“I have no wish to be nice,” he drawled. “I much prefer being bad.” The smile accompanying those words could only be termed wicked, and she itched to slap it from his face.
She bared her teeth at him.
“Wonderful,” Prue said rising. “The performance is finished, and the dancing shall begin. Come, sister, let us take some refreshments first.”
Prue tugged her arm, and she was soon following the other guests out of their row and leaving that hideous man behind.
“We are walking a thin line in society, Evie, as you are aware. Do you think it wise to start an argument with Lord Hamilton, who with a single word could destroy both our reputations?”
“He is vile and obnoxious.” Evie looked at her sister, who was rarely angry, but clearly was now.
“He is terrifying, and his reputation is blacker than midnight. Therefore, stay away from him, as he would not hesitate to ruin you, and ultimately us,” Prue said. “Besides, it’s not like you even know the man.”
Not quite true. In fact, they’d already shared several terse words when they’d collided on her first night in society. Ever since then, until tonight, she’d kept away from him… well, at least as Miss Spencer she had.
“Miss Spencer, how lovely to see you again.”
“Lady Petunia,” Evie said with a genuine smile at the elderly woman before her. They’d met two nights ago and chatted over a plate of supper. The woman had a lively mind and wicked humor, and a forthright nature. Unfortunately, she was also Lord Hamilton’s aunt, which could not be easy considering his reputation.
“Did you enjoy the performance?” Lady Petunia asked. The words were fired at her like hail on a windowpane. Perhaps there were some similarities between her and her nephew after all. “I saw you were seated beside my nephew.”
Evie nodded. She would say nothing further because no good could come of insulting the man who shared Lady Petunia’s blood.
“We loved it,” Prue said before Evie could speak.
“Miss Spencer, would you allow me this dance?”
She hid the need to flee at the deep words. Instead, she smiled up at Lord Cavendish.
“Lady Petunia, Miss Prudence Spencer, if you will excuse us,” he then said, before Evie had agreed to dance with him.
Hand forced, she followed him to the floor. Looking over her shoulder she saw the frown on Lady Petunia’s face and wondered what had put it there?
At least it was not to be a waltz, so she could put some distance between herself and Lord Cavendish. Since entering society, he’d sought her out constantly, and she felt uncomfortable around him. What she couldn’t work out was why she had found favor with him when there were plenty of other prettier woman who were younger, titled. Plus, they had dowries, which she did not.
“I would like to call upon you and take you driving, Miss Spencer,” he said when the music had started, and they were dancing. “There is also a picnic I will accompany both you and your sister to.”
“I am, of course, honored,” Evie lied. “However, I am unsure of our movements at this stage, my lord.” She scrambled for excuses.
“You will come driving with me and attend that picnic, Miss Spencer. Your beauty has bewitched me, and I will not take no for an answer.”
“Lord Cavendish, I’m here to look after my sister—”
“You are too beautiful to be a chaperone.” He dismissed her words, which made Evie’s teeth snap together. She hated anyone doing that.
“Thank you for your kind words,” she choked out.
She looked around for anything to distract him. Her eyes found Lord Hamilton’s. He gave her a mocking bow, and Evie thought seriously about poking out her tongue, but knew someone other than he could see it.
“They are the truth,” Lord Cavendish said as the dance finished and he led her back to where Prue stood chatting with a group of people. “I will return shortly, with some refreshment for you and your sister.”
She watched him walk away from her and wondered why men always believed they knew what was best for women? Her father, of course, was the exception to that rule. He rarely knew what day it was.
Both Spencer sisters knew that one of them needed a husband, and Evie had decided Prue was their best prospect. However, Lord Cavendish was rich and titled, or so she believed, and seemed interested in her. What she couldn’t understand was why? It would not do for her to insult him, but if she was honest, she had no wish to spend her life with the man if that was his intention.
Which makes you selfish, as your family needs financial security.
“Miss Spencer, how lovely to see you again.”
