“I am now I am dancing with you.” She felt safe in his arms. Confident in her steps and the warmth of his smile made her heart beat faster. “But… I am afraid that I will accept adance from someone unsuitable by mistake and ruin all the preparation you and Marianne have taught me.”
“That was not the intention. Dancing with the likes of Lumley would not ruin you, but you would do well not to accept another from him tonight. One per gentleman so that you show no favoritism. Keep your conversation light.”
“Light?”
“Yes, talk about the weather or the music. If he asks you questions, keep your answers short and noncommittal.”
“Right. I know all the ones to avoid but what of the men I should be dancing with?”
“Bromley is looking for a wife, but unless you want to find yourself nanny and governess to his ten children, I suggest you avoid him. He is a miserly one and is only in town to replace his dearly departed wife.”
“How ghastly. I want a man who wants me for a wife not a governess.”
“Exactly. Now Lord Dunstan is a newly minted earl. I do not know much about him, but I will find out. I doubt he is looking for a wife but that does not mean he will not fall hard for the right woman. He is young and idealistic, and I think he could be a good husband, if he is not too fond of town that is.”
“You live in London all year round. Does that make you too fond of town?”
“In a way, yes. My position is here, and someone has to keep Warrington company.”
“Why does he not go to Ashtonvale with the rest of the family? Surely, he does not need to stay in London all year round?”
“He has his reasons, and I do not suggest you ask him what those reasons are. He is touchy on the subject.”
How curious. Would it be bad form to ask Marianne? Or would she be as hesitant to tell Lucinda as her brother? May might shed some light on the reason the duke stayed in London.
The dance ended and Tony returned her to his mother and took Marianne on the floor for the next dance.
“My Tony is a fantastic dancer. Do you not think so, Miss Sterling?”
Lucinda’s hand was still tingling where they had held hands. What did that mean? “Yes, he is very light on his toes. He is only missing some books.” They laughed together before she asked, “He mentioned a Lord Dunstan may be a good match, but I wanted to get your opinion.”
“Dunstan? He is young and unmarried, but I worry he is still eager to get some town bronze on him. He is new to town after inheriting his uncle’s title and I believe hecouldbe persuaded to marry.”
“That is what Lord Ashton said. However, you both seem cautious.”
“Young men do tend to go a little over the top when they first come to London. They want to try everything. All too often they find themselves in debt to somecent per centor embroiled in some kind of scandal involving someone from thedemimonde. It is sometimes better to wait a few weeks and see how they are faring with the scandal mongers.”
“I did not realize that finding a suitable man would be so tricky.”
“We do not want you to fall prey to a rake or worse a bad gambler. You would not wish to wed a pox-ridden so-and-so either. We want you happily married, not miserable.”
“Certainly not. I fear there will be no one fit to marry.”
“Never fear, my dear. We will find you a husband by the end of the season, mark my words. This is just the first of many balls.More gentlemen will come out of the woodwork as the season progresses.”
“If only there were more men like Lord Ashton wanting to marry.”
“If only indeed.”
“Would he be considered a catch?”
“Absolutely, and every year he shows no interest in marriage.” She placed a hand over her heart. “It saddens my heart as he would be a wonderful husband.”
“Maybe one of this year’s debutantes will capture his heart.”
The dowager smiled, a suspicious look in her eyes. “I do hope you are right, my dear. Ah, here is Lord Dunstan now with the host to make an introduction.”
“Oh,” she said. This would be her first test and knowing Lord Dunstan was as new as she was to all this made her feel a little more at ease.
