continued.
“Shut up, Jamie.”
“I have danced with her, as has Toby,” Jamie added.
He knew that, because he’d seen them.
“I fear all is not well with Miss Spencer,” Jamie continued. “She barely spoke a word, and to me looked pale and nervous.”
“And you know her character well enough to know that’s not normal?” Anthony mocked his friend, while searching for Miss Spencer before he could stop himself. He located her sister in a gaggle of men and women, but not her.
“I am an excellent judge of character,” Jamie said. “Ask anyone.”
“Your sisters don’t count.”
“I asked Miss Spencer if she was well, and she assured me she was—”
“There you are then.”
“Cavendish danced with her before me, and I think it was he who upset her.”
Just the mention of that man’s name made him tense. He remembered the conversation about Miss Spencer they’d had while gambling last week.
“I met him in a gambling hell a few nights ago.”
“Cavendish?” Jamie asked.
Nodding, Anthony went on to explain. “Do you know a Frenchman called Mr. Renee?”
“I don’t believe so. Why?”
“He was gambling also, and then Cavendish joined us. He warned me to stay away from Miss Spencer. From what I gather, he has decided she will be his future wife. Once he’s broken her spirit, that is.”
“Dear God, the poor woman. Let’s just hope she doesn’t have to accept anything he offers. But then there was that rumor about her family’s circumstances, so perhaps she will,” Jamie added.
“You need to warn her away from him,” Anthony said.
“I thought you and she disliked each other?”
“We do, but I would not wish my worst enemy to endure what Cavendish will do to her. Plus, thwarting him—”
“Enough said. I will see what I can do.” Jamie walked away.
Miss Spencer was no match for someone as evil as Cavendish. He’d done the right thing in asking Jamie to warn her.
Feeling restless, Anthony left the ballroom and walked with no particular destination in mind. Reaching stairs, he descended.
“May I be of assistance?” The Bailey butler appeared.
“What’s through there?” Anthony pointed behind the man to where there were two large double doors.
“Lord Bailey’s exotic plants, Lord Hamilton.”
