How does she not know of the Blind Duke of Westvale, anyway? Surely all of these jackanapes know the story and gossip about it. If I were so supercilious, I’d be of half a mind to believe this entire circus at Almack's was put together at my behest…
“I suppose I have not,” came the offended reply. “And if so, that is hardly my fault. Nor is it my fault that I do not know how you prefer to be guided. Perhaps I should just return to the dancing and leave His Grace to his own devices?”
Keaton gaped at the notion that she would leave a blind man floundering. There was a fierce edge to her words that showed a fiery disposition. His hand settled on her shoulder, and he felt her soft skin, fine bones, and was once again overwhelmed by her perfume.
“I would rather you didn't,” he finally muttered in defeat.
“And I would not be so cruel, though one might say your rudeness deserves it. Here is the door.”
Keaton heard a door being opened and stepped through. He was about to ask for the name of his positivelydelightfulguide when he heard the door close behind him with a clap that was almost a slam.
Remarkable.
CHAPTER 4
Georgia dipped her head from across the room to the handsome gentleman she had been dancing with. He had been charming in his forgiveness of her clumsy steps. As they danced, she’d explained how little practice she had.Charles, for that had been his name, had grinned and assured her that everyone started somewhere. Even so, she’d caught his gaze drifting more than once to a raven-haired young lady across the floor.
“He was trying to make her jealous,” she said quietly to Amelia after retreating to the refreshment table. “She’d chosen someone else.”
“Really? How can you be sure? He seemed to be smiling at you an awful lot.”
“Yes—when he wasn’t busy pining at her over my shoulder.”
They hovered at the periphery of the room. Amelia had danced three times with three different men. Georgia had been asked once. She noticed Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Clarissa across the room, surreptitiously watching them.
“Oh dear, I am sorry, Georgie,” Amelia whispered, accepting a glass of punch from a passing waiter and taking a gulp.
“Now, now, Amelia,” Georgia cautioned, “sip, don't gulp.”
Her cousin's face was flushed from her exertion, and she had taken out a fan.
“That is easy for you to say, but dancing is thirsty work!”
“Then do not embark on such marathons,” Georgia laughed as Amelia took another large swallow.
She glanced again at her Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Clarissa was whispering furiously to her husband and then hurling daggers at Georgia with her cold eyes.
Oh dear, indeed. I am to blame for something Aunt Clarissa does not like. Probably leading their daughter into unladylike habits.
“I'm sure things will pick up for you, too, Georgie. Oh! There, I do believe Sir Nevil Haggerston has his sights set on you,” Amelia chirped up from her glass.
“Sir Nevil's horse would be prettier,” Georgia murmured beneath her tight smile.
Amelia laughed behind her hand, looking scandalized and thrilled at the same time.
“You cannot say such things! And you do not need to hide your disappointment from me of all people, cousin.”
Georgia frowned and peeked at her cousin. “Disappointment? Whatever should I be disappointed about?”
Amelia looked at her as though she were dim.
“Why, for having one dance with a man who sought only to make another woman jealous, while I—”
Georgia snorted suddenly. “I am quite content, I assure you, Milly. Do not worry for me. I am just glad to be here. I cannot remember the last time I was allowed to attend with you.”
“It was possibly my debut last year. I have asked Mama why you are not included on our invitations, and she assures me that it is simply that the ton has not yet registered the fact that you are our house-guest. I am sure the invitations will include you after this evening.”
Oh, Amelia, you are so sweet and innocent. I would wish that you were my sister, but I would not wish the grief of my brokenfamily upon you. I will simply think of you as a sister, not a cousin.
