Shocked down to her toes, while a sizzle raced through her body, she could only stare until he raised his head.
“Thank you for your graciousness, my lady. I will see you anon.”
She nodded, drawing her hand back slowly, able to feel the imprint of his kiss on her knuckles, along with a little hot dampness.
“Come along, Emberry,” Foxford added, gesturing toward the drawing-room door with his head. “You heard the lady. Out. And don’t come back.”
“I didn’t actually say that,” Purity reminded them.
“You didn’t need to. I’m sure Emberry here won’t darken your door again after this egregious display of ill manners. Bringing up such lying tattle in front of a lady.”
He nodded curtly to her would-be suitor.
Lord Emberry appeared confounded at how things had gone so wrong.
“Perhaps it best if I take my leave, then, my lady. May I visit another time?”
She considered Lord Emberry’s question. “I think it best if you ask me when next we meet,” she said.
Foxford waited until the man had bowed and headed for the door, ushering him ahead with a wave of his arm. Then he turned and winked at her, somehow taking all the energy and excitement with him.
At that instant, Alice finally rose to her feet. Apparently, she’d realized the room was empty of visitors or she’d finished reading her story. She’d missed all the conversation, an entire extra gentleman caller, and any matter of impropriety.
“Alice, you may take the tea service back to the kitchen.”
It had undoubtedly grown cold, in the same way as she had lost the warmth that infused her in Foxford’s dangerous presence.
Then Purity startled, recalling Lord Emberry’s words, and hurried out of the room in search of the morningTimes.
Chapter Seven
“May I make an introduction?” When the ball’s hostess, Lady Tisendale, brought over a stranger, Purity tried to keep from looking past him. Foxford hadn’t yet shown up, and she was trying desperately not to search for him.
She wasnotawaiting the sight of him.Preposterous!
Upon closer inspection, she thought she recognized the gentleman by her hostess’s side, although she’d never danced with him.
“Lady Diamond, Lady Purity,” said Lady Tisendale, “may I present Lord Pearson?”
Her mother inclined her head, while Purity curtsied. “Good evening, my lord.”
“I am pleased to meet you. Enchanted, in fact. If your mother will allow, I hope you will do me the honor of a dance.”
“Yes, my lord.” She didn’t ask her mother, as that was said as a formality. At her age, she could dance with whomever she wished. After examining her card, she penciled in his name and curtsied again as he bowed. Then he left with their hostess.
“He seemed an acceptable man,” Purity said, looking after him. Lord Pearson was tall with a straight back and fair hair.
“I suppose,” her mother said. “Perhaps a milksop.”
“Mother! How can you judge the man upon so few words and such a brief interaction?” Strangely, she had the same impression yet didn’t know why.
Lady Diamond shrugged. “Something about the set of his lips, or maybe it was in his eyes.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Purity reminded her. “I shall merely dance with him. It’s not—” she interrupted herself. “There he is!”
“Who?” her mother asked.
Foxford was already approaching, so Lady Diamond had her answer. As usual, he took her mother’s hand before she offered. Purity was so used to him, it didn’t bother her at all. Then again, she would be remiss if she didn’t remind him.
