Again El beneath him, her breasts flushed, this time screaming his name.
“I am not suggesting you tup her, Stapleton.If you instruct her, perhaps you can also instruct her in the folly of her plan.By the bye, why will she not just wed?”
Still tormented by visions of a passion-drunk El, he said absently, “She has never wished to marry.”
Daughtry frowned.“Truly?That must be why— Ah.”
Benedict looked at his friend sharply.“What?”
“You are not wed either.”
Benedict’s breath exploded.“Not you as well.My family just this evening plagued me on this.”
Still studying him, Daughtry said, “You truly do not know?”
“Know what?”
Daughtry’s brow cleared and he shook his head.“Nothing, old man.In any event, there is no harm in offering your assistance.”
There was not, was there?He had already promised to help, and in this, he could help.Daughtry was correct, no one would have greater care of El than him.“You are right.”
“Of course I am.I think you will find I am always correct.”
“I should be the one to tutor El.”
“Ah, yes, of course.Glad you finally go there, old man.”
Benedict ignored Daughtry’s smirk.It was so simple, he couldn’t believe he had not thought of it before.El was his friend.His closest friend.She needed tutorage, so of course he would tutor her.
Now he just needed to convince her.
Chapter Three
Fromtheperipheryofthe Houghtons’ ballroom, Eleanor hummed under her breath as dancers whirled before her.Light from the chandeliers refracted over the crowd, the dangling crystals refracting the candles into a hundred different flames.Jewels and precious metals glinted and flashed, beads and clever embroidery capturing and reflecting light with each move.She could barely hear herself think above the noise, the chatter and the music and the laughter and the shouts.It was big and messy and glorious.
Eleanoradoredit.
As she watched, Benedict’s niece Amanda whirled by, a glorious smile on her face.The entire ball she had been on her feet, dancing with one young gentleman or another, while her mother watched on.Lady C stood opposite Eleanor, beaming as her eldest daughter conquered society.Eleanor had seen them both arrive escorted by the Earl, however he must have retreated to cards and brandy as he was now nowhere to be seen
Benedict had not been with them, but he did not always arrive with his family and on occasion did not attend a ball at all.Unlike her, he found them somewhat tedious, though when he did attend he invariably stood with her, even leading her to dance when she had the urge.To be fair, she had to badger him and he complained all the while, but his grip was gentle as he led her through the dance, his body brushing hers, and then his eyes would laugh down at her as they moved, and warmth would bubble in her like champagne as the world narrowed to her and him…
“You look very fierce.Are the dancers offending you?”
Eleanor startled.Beside her, Victoria, the Countess of Kiloughlan, gazed out on those dancing, a serene smile touching her porcelain features.Her pale green gown was divine, hugging her slim, elegant form to perfection, while her blonde hair looped and dipped in exquisite curls.“Not at this present moment, but you know one always be alert.I did not hear them announce you.”
Humour flirted with Victoria’s smile.“I would have been amazed if you had heard anything amongst this din.”
Itwasrather loud.“I was not certain if you would attend,” she said.“Were you not to return to Scotland?”Though she was a countess in her own right, Victoria was also a baroness through her marriage to a neighbouring lord.Lord Dunseith was unwell, however, and remained in Scotland.
Victoria’s features smoothed.“I was, but word has come I am no longer needed.You will have to endure me for at least another month.”
“Yes,sucha hardship.”
Her friend’s faint smile returned.and Eleanor congratulated herself.Victoria was not often effusive, and any emotion Eleanor could tease out she counted as a win.
They had formed a friendship at Lady Burfield’s salon, which was truly remarkable considering how reserved Victoria was.It was rare her friend displayed obvious emotion, her every move deliberate and controlled.Victoria rarely spoke at the salon, but neither did she blush, and nothing that was discussed seemed to surprise her.Her friend was sometimes an enigma to her, but once one was allowed past the façade she presented to the world, she was generous and warm and fiercely loyal.Eleanor was proud and honoured she was one of the few Victoria allowed beyond the mask.
That small smile still playing about Victoria’s mouth intensified.“Lord Malvern is here.”
