When he arrived to escort her to the ball, he was led up the stairs and into the parlor where Lady Bethany was reading.
“Lord Seth,” she greeted with a smile. “I assume that Tessa had the invitation delivered today.”
“Yes. I look forward to attending Athena’s Salon tomorrow evening.” He had been surprised when the missive arrived and assumed that Frances had been the one to make Tessa change her mind. Not that it mattered and he was anxious to see how many of the gentlemen who once graced the tables at The Emerald Garter were now sitting in their gaming room.
In fact, that was something he and Jonathan had discussed earlier in the day. Attendance always dropped with the end of the Season as gentlemen returned to the country, but those who lived in London always returned with the autumn, except half of their regular patrons were not in attendance as often as before. That, with two gambling establishments closing their doors this summer, made them wonder if the opening of Athena’s Salon was responsible.
Seth found it difficult to believe, but Tessa had only opened her establishment four months earlier…
It was not his worry tonight as he intended to enjoy the ball this evening and not worry if his cousin was responsible for the decline in his business.
“Good evening, Lord Seth.”
He turned and found Frances standing in the doorway, her blond curls piled upon her head and exposing her long neck. Color was high on her cheeks and her coral lips waited to be kissed. The gown of deep rose hugged and lifted her breasts in a manner that caused his mouth to go dry and the only jewelry she wore was the simple emerald that rested directly above the center of her breasts.
It took a moment but he finally found his legs and approached, holding the bouquet of flowers out to her.
She reached for them, her hand and arm covered in what appeared to be white satin.
“Thank you.” She brought the flowers forward and sniffed. “I will ask a maid to put these in water.” She turned and disappeared, but it was not long before Frances was back.
“How is Lady Blythe? Is she in terrible pain?”
“She is recovering and has promised to remain off of her feet until the doctor gives her permission to stand.”
“I do hope she has a quick recovery and is not in too much pain.”
“As do I,” he answered.
“I also hope that it does not delay your travels to Laswell.”
Why should Blythe’s ankle determine when he left? “I am certain that she will be as comfortable in the carriage as she would be at home and if necessary, we will be able to elevate her foot.”
“I am glad.”
“Shall we go?” he asked and offered his arm.
“Yes,” Frances answered and allowed him to escort her from the house.
Why was she being so proper and polite, as if they were strangers? Was it because Lady Bethany was watching?
No. She had often been in their presence when Frances had not been this formal.
Was she angry that he had not called yesterday? Certainly, she understood.
“Is all well?” he finally asked as he led her to the carriage where a footman opened the door.
“Yes,” Frances answered after she was assisted inside and took her seat. “I suppose I may be nervous.”
“Why?”
“I have never been escorted to a ball by a gentleman, but only attended with my aunt and uncle. I also never anticipate dancing but simply observing or participating in the card room.”
Seth lifted her gloved hand to his lips. “This will not be the last ball that you and I attend together,” he promised. “Further, your wallflower status has ended.” He then placed his lips against the back of her hand.
Frances smiled and looked into his blue eyes, memorizing what she believed to be sincerity.
She had hoped that the only reason he had not asked her to accompany him to Laswell was because he would be alone, which is why she had pointedly asked about Lady Blythe. As she was going, then a chaperone would be present, and she couldn’t help the sudden twinge of pain that he still did not believe her worthy.
