Algenon hit his boiling point. “It is lovely.” The words whooshed out like a gust of wind. “Organza, correct? Did Madam Dubree make it? It is a fine work, and you wear it well.”
Javenia smiled, but her urge to laugh died as conversation erupted around her. He’d never change. To be fair, the young woman had practically begged for his compliment, and it was more subdued than his usual fare, but he’d not once complimented her this evening… nor any other.
The excitement that had led her charge this evening dimmed. It would take a lot more than a few compliments to get his attention. She needed to be overtly flirtatious, like the other girls. Lifting her fan from where it hung at her wrist, she slowly opened it and began batting her eyes in hopes he’d notice.
After each girl had received a compliment, he glanced at her and promptly stumbled over whatever he’d meant to say to Nessa.
“Do you have something stuck in your eye, Miss Harris?”
She stopped, mortification gripping her as the other young women’s smiles grew.
“No, I can see quite clearly, thank you. Enough to see you’ve not lost your touch at spreading sickeningly sweet drivel all over Maidstone’s assembly floors.”
So much for flirting. She’d never been very good at it. His lips parted, but no sound came out. Instead, his gaze darted over her shoulder and his face paled.
“Good evening, ladies,” Lord Roberts said from behind her.
Javenia slowly turned, hoping she was wrong. However, there, next to Lord Roberts, was the viper who had stolen a kiss from Algenon. The significance of her being here weighed Javenia down like a boulder on her back. Was this who Lord Roberts intended for his son?
She desperately hoped not.
It would be hard to lose Algenon to anyone, but Miss Weston would make him miserable andthatshe could never accept. Her resolve hardened.
Lord Roberts shot her an exasperated look before fixing his expression. He’d always been careful about not showing his distain for her in front of other people, which she appreciated. Algenon had a tendency to become surly when he thought others treated her unfairly and the last thing she needed was for him to make a scene.
Lord Roberts turned his attention to the woman on his arm. “Miss Weston, might I introduce you to a few of my daughters’ friends?”
Of all the ladies standing about, Javenia held the highest rank as the oldest daughter of a baron, and so should be introduced first, but Lord Roberts began with Miss Carter. The affront was purposeful. After so many years of knowing how the man felt about her family, it should not have hurt as much as it did, but he’d at least been civil before now.
Then again, she and Miss Weston had already met. Not that it had been a pleasant experience.
Algenon stiffened next to her, a familiar tension radiating from him. He moved forward, no doubt to fix the oversight, but she softly touched his arm with her fingertips. His gaze shot to hers, fire in the depths of his brown and green eyes. She gave a gentle shake of her head. Wrinkles formed on his brow as he pressed his lips together. The silent argument pulled at the strings of her heart.
She appreciated his protective nature, but any interference right now would only cause Lord Roberts to dislike her even more. The man would never stand to be corrected in public, especially by his own son.
Opening her eyes wide, she pleaded with him. After a moment, Algenon’s head dropped a fraction, an acquiescence to her desires. She turned her attention back to Lord Roberts only to find Miss Weston curiously glancing at her even though she was being introduced to Miss Oak.
Had she seen the silent exchange between her and Algenon?
When the time finally came for her introduction, Miss Weston said, “Oh, Miss Harris and I have already met.”
Javenia scrunched her nose in disgust. A momentary lapse in judgment, considering the smug tilt to Miss Weston’s chin when she glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. The little chit was enjoying her discomfort. No, not just enjoying; she was reveling in it.
Theyhadbeen introduced. Three seasons ago, in fact. And since then, Javenia had come to know just how devious Miss Weston could be.
Javenia dipped her head in acknowledgement even as she stuffed down all the insults and boiling anger under the surface. “Yes, we have indeed been introduced, but I thank you Lord Roberts, for your kindness.”
Lord Roberts’s eyebrow raised a fraction at her gratitude, but he said nothing, choosing instead to direct his next words toward his son.
“Roberts, Miss Weston was just telling me how much she adores dancing and indeed I would have been remiss if I did not share with her what an excellent dancer you are.”
Algenon didn’t move, his mouth set in a non-expressive straight line. If Javenia hadn’t known any better, she’d have thought he hadn’t heard his father. The subtle tic of his left eyebrow, the one he couldn’t control when he was battling his irritation, said otherwise.
Lord Roberts hadn’t asked, but it was obvious he wanted Algenon to request a dance from Miss Weston. It was a battle of wills. She knew His Lordship would win out in the end. He always did. If she only knew why Algenon always demurred to his father’s will. He was a man in his majority with a home he could retreat to if his father’s wrath became too irritating.
His Lordship cleared his throat. “Perhaps you could give her a demonstration during the next set?”
Still, Algenon appeared unconcerned with his father’s request. Then Lord Roberts flicked a glance at Javenia, his gaze narrowing a fraction before returning to his son.
