“It was not you at all. It was me. I was being oversensitive.”
Gabrielle smiled apologetically. “We can be intimidating when all together. I was terrified at my first dinner.”
“You were?”
“Oh, yes. I was so worried about saying the wrong thing I said nothing at all. They all thought I was mute.”
“I got soup on my dress at my first dinner,” Anna said. “I had to hold my napkin over it the whole time. I am a little clumsy at times.”
It was so kind of them to share their experiences with her. Only they had not run away. They had the courage to stick it out.
When the Earl of Dunstan came, he took her gloved hand in his and led her to take their places. He was tall, maybe not as tall as Marianne liked, but tall enough. He had dark, dark hair and eyes to match. Those eyes were studying her as well.
“I confess, I have been waiting most of the night for this dance. You are a little bit of a mystery as no one seems to know much about you.”
“This is my first time in London, so it is not surprising that little is known about me. However, everyone knows of you, it seems.”
He laughed as they joined hands to skip down the row. “And what do you know of me, Miss Sterling?”
She felt her cheeks burn. “I hope I did not offend.”
“Not at all. I would be offended if you did not ask about me. This is what these infernal balls are for. Now, tell me… about me.” His lopsided grin showed a dimple she found endearing.
“Really, Lord Dunstan.” She found him charming and playful. “Well, you are new to your earldom, and this is your first season.”
He shook his head. “Wrong. This is not my first season. It is my first as an earl, so I suppose you are half right. I have been studying art here in London for two years and attended a few balls through friends.”
“You are an artist. How wonderful.”
“My uncle did not think so. He cut me off and I had to learn to live on my art.”
“I am so sorry; that must have been extremely hard for you. And now you are an earl.”
“I was not expecting to inherit so soon but let me tell you a secret.” They made a turn and then came back into formation. “A title does not change who I am. I am still the artist who defied his uncle and paid the price. Only now I am the earl who still loves art. Does that disappoint you?”
“No, not at all. What kind of art do you do?”
“Hmm, all sorts really. I paint portraits, sketch, and have even done a little sculpture, but landscapes are my first love.”
“I would love to see some of your work. Why are you laughing?”
“Do you really like art, Miss Sterling, or are you simply being kind?”
“I do like art. I can sketch a little, and I have dabbled in watercolors, but I could not call myself an artist.” This seemed to satisfy him, and his shoulders relaxed a little.
“May I ask you something else?”
“Of course. It is only fair as I asked about you.”
“Where have you been? I hear that Ashton is your guardian but is not your family.”
“I have been away at school in Sussex, my lord.”
“Sussex, eh? I suppose it is as good as any place to come from.” He looked like he wanted to ask her another question, but the dance had ended. He offered her his arm and led her back to Marianne and her mother. “Thank you for a most interesting dance, Miss Sterling. I hope to dance with you again soon.”
Lucinda watched him leave. He had left her giddy with happiness. She sat down in a chair and fanned herself to cool her cheeks.
“So?”
