Dorothy then whispered, “Your presence lifts all of our prospects, April. Society cannot help but admire you. This will raise your sisters’ chances, I’ve no doubt.”
April pulled away and smiled at her mother. If her title could serve any purpose beyond endless scrutiny, she was glad it might lift her sisters’ chances. “How is Father?”
“Improving,” Dorothy replied, nodding. “He is resting well.”
They moved further into the ballroom, April still flanked by her sisters. Before long, May and June seized the opportunity.
“You’re coming with us,” June commanded, linking arms with her and steering her toward the refreshment table.
“Have I a choice?” April asked, laughing.
“None,” May replied.
When they reached the table, May picked up a plate, and they piled them with tiny cakes and sandwiches. As they began nibbling, April leaned in.
“Any news of Loretta Roth?”
June rolled her eyes. “Very little. But a lady from my charity circle recalled that Loretta had a spectacular debut. Everyone expected her to marry a marquess. She settled for Gregory Roth instead—respectable fortune, no title.”
April raised a brow. “She must’ve been desperately in love.”
May glanced around then whispered, “What if she had no choice? What if she was ruined?”
April’s fingers tightened around her cup.
Or perhaps she was bitter. Perhaps she’s still watching from the shadows, jealous of what I have now.
Before she could reply, a familiar presence approached. She felt it first—then saw Theo. He always managed to find her in moments like this—when she most wanted him near.
He held out his hand. “Dance with me.”
She placed her fingers in his. “Shouldn’t you be frightening young lords with your scowl?”
“I’ve retired for the evening.”
He led her onto the floor. As the music began, he drew her close, not quite as reserved as he once might have been.
“You look lovely tonight,” he said, his gaze on hers as though they weren’t surrounded by half theton.
“You appear far too satisfied for a man who claims to dislike society.”
“That’s because I am. Everyone here knows you’re mine.”
She raised a brow. “Possessive, are we?”
“Only when it comes to you.”
They spun through the crowd. His gaze didn’t waver. It warmed her skin more than the dancing ever could.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she said.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m… I don’t know. Like I’m breakable. Or rare.”
He smiled, subtle and slow. “That’s because you are. Though I suspect you’d bite the first person who dared say so.”
Her heart beat painfully in her chest.This is becoming too much.And yet, she didn’t want him to stop.
