“Lord Ashton, if you were acquainted with my sister, you would understand that I knowexactlywhat you’re up against.”
Sixteen
Alex glanced around the room, her attention wandering from Mr. Chandler’s report on the latest arrival of specimens from the East Indies as she searched the crowd yet again for Lord Hammerton.
Drat.
Repressing a huff of disappointment, she was about to give up hope of his making an appearance at the ball when she finally spotted him in the shadowed archway of the card room, conversing with a buxom brunette.
Alex watched for a moment, feeling an uneasy frown touch her lips, but then forced herself to shake it off. She was no doubt only imagining that something unsettling lurked beneath the polished manners and immaculate dress. After all, he was a gentleman, and had expressed nothing but solicitous concern for both Justin and her.
Hammerton suddenly looked up and met her gaze. He smiled, and after making a polite bow of acknowledgement, he took his leave from the lady by his side and strolled over to to join her.
“How pleasant to see you again, Miss Chilton. I have missed you this past week. Have you been well?” He bent over her handas he spoke, performing the greeting with just the right amount of flourish.
A few young men standing nearby eyed his style with a touch of envy.
“I have been … occupied,” answered Alex.
“Well, I for one am delighted that you have found the time to grace this evening’s soiree.”
Alex couldn’t help but notice that his smile had no real warmth to it, not like …
Stop!she chided herself. There was little point in dwelling on such a thought. Indeed, it should only serve as a reminder that her judgment concerning people was not as good as she had once believed.
Forcing an answering smile, Alex concentrated on responding with the same show of flirtatious charm—no easy feat given her current feelings.
“How kind of you to notice my absence,”
“How could I fail to notice,” he replied smoothly. “I hear the musicians tuning their instruments—dare I hope that you will favor me with a waltz? ”
“I should be delighted, sir,” she murmured, and allowed him to lead her onto the dancefloor.
As she lifted her arm to place her hand on his shoulder, Alex felt a twinge of pain in her injured shoulder and winced slightly.
Hammerton didn’t miss the tiny moment. “Are you feeling unwell, Miss Chilton?” he asked, his voice full of concern.
“No, no—not at all. I suffered a silly little accident at home, but it’s merely a minor scratch.”
He inclined his head a fraction and refrained from inquiring further on the subject.
Which showed him to be a perfect gentleman, she told herself.
They exchanged pleasantries throughout the dance, but as the music was ending, Alex turned the conversation to more serious matters. “Milord, I feel unaccountably warm. Would you be kind enough to accompany me for a short walk in the garden?” In a lower voice she added, “if I may be so bold, I wish to ask your advice on a most pressing matter.”
“I should be honored by any confidence you wish entrust to me,” he said earnestly. Taking her hand, Hammerton guided her out through the set of french doors.
Alex felt even more on edge as she walked into the cool evening with him. It was worry over Justin she told herself, trying to banish her uncharitable thoughts concerning her companion.
“I am very grateful for your concern,” she began as they turned down one of the side walkways. “I believe that I mentioned to you my fears that the mishaps befalling my brother were no mere accidents?”
Hammerton nodded.
She came to a halt by a tall trellis heavy with tuber roses that screened them from any prying ears and eyes. “I now have reason to be sure that someone means him harm.”
He knitted his brows together. “That is a serious charge indeed, Miss Chilton. May I ask why?”
“Because last week …” She hesitated and then forced herself to go on. “because last someone tried to kill me as well.”
