It didn’t look like Joshua was there to simply greet him. Her brother waved a hand at him.
And then there was Daniel Brighton, as imposing as ever, even in the midst of a well-dressed crowd. He wore all black, as if he were a guardian of the night or was in perpetual mourning. His hair was slicked back, with one rebellious lock hanging by his brow. He looked like a rake without even making an effort.
“Marsleigh,” he greeted smoothly, although his eyes quickly turned to Lucy.
She cursed her brother inwardly. Why did he like dragging her to every place he wanted to be, instead of just letting her find her own cluster?
With the way her heart was pounding, she thought she might hyperventilate and be sent to a physician. Perhaps that was preferable.
The Duke’s blue eyes were openly boring into hers, but didn’t reveal what he was thinking or that he was planning to keep their encounter in that back alley secret.
“Your Grace, allow me to introduce my sister, Lady Lucy,” her brother said, though the cheer in his voice sounded fake. But why? He was the one who called the Duke’s attention. “We’ve missed you at the last few events.”
Daniel took Lucy’s hand and bowed over it. He held it a second too long, his thumb brushing over her glove. The sensation that made her skin prickle. She could not guess what it meant. She had not felt it before.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Lucy,” he murmured, his eyes remaining on hers. They were so blue, like the deepest waters of the ocean. “Have we met before?”
“Er, I don’t think so, Your Grace,” she lied once more. It was like this ball’s sole purpose was to make her commit many sins.
“Ah. It was a dream, then, though I could have sworn it was a rather vivid memory.”
“Your Grace, I’ve heard you rarely attend balls. I, for one, am rarely out except for balls and social events with my brother,” she said softly. To her horror, she felt her cheeks burn.
“Mmm. Is that so?” Daniel asked, even as his mouth curled into a smirk. “Well, if you were like me, then I dare say that quiet lives harbor the most intriguing secrets.”
Was that a confession as well as subtle teasing?
Joshua’s eyes darted between them. The tentative look on his face had completely transformed into a frown. Lucy wondered if her brother could sense the way the air seemed to vibrate between her and the Duke.
No, Lucy. You are imagining things, feeling fear and guilt.
Much to her gratitude, the hostess herself approached them, her silver gown befitting a woman of her stature.
“Marsleigh, Lady Lucy, I am pleased that you have come,” Marianne said. She sounded a tad too formal when she addressed Joshua, but her eyes warmed when she turned to Lucy.
It seemed that her friends and their families were trying to hide their dislike for Joshua, but it somehow flickered to life. It was sudden and subtle, but Lucy caught it anyway.
“You look absolutely beautiful tonight, my dear,” Marianne complimented as she took both of Lucy’s hands in her own.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Lucy replied. “But look at you. That silver dress is exquisite!”
“Ha. It should be. There was a time I didn’t care much for such things. People often turned their noses up at me when I was but a young woman yet to marry. They found me strange.”
“She does not eat meat, and she hates the hunt,” Daniel explained with a small smile. His eyes sparkled as he looked at his sister.
Lucy wished that Joshua would look at her with that kind of fondness and respect, not possessiveness.
“Well, I do believe Lady Lucy is quite a beauty. Even if the ton thinks you’re different, there will still be suitors,” Marianne mused. “It is surprising that you aren’t surrounded by a few. I heard some asking about you.”
Joshua’s face darkened further. Lucy tensed when she saw his jaw clench. He was not even making the slightest effort to hide what he was feeling, and he was right in front of the hostess, the Duchess of Oakmere herself.
“No one present at this ball is worthy of my sister,” he grumbled. Then, he gave Daniel a sharp look before saying, “No offense, Stonewynn.”
Daniel narrowed his eyes at him. Clearly, offense was taken. His posture shifted. It became more rigid, as if ready for a fight.
“None taken,” he replied with surprising coolness. “I know what it’s like to care for a sister. I have five. However, you must consider that the harder you cage a bird, the more desperate it will be to be free. To fly.”
Joshua watched him with disbelief, but somehow kept his temper, much to Lucy’s relief.
