She wondered what he was doing, but was wise enough not to ask.
The row of coaches waiting to release their passengers on Lord Vetter’s front step seemed to stretch for a good quarter of a mile; however, the Duke of Baynton did not have to wait. They went right to the front of the line.
The duke helped all the ladies out of the coach. He offered his mother his arm, as he should, but she waved him away. “I shall walk in with Lady Baldwin. You escort Lady Charlene.”
This was a tremendous honor.
The night of Baynton’s ball, Charlene had been too filled with apprehension to notice very much. However, now servants rushed forward to open doors and announce him. Lord Vetter left his own receiving line to personally welcome the duke. He bowed deeply over Char’s hand.
“The reports of your beauty were not exaggerated, my lady.”
Heat rose to her cheeks and she could picture herself a princess in one of the stories her father had told her. The night was just that magical.
The house and the ballroom were not as grand as Menheim’s, although the company was as glittering.
Mothers who had obviously been lingering by the door on the lookout for Baynton were visibly disappointed when they saw Charlene on his arm. He made certain that she was included in all introductions, and although he was completely proper, there was a possessiveness about him. Char was certain all sensed that he had staked his claim.
Furthermore, his mother went out of her way to include Char. “Let me introduce you to my friend Mr.Fyclan Morris,” the dowager said.
Fyclan was a handsome older gentleman that others treated with great respect. He and the duchess appeared to have a close relationship.
The dowager started to ask Char a question but Baynton stepped in between them. “I’m sorry, Mother, but they are preparing for the first dance and I must take Lady Charlene away from you. She owes me a dance.”
He offered his arm and led her to the dance floor where couples were already gathering. “I have not forgotten your promise to step on my toes,” he said.
“You should be careful what you wish for, Your Grace,” she answered, and he laughed.
“Here, Baynton,” one gentleman called, and Char found herself being introduced to Lord and Lady Rovington. They were a merry twosome and had places in their set for the duke and Char. Lord Rovington and the duke spoke to each other as old friends.
Lady Rovington quickly attempted to put Char at ease by saying, “Please call me Jane.” She leaned close. “He likes you. This is good. We all worried over him after—you know.”
“I don’t know.”
“You must know,” Jane said.
“I wish I did know,” Char answered. “I think?” she added, confused about what Jane meant.
“About his being jilted,” Jane prodded. “He was supposed to marry Elin Morris but his brotherstoleher from him.”
Char had met the duke’s brother and his wife in the receiving line at the Menheim ball. They had appeared happy, and apparently the duke had no quarrel with them or else he would not have invited them. She didn’t know what to make of this “friend” trading in gossip.
“Oh” was all she could manage to say and it must have been enough because Jane started commenting on the dress the woman behind Char was wearing.
“She wore the same dress last week,” Jane said.
Char almost said she, too, was wearing a dress twice but caught herself. She could hear Sarah advising her that there was no reason to ask for trouble.
Fortunately, the dancing started.
She and Baynton managed to not step on each other’s toes. He was actually an excellent dancer, light on his feet and confident in his movements. Slowly, the tension ebbed from her body. She relaxed, and by the time the music came to an end, she felt she had acquitted herself very well.
Afterward, he escorted her over to where his mother was talking to friends. Lady Baldwin appeared happily ensconced with the matrons by the punch bowl.
The circle around Baynton began to grow. The duke was very popular, as was Mr.Morris. Men and women flocked to Baynton. He tried to keep Char close but there was almost too much going on and the conversation was not light. There was a discussion on a farm bill they needed to pass and speculation about the Continent.
If she hadn’t known Baynton was important before, she would have gained the idea listening to those around him.
The evening began to feel as if it was happening to someone else. She was an observer, a distant bystander. She could even see herself in her pale, silvery blue gown. She saw that she was poised with a pleasant smile on her face and knew that for some mysterious reason, she wanted to run.
