Page 67 of The Lady’s Great Escape

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Idon’t know what you were thinking,” Celia scolded as she shook her head.

“Did you not find anyone on my list to your liking?” Kit asked.

That was a question she didn’t know quite how to answer. She hoped the reason she found each of the women lacking was because they didn’t fit her stipulations, but she worried there was an underlying reason she wasn’t prepared to discuss with Kit.

She needed to focus on the facts. They’d both agreed to take their searches seriously this time. She had to do her part to help him, because she was relying on him to help her as well.

Still, the list…

“Lady Elderidge laughs at everything, even if it isn’t funny in the least. Miss Milton wouldn’t deign to speak to me as I’m not as perfect as her.”

“She said that?” His head jerked up as he searched the room, his fists tight at his side. He was ready to take up Celia’s defense and she was touched. But she couldn’t set him off after the snobby witch.

“No. Not exactly.” She had said nearly as much. “A few of the women on your list seem to have their caps set on men already and are waiting for them to come up to scratch. If you wait you could have your choice of the ones left behind.”

His eyes went wide. “Are you suggesting I hang about for the castoffs?”

“If you want someone from this list, that may be your only option.”

“Is no one at this function suitable?”

She bit her bottom lip as she pondered. “Well, there is one person that met all my conditions but one.”

“Which condition?”

“She’s a debutante, but mature for her age. Very intelligent, but not stuffy about it. She wouldn’t allow you to lord your knowledge of things over her and would challenge you, I think. And she wishes to find a gentleman based upon his merits not his status or financial circumstances. She’s quite charming.”

“I can’t help but notice you have not mentioned her physical attributes, which can only mean I’ve not met her already because she’s a gorgon. I’ve heard gorgons are intelligent. Quite well read; all the eyes.” He gestured toward his head.

Celia couldn’t help but laugh. “I assure you she is far from a gorgon. In fact, she might even be the most enchanting creature here.”

“But you called her a creature. That can’t be good.” Kit winced, though she knew he would not hold physical beauty over a person’s heart.

“Are you saying you do not wish to meet her? Even for one dance?”

“Very well. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“You could be turned to stone and become a statue in Lady Sterling’s ballroom for the rest of eternity?”

“Quite.” He glared at her. “Lead the way to my impending doom, countess.”

The use of her title didn’t feel as cold as it once had. Kit managed to make it sound like a term of endearment. Friends. She led the way through the crowd and stopped when she reached the young woman.

“Miss Bennington, may I make known to you, Viscount Stormont.”

The young woman curtsied politely as Kit bowed. When he stood, he tilted his head inspecting her rudely. Celia was about to elbow him in the ribs when he started and said, “Willa?”

“Yes. Are we already acquainted, my lord?” Her bright smile faltered.

“We are. I went to school with your brother, Ernest. At Eton before my father sent me off to Heriot’s.”

“Oh, I see.” Her answer wasn’t quite disappointed, but almost.

“I just saw him here tonight for the first time in years,” Kit said and Willa’s eyes lit again with interest. “I did come to your house once when you were just a girl.”

“I am no longer a girl.” Lady Willa stood straighter.