Page 85 of The Lady’s Great Escape

He found Willa and Ernest, who were clearly having a spat about something. When Kit arrived, Willa beamed at him and took his arm even before Kit had offered it.

“I’m so very glad to see you this evening, my lord. Perhaps we could take a walk around the ballroom.”

“Of course. I’d love nothing more.” Except to have a moment alone with her so that he might blurt out his proposal before he melted into a puddle on Lady DePaul’s floor. Or worse, changed his mind entirely.

No. That was not an option. He smiled down at the woman who he hoped would be his wife and put everyone else out of his mind.

*

Celia cursed herselffor wearing her green gown as she made her way to the lady’s retiring room. It was her lowest cut dress and she’d hoped it would draw Lord Rathmore’s attention.

That wasn’t entirely true, she’d hoped it would attract Kit’s attention, but she didn’t want to admit that to herself because then she would need to explore the reason why. Kit wanted to marry and start a family and she wanted…

Well, now she wasn’t entirely sure. After speaking with Lady Harrington, she had doubts about spending the rest of her days with different men visiting her bed. She’d thought it exciting and adventurous, but now that the woman had exposed a different perspective, Celia realized it would be lonely and empty as well. But marriage?

Behind a privacy screen, Celia worked her corset up from where it had slid and adjusted the bodice of her gown. As long as she didn’t partake in any lively dancing, her bosom should stay where it was.

She paused in her adjustments when she heard someone else enter the room. Peeking through the crack in the screen she saw it was Miss Willa and two other young women. All in the pale dresses of a debutante.

“He’s asked for a waltz. Again,” Willa said, excitement clear in her voice.

“Lord Stormont does indeed seem smitten with you. He’s only danced with you all season,” another young woman said.

“That’s not true. He also dances with Lady Hamlin,” Willa corrected.

“As if that counts. They can only be friends. He wouldn’t consider more than friendship with her.”

“Why would you think that?” Willa asked. Celia silently thanked the girl for sounding defensive.

“He would never choose a woman with a spot on her face over you,” Willa’s friend stated as fact.

Celia held her breath. This would be the moment she would hear something regretful about herself and her confidence would be shattered. She’d planned to entice Lord Rathmore this evening, but that would take all her courage.

Willa laughed, a beautiful tinkling sound like one would expect from an angel. “That’s ridiculous. It’s but a small blemish. Lady Hamlin is lovely. And I for one would much rather acquaint myself with someone who wears their flaws—miniscule as they are—in plain sight rather than someone who is cruel and thoroughly rotten on the inside.”

It was a clear insult to the other woman, but it went unnoticed as the ruthless girl continued. “All I meant is that it’s clear Lord Stormont fancies you over her. I would be surprised if he hasn’t already talked to your brother.”

Willa sighed. “I am sure you’re right for my brother suggested I spend my time with other gentlemen so not to give Lord Stormont the wrong impression of my interest. Can you believe he doesn’t find the viscount appropriate for a husband?” Willa seemed genuinely offended on Kit’s behalf. Celia liked the girl even more.

“What will you say if he asks tonight? He’s very handsome, but so is Lord Marsden and he’s shown you equal attention,” the other friend said in a quieter voice.

“Marsden is an earl, while Stormont is just a viscount,” the harpy said.

Willa responded immediately in an accusatory tone. “I’ll remind you my brother is only a baron. I care not for a title. I won’t marry for money or titles, despite what my brother may wish. I must at least like the man who is to be my husband.”

The group left still chatting, but Celia could no longer hear what they said. With one more tug on her gown, she left the room as well and went to find Kit. She thought he was avoiding her, and as she moved closer and he ducked out to the terrace, it became obvious she’d been correct.

She found him standing at the balustrade looking out into the darkness and moved to stand next to him.

“Lady Willa is a lovely woman,” she whispered.

Kit looked over at her briefly before turning back and nodding.

“I saw her true character tonight and am happy to report she is genuinely a wonderful person with just a bit of spirit to make her fun.”

“Yes.”

“Her friends seem convinced you will ask for her hand tonight.”