“Markus, why don’t you explain what’s going on here,” Philip demanded.
“Merely enjoying the evening air after a dance,” he replied in a droll tone. “You must’ve noted how warm the ballroom is.” His gaze moved to Eliza and her friends. “How...nice to visit with Lady Eliza and herlovelyfriends. I wish you all a good evening.”
He offered a half-bow then moved to the door which Philip blocked. “I do hope the ladies provide you with the same enjoyment they did me, cousin.”
“We’re not done here, Markus,” Philip said.
“As I’m sure Lady Eliza and her friends will attest, there’s nothing more to be said.” Delbert looked past Philip into the ballroom. “I think I’ve had my fill of dancing for the evening.” With that, he turned and disappeared into the darkness of the garden.
Eliza watched Philip, unable to guess what he thought. Her heart pinched at the idea of him thinking poorly of her because of his cousin. Had the viscount ruined her plan?
Chapter Twelve
“Areyoucertainyou’reall right?” Philip asked as he looked at Eliza, his concern growing despite Markus’s departure.
He didn’t pretend to understand what was going on, but he didn’t like the look of the situation. Especially since his cousin was involved.
Upon arriving at the ball, he’d seen Eliza’s aunt and knew Eliza must be there as well. He’d been making his way around the dance floor in search of her when he’d noted two ladies near her age walking quickly toward the terrace door. While he didn’t know what made him follow them, he was grateful for it.
“Yes,” Eliza replied rather breathlessly.
Regardless of her answer, she was obviously upset. He didn’t know the ladies at her side, but they appeared to be lending her support. The notion that she needed it made him more determined to discover what had happened.
“Perhaps it would be best if we all returned inside,” one of the ladies said.
“Yes, it wouldn’t do for anyone to note Lady Eliza’s absence,” the other lady added.
Eliza drew a slow breath then nodded as she rubbed her wrist, a movement that made Philip’s stomach turn. “Excellent idea.”
He gestured for the ladies to precede him through the door and followed, gently catching Eliza’s elbow to slow her pace. “Are you certain you’re well? Did my cousin hurt you?”
“I’m fine.” She smiled, though it was far from genuine. Nor did she truly answer his second question. “Any potential disaster was avoided.”
“Potential disaster?” Philip’s anger stirred even more. “What did Markus do?”
“Perhaps you could smile, Your Grace,” the taller of the two ladies suggested with a smile of her own. “Several people are looking in our direction.”
He couldn’t manage that but tried to mask his anger. He should’ve known Markus would do something rash based on their conversation a few days ago. Of course, he’d retaliated because Philip had refused to pay his debt.
“Why don’t you introduce your friends?” Philip lifted a brow at Eliza as they stopped just inside the ballroom.
“Of course. Where are my manners?” She turned to the taller one first. “Lady Winifred Barnes and Miss Millicent Davies. His Grace, the Duke of Trentworth.”
They both curtsied as he bowed. “How nice to make your acquaintance.”
“Thank you both for aiding me,” Eliza said in a quiet voice.
“It looked as if you already had matters well in hand without us.” Miss Davies grinned. “So resourceful.”
Philip stared at Eliza. “Resourceful?” His chest tightened as his imagination went wild with what the lady meant.
“Perhaps we should dance,” Eliza murmured as she looked around.
He followed her gaze to see a few guests still watching them with interest. There was no chance of him walking away until he had some answers, so a dance was the best alternative. “Yes. We should.”
He offered his arm, dipped his head toward the other two ladies, and then moved toward the dance floor. “Now would you care to tell me what happened?”
“Viscount Delbert and I shared a dance. He insisted on a moment on the terrace afterward.”
