“It’s not so bad,” Casper said. “One does get used to it, you know.”
Anthony found himself tugging at his cravat. “It’s restrictive, that’s what it is. I’ll wager that most gentlemen here are finding it a nuisance, but they’re too cowardly to do anything about it—keeping up appearances and all that. In fact, I think I’m going to take my jacket off. I’ll be the most comfortable man here and consequently the envy of one and all.”
“Don’t you dare!” came a soft female voice. Anthony groaned. It was Louise, who’d made her approach together with her husband. “You know how important this is to Mama—you will not cause a scandal by allowing the guests to see you in a state of undress.”
A state of undress?
“It’s just a jacket, Louise. I would still be wearing my shirt and cravat.” He turned to her husband. “What say you, Huntley?”
Glancing at his wife, whose firm expression suggested that she’d taken it upon herself to defend the laws of fashion come what may, Huntley replied, “I believe I must concur with her ladyship on this, Kingsborough.” He leaned a bit closer to Anthony and whispered, “One must pick one’s battles wisely.”
“I heard that!”
“Perhaps that was my intention,” Huntley said, eyeing his wife, whose countenance had turned to one of suspicion.
Anthony shook his head and turned to Winston. “Where’s Sarah? I haven’t seen her since the two of you arrived earlier in the day—she hasn’t taken ill, has she?”
“Oh no, not at all,” Winston replied. “She was detained by Lady Deerford at the refreshment table. With little desire to hear about her ladyship’s latest acquisition, I wasted no time in excusing myself, so here I am.”
“Latest acquisition?” Casper asked. “Is she perhaps a collector?”
“Surely you must have heard,” Anthony said, surprised that such a bit of information might have slipped by his friend.
Casper responded with a blank stare.
“It doesn’t look as though he has,” Winston murmured, sounding intrigued.
“That hardly seems possible,” said Louise as she turned to her husband. “How could he not have heard?”
Huntley shrugged.
“Heard what?” Casper hissed, looking all but ready to pummel the lot of them if that was what it would take to get the information out.
Anthony wondered how much longer he could keep a straight face. He and his siblings were notorious for irking Casper in precisely this fashion—a skill they’d perfected with many years of practice. “Very well,” he relented, taking pity on his friend. “Lady Deerford collects dolls.”
“Oh.”
Anthony frowned, not in the least bit satisfied with Casper’s response. Clearly he would have to elaborate. “I don’t believe you understand—Lady Deerford is reported to have over one thousand dolls. She doesn’t just collect them, Casper, she obsesses over them—buys expensive gifts for them and such. Frankly one has to wonder about her ladyship’s sanity, but then again, I do believe she suffered a terrible blow when her daughter went missing all those years ago.”
“Well, that would explain it,” Casper said as he tossed back the last of his champagne and gazed out at the crowd. “It looks as though the orchestra’s getting ready for the next set—isn’t it time for you to find one of your partners, Anthony? You’ll never get through six dances in one evening at the rate you’re going.”
“Six dances?” Louise stared up at him in surprise. “But you don’t even like to—”
“I’m the host, Louise. I have responsibilities tonight, and besides, I’ve no desire to disappoint Mama.”
“That’s very admirable,” Winston said as he snatched another glass of champagne from a passing tray. “I do believe I’ll help. Anyone particular you’d like me to ask?”
Seizing the opportunity to tease Casper, Anthony said, “There’s a woman, just over there—the one in the yellow gown and the gold mask standing just to the left of the orchestra.”
Casper moved as if to step forward, but Anthony held him back. “Ask her to dance, Winston, and while you’re at it, find out who she is.”
Winston’s face brightened. “A mystery! I do so love a good mystery.”
As he crossed the ballroom, Casper turned to Anthony with a glower. “You’re a fiend, you know.”
Anthony nodded. “You’re probably right, but then again, I did see her first, and with looks like those”—he made a gesture that encompassed Casper’s entire figure—“you have to admit that it’s only fair of you to give me a chance to catch her interest before you make a move.”
“And yet the fact that you’re suddenly so keen only makes me want her more,” Casper sighed.
