He approached the phaeton, nodding a greeting to Miss Graham’s aunt, also a Miss Graham, who sent an approving and simpering smile his way. Good. This assured him that his money problems still remained unknown gossip among the ton. He bowed formally and smiled.
“I concluded my business more quickly than I had initially anticipated, Miss Graham. So, I am content to come back for a time.”
“How fortunate,” she exclaimed, flashing her even, white teeth in a flirtatious smile. Lord, she was pretty: blonde, petite, but not too thin. All that he found attractive and desirable. Charlotte now seemed like a mud hen next to this preening peacock.
Deciding there was no time like the present to make his aims known, he said, “Indeed. But, I must say, Miss Graham, the thought of coming back to London andyoursociety was a great motivator in my return.”
“You are all flattery, sir.” She gave a gay little laugh. “Though, I must confess my surprise. It is well spoken of in town that you are all but wed.”
“Oh, these wretched rumors. I cannot account for them, Miss Graham. I assure you, I am as unattached as when we last saw oneanother.” He saw her eyes widen a bit as she smiled again.
“Truly? Then, pray, let me say that I shall surely not be alone in my happiness to see you—many a lady will rejoice to know you are returned and not attached. Your presence and grace on the dance floor has been greatly missed.”
“How kind. Tell me, Miss Graham—are you by chance attending the Nelson Ball in two days?” Robert leaned in, placing his hand on the side of the phaeton, close to hers, but resisting the urge to gently stroke her gloved hand with a solitary finger.
“Of course.” She giggled. “I have a divine new gown for the event. This ball truly is said to bethesocial event of the Season. Please tell me you will be there.”
“As luck would have it, my invitation just arrived. I shall hope to have the honor of a dance with you. But—perhaps it is too late for me.” He gave her what he hoped was a soulful gaze, edging his hand slightly closer to hers.
“I have already promised many dances, it is true, but I always keep the third and sixth set unpromised—in case someone new catches my eye at a ball or assembly.” She now moved her hand a bit nearer to touch his. “Shall I…reserve one for you?” she asked coyly.
“Just one?” he said in a seductive voice. “I suppose it would be too much to hope that I could claim both. Nothing would make me happier, I assure you.”
She giggled. “Let us agree on the third and I promise not to give the sixth away until we see each other.” She lifted her hand up to him. “Is that agreeable?”
Taking his cue, he lightly took her hand and bent over it barely skimming it with his lips. Then, he released it, straightened, and bowed his head at her and her aunt. “More than agreeable, my dear Miss Graham. I shall count the very hours until then.” He stepped back and stood until Miss Graham sent him one more flirtatious smile and, with a snap of the reins, the phaeton moved on. Robert returned toHenry’s home, exceedingly satisfied at the outcome of today’s encounter.
Now, if I can find a way to get her outside and alone, my plan is all but accomplished.
Chapter Thirty
The Nelsons’ ballwas buzzing with noise and activity. The dance floor was filled with happy couples and gay laughter and conversation bounced off the walls, bright and loud enough to be heard over the music. The Nelsons’ home, one of the largest on the street, possessed what could truly be called a ballroom. So, even though there were many guests, it did not seem too crowded.
Robert arrived shortly after the first set had begun. Although he could see many young ladies along the sides awaiting partners and caught their admiring and hopeful glances, he assiduously ignored them and strolled outside onto the large balcony. There, he found just what he was hoping for: a broad stone staircase leading to the gardens below and more than a few places where he hoped to lead Miss Phoebe Graham for an assignation that would all but assure him her hand—and dowry.
“Robert, there you are.”
He turned to see Simon and Edward, both moving toward him. He debated on which one he would enlist for his devious plan. Either would suffice, but Simon was undoubtably the slightly less intelligent of the two, Robert felt, and therefore not as likely to suspect he was being used in any manner.
“Good to see you two,” Robert said heartily. “And, thank you again for your help in securing an invitation for tonight, Edward.”
His friend laughed. “I should be thanking you. Lady Nelson was so thrilled to hear you were back in town, she nearly kissed me when she learned she would be able to invite one of the Season’s most eligible bachelors to her ball. I am certain she wants the credit should a match be made in her home.”
“I declare,” Simon added, “it astounds me how they place such importance on credit. I sometimes wonder whether money changes hands when a match occurs. The ladies all seem to believe it quite a coup to be the place or person bringing two single people together in a match.”
“The wealthier the gentleman, the higher the honor, surely,” said Edward. The first set had ended, and through the doors, they could see couples drifting off the dance floor. “Ah, the second dance is beginning soon. I am the partner of Miss Anne Franklyn. Not the most attractive nor graceful of partners, but her rumored dowry of two thousand more than makes up for it. Perhaps she has a lively wit. I’ll catch up with you later, gentlemen.” He left the balcony to go inside and claim his partner.
“Are you dancing yet?” Simon asked.
“I have the third set with Miss Graham, which I eagerly anticipate. If I recall, she is light as a feather on her feet.”
“I am promised for the third to Miss Bonet. She is all grace and beauty. Pity she has no fortune.”
The two moved toward the large double doors and stood just inside, watching the partners line up for the second set. Robert caught a brief smile from Miss Graham before she turned her attention to her partner, an older army officer. No competition there, he felt sure.
After a moment, Robert put his plan into action. “Tell me, Simon, you enjoy a spot of snuff now and then, as I recall?”
“Oh, yes, there are some marvelous tobacco grinders in town. Do you partake?”
