Mr. Sinclair shook his head sadly. “Ah, I wish it were as simple as that. However, you have our full support here this evening, sir.” His mouth pressed into a thin line. “As for the battlefield, I would not trust him to have your back. Do have a care, Captain Larson. The man has no scruples.”
William did not care about battles and scruples. He had seen the fear in Miss Lockhart’s eyes when Foyle had aimed his parting shot at her. She had stood, silent and motionless, her rigid limbs and frozen gaze the only clue that she was terrified beyond reason. Now that the perpetrator had left, she was trembling, her grip on her fan fierce, her gaze still locked before her.
“Are you all right, Miss Lockhart?” he asked, for what else could he say? He had no claim on her by right of family or marriage. He could not take her in his arms and comfort her with his presence, whispering reassurances into her ear until sheleaned against him and released her fears to him. “Perhaps you should sit down. I could bring you something to drink.”
“That’s a good idea, Lieutenant Cole,” said Mrs. Sinclair. “Something strong, if you don’t mind. I think she’s had rather a shock.” She guided her sister to a nearby chair, the small group forming a protective half-circle before her.
William pushed through the crowded ball room, muttering apologies as he went. Fortunately, a dance was in progress, and the edges of the venue were not as densely littered with guests, many of them having joined the line. He entered a side room where tables had been arranged around the perimeter and filled with all manner of refreshment. Footmen stood waiting to replenish the food and drink as needed.
William hastened to fetch a glass and two fingers of brandy. With his mission complete, he returned, clearing the space before him with cries of “Pardon me! Coming through!” until he reached Miss Lockhart and proffered the glass to her.
“Down it quickly now,” urged Mrs. Sinclair, “for it will burn your throat. But you will feel the calming effects soon after.”
Miss Lockhart did as bidden, gasping as she finished and coughing at the sudden heat in her chest.
“That is very strong liquor, sir,” she said, her voice hoarse. “But I do believe it has done the trick.”
“Does someone need smelling salts?” came the familiar, friendly sound of Dr. Westbridge. “I saw Miss Lockhart take a seat rather suddenly and thought perhaps she had overdone the dancing somewhat. The room is dreadfully warm, too. She wouldn’t be the first young lady to swoon at her debut ball.”
Miss Lockhart still had her hand to her chest, though the color was returning to her cheeks. “I am quite all right, thank you, Dr. Westbridge. I just had a sudden turn. But I have recovered. You are very kind to come to my aid, but I shall not require a physician.”
The doctor turned to James. “Does Miss Lockhart have an ailment that would bring on such a sudden faint?”
“Not that I am aware,” James replied. “Unless you consider Richard Foyle a physical disease rather than merely a blight on society.”
Dr. Westbridge pressed his lips together. His stony countenance suggested he was all too familiar with the “gentleman” in question. “Did he…? Are you…safe?” the doctor asked Verity.
“He did not touch her,” William said firmly. “He wouldn’t dare. Not while we are here to protect her.”
“He was most uncouth in his speech,” Charlotte said softly, her eyes gentle upon Miss Lockhart. “I am surprised someone with his indecorous manner was allowed to attend. The Macraes are good people. They would be heartbroken that a young lady was harassed by one of their guests.”
“I believe his father accompanied him to the event in previous years,” Mr. Sinclair explained. “No doubt his presence had maintained some form of restraint upon young Foyle. It is a pity he was not in attendance tonight.”
“I shall report the incident to my superiors,” said Captain Larson. “Though what good it will do, I cannot say.”
Miss Lockhart stood up quite suddenly. “Please, everyone, don’t fuss on my account. I’d rather just forget everything that happened, if you don’t mind.” She gave a residual shiver.
“You need a distraction,” advised Dr. Westbridge. “I would ask you to dance.” He pulled his lips into a lopsided smile. “The comic effect of my steps should lighten your mood in a trice. However, it would be unseemly of me to request more than my allotted pair of dances with you.”
“Alas, Cole,” said Captain Larson, “you have also had your turn dancing with Miss Lockhart. Perhaps, then, my lady, ifI may be so bold, couldIoffer you that very distraction Dr. Westbridge recommends?
“I am not a very good dancer,” said Miss Lockhart, repeating her former claim.
“But we dance to amuse ourselves with happier thoughts,” answered Captain Larson. “There is no need for fine steps or perfect coordination.”
“I suppose, if you’re sure.”
“I am. As soon as this line is done, I shall join you in a new one.”
“Ah,” said Dr. Westbridge, lifting his finger as if the thought had sprung up through it, “I may have another suggestion to cheer you up further. The Entomological Society is hosting a talk this week on thecoleopteraof Egypt. Do you have a chaperone, Miss Lockhart? If so, I would consider it an honor for you to attend. If you are interested, that is. Or perhaps I have overestimated your fascination with the subject.”
William watched Miss Lockhart’s face light up. Confound the doctor! He was thoughtful, intelligent, and he shared her love of creeping, flying things. William was going to witness Miss Lockhart losing her heart to Dr. Westbridge right in front of his eyes. He was helpless to prevent it. And why should he? Did she not deserve someone exactly like the good doctor?
Miss Lockhart turned with eagerness toward her sister. “May I go? Please sayyes. Mama would not mind me going if it was an invitation. Dr. Westbridge is not offended by my passion for insects.”
“Goodness, no!” cried the gentleman. “Quite the opposite. I have only ever bored young ladies with my talk of habitats and species, not to mention the displeasure I evoke if I should speak of—heaven forfend—larvae!”
Miss Lockhart laughed. It was a beautiful sight. Her pale-blue eyes glistened like melting ice in the spring. Her nosewrinkled as she abandoned decorum for pure joy. In that moment, William knew…
