Angelo let his hand drop. “I hope that you and I can become better acquainted, Lady Kepple.” He meant that with every part of his being. “I do recall enjoying the dances and flirtations we shared that first Season.”
Her eyes darkened as she smiled. “I am surprised that you even recall a Season so long ago.”
Angelo lifted her gloved hand to his lips while his index finger stroked the pulse of her wrist. “I have not forgotten you Lady Kepple, nor do I believe that I ever will.” Then he placed a kiss upon her gloved fingers.
She pulled her hand back as if burned, which is what he had hoped would be her reaction.
“And you, Lord Bolton, have only grown bolder.”
“I look forward to renewing our acquaintance,” he offered.
“I have yet to decide if there will be renewing.”
On that, she turned on her heel and walked away from Angelo.
Had she just thrown down a gauntlet? If so, he was more than willing to pick it up.
Chapter 5
Octavia needed to be away from the Earl of Bolton. His presence did the oddest things to her being and caused sensations that she had not experienced in nearly twelve years. She’d like to think such warmth was from the crowded ballroom, but they’d been standing near the doors to the garden and a cool breeze had been caressing her skin. When he ran his finger on the underside of her wrist, she was certain she’d been scorched as one was when they encounter a hot papillote hair iron. Heaven knew she’d burned her neck and the tips of her ears on more occasions than she could count. Except in this instance, the mark Bolton had left behind would not be seen.
The Earl of Bolton could be dangerous to a woman’s sensibilities, and Octavia would need to be very careful in her response to him.
One must be discreet, and it would not do to have the ton speculating on her association with Bolton too soon. Far too many eyes were on them in the ballroom. If she took up with him right away, then all of Society would know and she was determined to make certain that nobody ever knew what she did in the privacy of Crispin’s home.
Through the remainder of the ball, she watched on as Aurora and Sabina danced every set. It wasn’t just Bolton who had been turned away, but others as well. It was likely that before the Season was done both sisters would be courted and quite possibly betrothed.
Bolton danced often as well. Not just with misses ready to wed, but with widows who she suspected were ready to bed.
How many lovers did he enjoy in one Season?
She narrowed her eyes and noted as women flirted and fawned. Bolton would have no difficulty in finding his pleasure, but it may not be with her. No matter how tempting, there was still much to learn about the Earl of Bolton before Octavia would decide whether to encourage or discourage. That is, assuming he bothered to approach her again.
As Aurora and Sabina were led to the dance floor one last time, Octavia took in the room, noting that several guests remained. She had assumed that Bolton had left until she saw that he had returned to the place he had been standing when she had first arrived. From the balcony above, he watched those below while he sipped his wine. When their eyes met, he raised his glass as if in a toast. The corner of his mouth tipped up and then he had the audacity to wink.
Octavia did not react other than lift an eyebrow in challenge. She now had no doubt that he would approach her once again. Just how soon she didn’t know but would do her best to be prepared. If one could prepare for an encounter with the Earl of Bolton.
Angelo slapped the newssheet against the table at White’s and now understood why Shrewsbury was grinning when he approached.
“Bloody hell!”
Shrewsbury laughed and lifted the newssheet and began to read. “One must wonder if Lord B will have any success this Season. Not only in finding a wife, but a potential mistress as well. He had first been turned down when he requested a dance from Lady A who remains on the marriage mart. He was then rejected by Lady K, a widow. This may have simply been an anomaly, but to my knowledge, Lord B has never suffered a rejection. Two in one night must have been disconcerting. Could his appeal be fading?” Shrewsbury laughed again as he set the newssheet aside.
“I only asked Lady A to dance because she was on Mother’s list.”
His cousin stared him down then leaned in. “You were not interested in Lady Aurora, but in Lady Kepple! I saw you walk with her last night and thought the two of you were about to disappear into the gardens,” Shrewsbury grinned.
“Lady Kepple’s only interest in me was to warn me away from her sisters,” Angelo ground out.
“So, you never considered seduction.”
Instead of answering, Angelo drained his brandy.
Last night had not gone well. After Lady Kepple had refused him, Angelo had no desire to seek out another widow. He had danced with them, and offers had been made, but they were not who he wanted. He had only remained at the ball to dance with those who were on his list of potential wives. When he grew tired, Angelo had retreated to the balcony to study others. Too often his eyes strayed to Lady Kepple, and he could only hope that nobody else noticed.
He wanted Lady Kepple. However, convincing Lady Kepple to be his for a night was not going to be easy no matter how much she may wish to take a lover.
Shrewsbury stood. “Well, I must be going.”
