Jillian made her way down the long corridor to the ballroom situated at the back of the house. For once she didn’t dread her entrance. Even the most critical eye could find no fault with her appearance this night.
She stepped into the doorway to the ballroom and was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the room. The height of the walls spanned the entire three levels of Lady Bea’s house. The width was as large as the rest of the home. Jillian looked up to see the orchestra positioned in the balcony overlooking the polished marble floors. The beautiful strains of music resonated throughout the entire room, and the effect was awe-inspiring.
Lady Clarice Tupham’s strident voice broke the moment of fancy. Jillian felt as if someone had dropped a plate on the floor beside her, as the incessant harping reached her ears.
“Lady Penroth, is this your dismal attempt at respectability? Think you we have forgotten your previous antics?”
Jillian clenched her teeth until her jaw ached. Lady Clarice had made it her goal in life to needle her at every turn. While the rest of thetonwas content to whisper behind their hands, Lady Clarice made no secret her strong dislike. “Lady Clarice, I am so fortunate that you have taken it upon yourself to advise me on matters of fashion.”
Oh the irony of that statement. She regarded Lady Clarice’s ensemble with growing amusement. It appeared she had attempted to force herself into a dress that was at least three sizes too small. The effect was frighteningly similar to the stuffed sausages Jillian had for dinner. And then there was her hat. Some poor bird looked to have suffered a very unfortunate fate on Lady Clarice’s head. Jillian could contain her mirth no longer, and a chuckle escaped her lips.
Lady Clarice’s eyes narrowed in fury. “One other thing, Lady Penroth. Leave Whittington alone. Is it not enough you’ve taken his brother to your bed? The duke is goodtonand won’t fall prey to your machinations.”
She gasped at the woman’s daring, and several heads turned in their direction. Lady Bea’s booming voice echoed across the entryway.
“Lady Clarice, I am appalled at your vulgarity. I certainly regret having issued you an invitation. You may be certain that I will not make that mistake again.”
Lady Clarice looked at Lady Bea in horror. For with those simple words, every door in London closed directly in her face. Already she was being mentally scratched off the lists of next season’s prospective hostesses. A snub from Lady Bea was effectively a snub from the whole of theton.
“Jillian, my dear, I do apologize that you were so abused in my home. Come,” she said threading her arm in Jillian’s. “There are some people I would like to introduce you to.”
“Oh my,” Jillian said, as they traveled away from a distraught Lady Clarice. “Do you think you were overly severe with her?”
Lady Bea smiled at Jillian. “You’ve a soft heart, gel, even after the way she treated you. Not to worry about Clarice, it’s time someone put her in her place. I’ll let her suffer a few days and then I’ll ‘forgive’ her. Perhaps she will think twice in the future before opening her mouth.”
“That is a very appealing prospect.”
The two women laughed and continued across the floor.
###
Across the room Justin scowled as he watched Lady Bea stroll arm in arm with Jillian. Had the entire world gone mad? Waseveryoneunder the little chit’s spell? Damn Case and the promise he had exacted from him. There was nothing more she deserved than a good set down. He could find no fault with the way she was dressed, though the color was still not suitable for half mourning.
Was he really standing there debating the suitability of the color of her dress? He was losing his mind. Why should he care what the devil she did?
Because he didn’t like Case’s name being linked with hers.And because you want her.Where the hell had that come from?
“I don’t want her,” he muttered. But the tightness in his pants said otherwise.
If Case was indeed telling the truth, and she wasn’t his mistress, then perhaps—perhaps you could bed her and get her out of your system and out of Case’s life.The idea wasn’t completely without merit, he thought. How on earth could he desire a woman he detested?It’s just lust; it isn't like you are offering for her.He probably couldn’t count on her to be discreet if they were to indulge in an affair.Affair? Who said anything about an affair? One night should be sufficient.Justin shook his head. He reallywaslosing his mind. He was arguing with himself over this woman.
###
Jillian smiled graciously as she was introduced to several of Lady Bea’s close acquaintances. She didn’t miss the curious glances they gave her when they saw her approaching on Lady Bea’s arm. They weren’t overtly unfriendly, probably because they did not want to risk Lady Bea’s censure. A few of the ladies were genuinely friendly, though, and Jillian was heartened by their welcome.
She never considered that she would seek the approval of her peers, but for once it was nice to be accepted. She had even been invited to tea with a group of the ladies the following week. Feeling obligated, she had accepted, though the idea intimidated her. She couldn’t fathom having anything in common with them.
She had to admit she was enjoying herself immensely. She engaged in several conversations with those present and had even found a few that shared her love for history. Lord Shelton debated with her for thirty minutes over whether the upstart colonials had been justified in their rebellion. Gentlemen vied for her attention, and her dance card was filled to overflowing. After her fourth dance, she was flushed from exertion and escaped to the refreshment table for wine and rest.
“There you are,” Case said approaching her. “I had given up hope of ever getting the chance to talk to you. You seem to be a hit tonight.”
She laughed. “I am sure they tolerate me for Lady Bea’s sake.”
“You do yourself a disservice,” he chided. “They are seeing you for the beautiful, vibrant woman that I have always known existed.”
She smiled up at him. “You are too good to me.” She made a show of checking her dance card. “I seem to have the next dance free, would you care to dance with me?”
He guided her out onto the floor with the other dancing couples. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
