“When my grandmother takes her nap. I’ll come at about one o’clock. Please wait for me.”
He clamped his lips down in an attempt to explain how impossible it was. A duke’s daughter could hardly go traipsing around the countryside unaccompanied in her search for Lady Anne. He hated seeing Lady Diana distressed by the loss of a close friend, but this idea of hers would lead nowhere.
But even as he thought it, he remembered how strong-minded and unshakable she was. To consider the possibility that Lady Anne was alive might distract her from her unhealthy interest in his activities, at least. And he liked the idea of seeing her again.
He bent to whisper in her ear, almost brushing her skin “Will you dance with me again?”
Her cheeks flushed. She nodded her assent, then rested her hand on his arm and he led her from the dance floor.
Dancing with Lady Diana again was fraught with trouble, but he still looked forward to having her in his arms again. Was he in danger of abandoning his long-held conviction that he could not marry while working for the crown? The thought shook him as he rejoined his colleagues. He warned himself to take care. Lady Diana should remain as unapproachable as a star.
“You look to have the weight of the world on your shoulders, Ballantine,” Lamb said with a grin. “It must be a lady.”
Despite himself, Damian chuckled. Lamb was all too familiar with that problem.
Chapter Nine
When Diana leftthe dance floor, her heart raced. His warm breath stirring her hair and the promise of another dance sent a thrill through her. Had he changed his mind? Was that glimmer of hope that he might agree to help her foolish?
“I see you enjoyed your dance with Lord Ballantine,” Grandmama observed when Diana sat beside her.
“He has asked me to dance again.”
Her grandmother’s smile was one of relief. “Then you are not drawn to Viscount Montgomery.”
“Lord Ballantine is not the marrying kind, they say.”
“Don’t most men say that?”
Diana giggled. “Well, I don’t wish to marry Lord Montgomery, Grandmama.”
“I am relieved to hear it,” Grandmama said.
“Why did you take a set against him?”
“It was mere instinct. But I found a lack of warmth in his eyes and thought his manner forced.” She patted Diana’s hand. “I shall try to convince your father that he won’t do.”
Thankful for her support, Diana smiled. “I would be grateful if you could, Grandmama.”
“Well, you were herding his thoughts in that direction as a collie dog herds sheep, dear girl. But I shall see what I can do.”
Diana searched for Ballantine and found him engaged in conversation with an elegant woman she hadn’t met. They were laughing together. A swift rush of jealousy heated her cheeks,dismaying her. Did he flirt with all the women? When he flirted with her, did it meant nothing?
It was important not to allow her emotions to become involved if she was to elicit his help. Still, she couldn’t help wondering what her grandmother thought of Ballantine. “What does your insight tell you about Lord Ballantine, Grandmama?”
Her grandmother’s gaze followed Diana’s to where he stood. “Handsome in a lean, rugged way. Not pretty, like Lord Montgomery. I like his firm chin. But there is something elusive about the earl. I’ve heard nothing detrimental. Ballantine’s country estate is in Berkshire. The mansion is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture, I believe. He has no living parents, but a brother. They lost their sister many years ago.” She turned to look at Diana. “Perhaps it is that unknowable quality which intrigues you, child. As well as his fine physique, of course.”
Diana was about to deny it when, at the announcement of the last dance of the evening, Ballantine left his companion and crossed the floor to claim her, making her heart jump.
“It appears he also has you on his mind, Diana,” Grandmama said thoughtfully. “Perhaps I should give him more of my attention.”
She silently groaned. It wouldn’t be long before her grandmother became aware there was something between Diana and Ballantine. She must be careful. But there wasn’t much between her and Ballantine to keep from her grandmother, for theirs wasn’t a romance. Was it?
The country dance made conversation difficult. Although it didn’t prevent Ballantine from warning her against Lord Montgomery, again, as they stood together waiting for the rest of dancers to enter the dance floor.
He looked subdued, his demeanor very different to how he’d been during their last dance. She wasn’t sure why he’d changed, but it disappointed her. “I can think for myself, sir,” sheprotested. “And have already decided there is nothing I can do to help in that regard.”
His alert, brown eyes searched her face, as if reassuring himself it was true. “I’m relieved to hear it.”
