Truly, she was sure she could expect Gil to send an endless stream ofsuitorsher way. Whether she wanted him to or not. She had only hoped that he would be more discerning in his choices.
“He said I should introduce myself to ye. Rupert Wingot. I would verra much enjoy a dance later?”
His gaze had wandered back to her breasts while he awaited her answer. It would be rude to deny him the dance, no matter how unpleasant it promised to be. She noted her cousin a few paces away, watching her every move.
“’Twould be lovely.” She forced a smile. “Thank ye. If ye will excuse me, I believe I see an old acquaintance.”
Rupert bowed and stepped aside, letting her pass. She felt his eyes on her as she walked away in the opposite direction of her cousin, trying not to rush her steps too much. Though really, she only wanted to get out of his presence and the prying eyes of Gil.
She knew no one here aside from Gil, of course. But the fabrication freed her from Rupert’s company—for now.
“Miss Watson.”
What now? She spun, excuse at the ready, but any words died on her lips as Lord Primrose called to her.
He took a quick step back in surprise. “I apologize, Miss. Ye appear to be upset. I do hope I am no’ the cause of your distress.”
Heart rushed to her cheeks. “Nay.” She fanned herself in short, quick bursts. The warmth that flooded her body was entirely due to Lord Primrose’s proximity and had naught to do with the air temperature.
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin. “Truth be told, Wingot’s attention is enough to make even the strongest person upset.” His chuckle was deep and rumbled down her spine.
Looking around him, she noticed Wingot watching them suspiciously.
“I may have fibbed a wee bit and told him I spotted an old friend to get away.”
“Smart lady.”
His smile and praise made her body tingle. She cursed its reaction.
“Mayhap we should move in this direction so as no’ to raise his curiosity.”
“Aye.”
He plucked two glasses of punch from a tray and handed her one.
“Thank ye, my lord.” She sipped from the flute as they walked in the opposite direction of Wingot. She much preferred the taste of the punch compared to the champagne she had earlier.
Gil stepped into their path. “Cousin, I see ye’ve met Lord Primrose.” Her cousin dipped his head in greeting at the man at her side.
“Buchanan, ’tis nice to see ye again.” The two men shook hands in greeting. “I didna realize that Miss Watson was your cousin.”
“Ye mean Lady Watson.”
Willamina almost choked on her tongue. Darn Gil for giving away her secret. Though why she was trying to keep her title a mystery, she could not explain. Doing so served her no purpose.
Lord Primrose’s blue eyes, alight with mirth, clashed with hers. “My sincerest apologies. I had no’ the faintest idea. I hope ye did no’ take insult in my incorrect address.”
She shook her head, her tongue heavy as if her mouth were full of mud.
“Well, Primrose, we shall have to meet for a drink and a game soon.”
And just like that her cousin led her away from Lord Primrose and the party.
Willamina had to stop herself from looking back at him as they made their way through the crowd and out to their waiting phaeton.
She could only hope she got the chance to see Lord Primrose again.
*
