This, from someone who had cut her dead last time they met. ‘Indeed,’ she replied coolly. ‘But please excuse me. I believe the Earl—my companion for the evening—will be wondering where I am.’
She had scarcely gone a few feet, though, when she heard them talking about her. ‘It’s pitiable, really,’ one was saying. ‘She’s giving herself such airs! I heard she had a Season in London several years ago, but had no luck at all finding herself a husband.’
Kate froze. Thanks to an enormous potted palm she was out of their sight, but she could hear every nasty word.
‘So what on earth,’ another lady was saying, ‘is she doing with the Earl of Rivington?’
‘Oh, you’ll remember how bitter he was over his break-up with Lady Cecily. Perhaps he’s vowed to steer clear of anyone who could tempt him, and that’s why he’s here with that odd woman.’
‘I’ve heard she can’t even dance—imagine that!’
‘Can’t dance? Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. If you watch her walk, you’ll see that she positively hobbles.’
‘Really?’Another woman giggled. ‘Then let’s get one of the men to ask her to dance. That will put her in her place. I know, we’ll ask Jack Spencer to do it. He’s in the ballroom already and he’s always up for a laugh. I’ll go and tell him.’
The women moved purposefully on, but Kate stayed where she was, trembling with indignation.
She knew that if she rejoined Dan, she would instantly be protected from the spite of those females by his mere presence. But she was determined to deal with this herself. She lifted her head high and headed straight for the crowded ballroom.
Soon she could see the couples lining up for the gavotte, and it wasn’t long before a man with an exaggerated flaxen quiff, a plump pink face and a high starched cravat appeared in front of her. ‘Miss Summerby.’ He made an extravagant bow. ‘May I introduce myself? My name is Jack Spencer and I would be honoured if you would let me partner you for this dance.’
His speech was slurred and she could smell the brandy on his breath. Already people were staring, especially those women who had concocted the plan, but Kate just did not care.You foolish man,she thought.If only you knew how much I despise you and your friends!
She held out her hand and positively beamed. ‘Why, indeed, I would love to dance!’ She looked around. ‘Let us go to the head of the line, shall we?—so we can be seen by everyone. Oh, I adore the gavotte!’
The colour had drained from his cheeks. ‘You mean it? Really? I didn’t think you would accept.’
‘Why?’
‘Because… Because—’
Kate gave a gesture of dismissal. ‘I have indeed accepted, Mr Spencer. I must warn you, though, that when I dance, I’m often a little out of time and I may tread on your feet. Sometimes, I even fall over. Imagine! But you won’t mind any of that, I’m sure.’ She thrust out her hand. ‘Lead the way.’
Reluctantly he took her hand. But before he could do anything else, someone else was there—a tall, broad-shouldered man in a charcoal-grey coat, who said coldly to Jack Spencer, ‘You will have to find another partner, sir. Miss Summerby has promised me her company.’
‘Lord Rivington!’ stuttered Spencer. ‘I didn’t realise. Of course, I shall step aside instantly.’
The Earl lowered his voice. ‘You better damned well had,’ he said. ‘In fact, for your own safety, you would be wise to get out of my sight altogether.’ Taking Kate’s arm, he directed a withering look at Spencer and then at all those who were watching, and only after he had led Kate away to a far corner of the ballroom did the buzz of chatter begin again.
He said to Kate, a little curtly, ‘It seems I cannot leave you alone for one minute. What on earth were you up to, agreeing to dance with that drunken idiot?’
She looked up at him defiantly. ‘I was taking matters into my own hands, my lord, as I’ve often had to in the past. You see, I knew he intended to humiliate me by inviting me onto the dance floor, and I accepted out of pure mischief. I assure you, it was worth it to see the look of horror on his face! Even if you hadn’t intervened, he would have backed out within moments.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. Because that kind of trick has been played on me before.’
‘I see,’ he said slowly. Then he added, ‘I’m sorry I doubted you.’
‘That’s all right.’ She smiled then. ‘It was entertaining to see you giving him and his malicious friends the most cutting stare I have ever seen. I must repeat that I will be forever grateful to you for helping me to be accepted in Brighton society. With most people, at any rate.’
‘All the same, this evening has had its problems for you and you must be tired. Would you like me to take you home?’
‘Take me home?’ Secretly she was a little weary; weary of the same jokes, the same old taunts, but she widened her eyes in mock horror. ‘And be defeated by those fools who tried to make fun of me? Of course not. In fact, if you are willing, I suggest that we continue to show everyone we are enjoying ourselves thoroughly.’
She was brave, Dan realised. When he’d first met her, he’d assumed she was the kind of woman to be avoided at all costs, with her apparent disdain for Society and men in general. But had everyone—including him—judged her unfairly? Was it so wrong that she had resolved to live her life independently? After what she’d gone through, who could blame her for her decision?
