After a moment, another woman joined them. This one was younger, and far more bubbly. Algenon chuckled as his gaze trailed to her left where his friend, John, stood. Susannah’s joyful countenance offset John’s face of stone. It was the same discomfited expression he’d worn for years whenever he was in the company of so many ladies.
“Looks like John has been convinced to socialize this evening.” Eddie chuckled. “What say you to running a different rescue mission?”
“One in which we keep our dear friend from word vomiting all over unsuspecting matrons?” Algenon straightened his waistcoat, a smile tugging at his lips. “Lead the way, my good man, and best be quick about it. I see the Platt sisters making their way in his direction.”
Eddie gave a jaunty salute. “Let it not be said that we left a man to the machinations of spinsters.”
Algenon nearly snorted as he covered his amusement. The elderly Platt sisters were as harmless as newborn kittens, but crowds made John nervous, which made it harder to control his stutter. So, to the rescue they would go.
Was it the real incentive for him to cross the room? Perhaps not. But Eddie had given Algenon the perfect excuse to be closer to Javenia. What was more noble than saving a friend?
Besides, his father had already left the room for the evening. Once at the card tables, he rarely left.
With each step closer, a boyish giddiness filled him. Social functions brought out Javenia’s wit in full force and he could not wait to cross words with her. It was one of his favorite pastimes, especially since she knew how to mix just the right amount of ridiculousness into her set downs as to make them entertain rather than insult.
When they stopped in front of the ladies, he smiled, excited to be back in a situation where he knew what to expect. He gave an abbreviated bow to all of them, but before he could give any more than a perfunctory greeting, Javenia spoke.
“You are looking very well turned out this evening, Mr. Roberts. I’ve always liked your poppy red waistcoat. It pairs well with your gold accoutrements. And is that a ruby stick pin I spy in your pristinely tied neckcloth?”
Algenon stared at her. Something was wrong. Javenia never complimented him. He searched her face but saw no signs of ulterior motive. She flipped open her fan and moved it slowly, lightly wafting the few curls that draped over her shoulder. He fought his body’s natural reaction to draw closer, but that did not stop his blood from warming.
Something was afoot. He was certain of it, but he was out of his element. She blinked slowly at him, her gaze direct. His mouth went dry and his palms began to sweat. Where had all his pretty words gone?
Chapter 5
The silence among Javenia’s friends would have been deafening if the rest of the room had not been a buzz of excitement. Algenon’s mouth hung slightly agape, his eyebrows knit together. He probably thought she’d lost her mind. Heat crept up her neck.
True to form, he recovered quickly. “What have I done this time?”
Eddie snickered while the others cast each other furtive glances. No doubt they all expected her to answer with a snide jab. She certainly was tempted to, but number two on her list was not to antagonize Algenon. Something she desperately wished to do, especially after he’d opened himself up for a lovely set down. She shifted to her left and chose a less combative direction for conversation.
“Nothing. Can I not offer a sincere compliment?”
He leaned in and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead.
She scrunched her nose and pulled away. “What are you doing?”
“Checking for a fever.”
Eddie guffawed. The others covered their chuckles with hands and fans.
Without thinking, Javenia flicked his arm with her fan. “You are a pest; besides, you cannot adequately tell one’s temperature through evening gloves.”
Algenon let out an exaggerated sigh, his shoulders visibly sagging. “Much better.” Then turning to the others, he motioned with both hands for them to stay calm. “All is well, ladies and gentlemen. No need to panic. It was only a momentary lapse in judgment.”
Javenia rolled her eyes, but a tiny smile slipped through her defenses. Algenon always knew how to lighten the mood.
Conversation moved on as normal as they each fell into their roles as friends. It was safe and comfortable and completely not what Javenia needed if things were going to change between her and Algenon. She opened her mouth to try her hand again at flirting, but the discussion turned to Lord Penwick’s passing and she froze.
It had been a month since the news had come that Duncan Boleyn, the Viscount Penwick, had succumbed to the disease that had plagued him all summer and fall. She should be relieved, but the mere mention of his name still made her shiver as her heart beat loudly in her ears.
Instinctively, she glanced over each shoulder, then let her gaze drop to the floor as she took several deep breaths in through her nose. Her fingers twitched, aching to worry the fabric of her skirt, but she resisted the temptation.
Someone bumped into her shoulder, and she glanced up to see Algenon’s narrowed eyes and downturned lips.
“Did you swallow an insect?” he asked softly. He had meant the question as a jest, but any reference to insects was also his way of giving her an escape.
She stood in a room full of friends and neighbors and yet he was the only one who sensed her trembling, he who knew her past well enough to know why she’d retreated into silence.
