She was here for that purpose. Why should that not include an assembly? “I would be pleased to accept your escort.”
“Would this be before Mrs. Trenton delivers my lifesaving meal or after?”
“The assembly begins at seven, I believe. Shall we dine here at five?”
Demetrius had looked forward to hopefully having her in his arms for a waltz. Unfortunately, he failed to consider that he did not have the clothing within his wardrobe for a ball. Those were back in his set of rooms in London, worn only a few times.
Except this was not London, but Seaford. Not that it wasn’t a respectable town, but there was no one here from Society. It was a local assembly and likely no different than the ones he had attended when he resided with his aunt and uncle. Therefore, the best suit of clothing he had brought with him should do. Or so he hoped.
Never had he taken so much time with his appearance. Of course, it had never mattered before. He attended so few functions and if his evenings were spent out, it was at either a tavern or gambling establishment. All he could hope was that his appearance was not a disappointment to Lavinia.
Straightening his suitcoat one last time, Demetrius raised his hand for the knocker. A moment later the door was opened by Mr. Trenton, who stepped back to allow him entry. “Lady Teviot is in the parlor awaiting your arrival.”
He offered a nod then crossed to the parlor where he found Lavinia standing in the center of the room wearing a gown of emerald silk with an overlay of delicate lace. Not only did it fit her to perfection, but the way the gown hugged her breasts made his mouth water. She’d also arranged her hair so that it was pulled behind with artful and delicate curls that brushed her neck and temples. He fought the urge to stride forward and remove all the pins so that her mahogany tresses fell free, but she would likely be cross if he did.
“You look lovely this evening.” He bowed.
A smile pulled at her lips. Not one of happiness, but humor.
It was his clothing. They were not suitable for an assembly.
“I apologize, but I own nothing nicer.”
“There is nothing wrong with the style, Demetrius. I was just wondering if Max and Cal helped you dress this evening.”
He glanced down and sure enough there was dog and cat hair on his trousers and suitcoat.
Bloody hell! How had he not noticed? Further, he had been very careful to not come into contact with either of the pets after he was dressed.
“I shall return home and brush my clothing. I was unaware.”
“I am certain Mr. Trenton has a brush that we can use.” She chuckled as she exited the parlor, only to return a few moments later. “Give me your arm.” She then proceeded to brush the animal hair away before she had him turn to see to his back, then the front of him while standing far too close. Her scent of honeysuckle wafted and swirled around him. How had he not noticed her preferred scent before? Well, unless she never wore it except for going out for the evening.
She then bent but must have thought otherwise and handed him the brush. “I shall let you see to your trousers.” A blush stained her cheeks as he took it from her. He almost told her that he would not have minded, but she’d likely be scandalized or mortified, especially since he was already having difficulty keeping his desire in check. Her hand on his thigh would have made it impossible for Lavinia not to notice his reaction to her.
Chapter
Nine
Before she had wed, Lavinia had attended many assemblies when in residence at Clarington Abbey. Once widowed, she attended none that first year because she was in mourning. However, this past summer she had accompanied her younger siblings to a few and took her place with the other matrons watching over the younger guests to make certain they behaved properly.
It was odd attending as a guest with no responsibilities. Further, given she was a widow, she did not need to fear her reputation if she and Demetrius decided to take a stroll in the cool air beneath the moonlight. Not that she expected him to ask, but she would accept if he did.
Goodness, they had only entered the assembly little over an hour ago and her mind had already turned to a quiet interlude, something that she had never considered previously.
They had also shared one country dance and Lavinia couldn’t help but notice that there were many females envious of her position. She should tell Demetrius that he did not need to stay with her and that he could ask others to dance, but she also did not want to share him with anyone else.
Several of the residents had come over to introduce themselves and the older ones recalled her parents and when the family had visited. It was nice to share those fond memories. The residents then showed an interest in Demetrius, especially after they learned that he was the new owner of Hartshorn and a solicitor. They were quite excited to have him in Seaford because the former solicitor had died and they had nobody to perform those duties.
Lavinia had waited for Demetrius to say that he was truly a barrister and that he was only in Seaford on holiday, but he never did, which bothered her for more than one reason.
“I think they want me to live here permanently,” he whispered in her ear when they had been given a moment of peace.
“They are in need of a solicitor.”
“But not a barrister,” he reminded her.
“Yet, you spend more time as a solicitor, why is that?”
