Justin smiled an encouragement at her downcast face before nodding once more at his sister and the earl. He then guided her out onto the middle of the dance floor.
“I suppose she does not chatter your brother’s ear off,” remarked Branford dryly.
Alex had to stifle a grin. “Truly, she is not as addlepated as she just appeared. She is much more at home in the country, where she’s quite content with a quiet life.” A sigh. “In truth, she dislikes London and feels intimidated by all the machinations of theton—and her parents.”
The earl looked at her questioningly.
“Justin and Anne have known each other for ages and are in love. He would like to offer for her, but her father has bigger plans and won’t hear of it. He’s a rich merchant and he is angling for a title—an earl at least, though it appears he may have to be content with a mere baron.”
“I see.”
Alex gave a wry grimace. “That’s really the main reason we are here for the Season. Justin can’t bear to give her up.Somehow, he hopes to change her father’s mind. But I fear it is rather hopeless.”
Branford frowned slightly as his gaze followed the young couple. He looked about say something, then merely thinned his lips and drew her onto the dancefloor.
Anne watchedthe earl lead Alex out. “How can your sister have the nerve to dance with the Icy Earl?” she whispered to Justin. “Why, I’m terrified just looking at him. So tall and dark and forbidding…”
“Why, Lord Branford isn’t at all like what the rumors imply,” Justin answered. “In fact, Alex finds his company quite enjoyable.”
Miss Lockwood looked at him doubtfully. “But it is said that he is ruthless and cold and … well,nota gentleman.”
Justin frowned. “Anne, I should hope you would have more sense than to judge someone by what the gossips say.” He eyes strayed over to the earl. “I, for one, think he’s a great gun.”
As the music started,Alex was more aware than ever of Branford’s closeness—the light pressure of his hand at the small of her back, the tickle of warmth from his broad chest, the strength of his hand around hers as he guided her through the first steps of the waltz.
What the devil was the matter with her?
Perhaps she shouldn’t have had a glass of champagne earlier. The fizzy spirits must be addling her wits.
“It’s back.” he murmured
Alex gave a little start. “What?”
“The frown, Miss Chilton. I fear I’m failing in my promise to keep your attention.”
“N-not at all.”
“Well, with that black a scowl, I devoutly hope that I’m not in your thoughts.”
“Why should you be?” she muttered.
Branford laughed softly. “Why, indeed?” Then he quickened the tempo, giving neither of them a chance to speak for the rest of the dance.
The musicians put aside their instruments for a short break and people began to drift off to the game room and the sumptuous array of refreshments in one of the side salons. As Branford paused to allow an animated group of young couples jostle their way off the dancefloor, a voluptuous blond—her gown cut low to reveal her obvious charms—motioned for her partner to go on while she stopped in front of the earl.
“Why, Sebastian dear, it has been an age.” She tapped her folded silk fan lightly on his shoulder, letting her hand linger on the tailored wool of his evening coat.
“Lady Cameron.” Branford acknowledged her with a barely perceptible nod.
The lady ignored Alex and stepped closer to him.
“Lady Cameron, indeed!” she said in a low, throaty voice. “Why, there’s no need to be so formal, Sebastian. I do hope you will call at Grosvenor Square sometime very soon.” She batted her lashes. “George is off on the Continent with Wellington again, and it can be very lonely if one’s special friends don’t come by to keep me company.”
Branford bowed a fraction, which served to dislodge her hand from his shoulder. “How very rag-mannered of me,” he said pointedly. “I don’t believe you are acquainted with Miss Chilton.”
Lady Cameron raked Alex from head to toe with a gimlet gaze. “How delightful,” she said, her voice indicating it was anything but.
After a deliberate pause, she added, “I take it you are new in Town, Miss Chelson.” A sneer edged her tone as she deliberately mispronounced Alex’s name. “If you would like a recommendation for anything—such as a modiste who is acquainted with the current fashions— I should be happy to oblige.”
