Simms gave a quick salute with his good hand.
Satisfied that all was in order, the earl nodded and took his leave.
Alex surveyed the crowded ballroom.At least there would be the opportunity for some interesting conversation, she thought in relief, after spotting Mr. Simpson and a group of other London Botanical Society members clustered around a rather overblown display of orchids at the far end of the room. However, the musicians struck up a lively country gavotte and she was obliged to wait until it was over before attempting to make her way around the crowded perimeter of the dancefloor.
As the gentlemen in their evening attire and ladies swathed in costly silks capered through the quick-footed figures of the dance, Alex noted—not for the first time—that Branford had failed to make an appearance at any of the evening entertainments she had attended over the past few days.
In fact, she had not seen him for over a week.
Alex found herself wondering what other engagements had captured his fancy—and with whom he was spending his evenings …
She was suddenly distracted from her thoughts as an elegant lady paused in front of her, laughing with a seductive little trill at something her partner had just said. Batting her lashes, the lady murmured something softly in reply.
On seeing the smoldering look the lady received from the gentleman, Alex couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious.
She knew that she could never master the art of coquetry—not that she would ever wish to do so. However, it must be awfully nice to inspire such a look from a gentleman.
Was that the sort of lady Lord Branford took to his bed?Alex was quite aware of what went on in the bedroom—well, at least some of it. Did the earl look at a lady that way as he was unfastening …
She caught herself and gave an inward grimace, grateful that no one could read her highly improper thoughts.
Drat the man!Why had he popped into her thoughts yet again when all she really wanted to do was concentrate on her work? The hibiscus—hishibiscus, she reminded herself—was turning out better than she had imagined. With just a few more …
“Alex! There you are.”
Coming out of her reverie with a jolt, she looked up to see her brother approaching, accompanied by another gentleman. He was of medium height and very elegantly dressed, though his waistcoat seemed garish in color and had an excess of fobs dangling from a heavy gold chain.
“Alex, I would like you to meet a new acquaintance of mine, the Earl of Hammerton.” To his companion, he added, “Hammerton, this is my sister, Miss Alexandra Chilton.”
The man bowed low over Alex’s hand. “A pleasure, Miss Chilton. Your brother has been telling me what an authority you are on all things botanical. I was wondering if I may be so bold as to ask your advice on a garden design for one of my estates?”
“I should be happy to try,” replied Alex. “But garden design is really not my field of expertise?—”
Hammerton cut her off as he looked to her brother. “I say, Chilton, you are a sly one—you neglected to mention that your sister was lovelier than even the most exquisite summer rose.”
Alex imagined it was a compliment that should please any lady. And yet, there was something about him that stirred an odd sort of prickling down her spine. However, as he appeared to be a friend of Justin’s, she smiled politely.
“Perhaps if you are free for the next dance, you would do me the honor, Miss Chilton?” Although Hammerton phrased it as a question, he had already extended his hand. “That way we could discuss the project.”
Not wishing to be rude, Alex allowed him to guide her out onto the dance floor. Given that he had an interest in gardens, he must be a pleasant enough fellow despite her initial misgivings.
But to her surprise, the subject he raised was not about decorative plantings.
“I trust your brother has fully recovered from his unfortunate accident?” he inquired. “I was very shocked to hear about it.”
The reminder of her brother’s brush with death caused her throat to constrict. “Yes,” she managed to answer. “Thank goodness he is quite well.”
Hammerton shook head in concern. “From what I hear, he could have been seriously hurt in the mishap.”
“Indeed. He was very lucky.”
“It was reckless of his friends to engage in such racing within the park” A sigh. “Justin is such an amiable young man. I hope that I may be of assistance in introducing him to the properpeople and places here in Town. I remember what it was like to be new.
Another sigh. “It’s easy to be led astray.”
Alex flashed a smile—a genuine one. “I have heard that is true, milord.” Perhaps she had misjudged Hammerton after all. It was a generous offer. “I would be very grateful if you would keep an eye on him and see he is … kept out of danger.”
“Danger? Oh, surely you cannot mean to imply that the incident was anything other than an accident!” Hammerton raised his brows in undisguised skepticism. “Or perhaps you exaggerate, as most females are wont to do. After all, young men are bound to take a spill or two.”
