Page 46 of Mr. Eastwood’s Match

“Have you seen Mr. Holly?” Miss Nelson went on. “He has a cousin with him this evening I have not met yet. I simply must determine whether he is worth flirting with.”

Emily gasped softly, glancing toward Jack, who appeared entirely unmoved by such candid scheming.

“Do not worry after him,” Juniper said, eyebrows raised and a smirk playing upon her lips. “My husband is well acquainted with the mischief young ladies whisper before a ball.”

“Indeed,” Jack agreed without so much as a flicker of humor. “But to put all of you at ease, I shall leave you ladies to your private conversation.” He bowed and withdrew.

“Oh, my lady,” sighed Miss Theodora, “you have such a wonderful husband. I hope I find one exactly the same.”

“You think my brother wonderful?” Emily asked, unable to hide the surprise in her tone. “What convinces you of that?” She liked him well enough, of course, and she rejoiced that Juniper did, too. But Jack was so somber, and determined to see the danger in every situation.

Miss Theodora blushed prettily. “Well, he is handsome, is he not? And so polite. And though reserved, he observes everything. I always feel he is quietly attentive.”

“As do I,” her sister agreed. “One should hope for a handsome, attentive, and silent husband.”

All four ladies laughed softly, Juniper included.

“I assure you,” she said, “he speaks quite enough at home. But the true secret to a happy marriage—the sort that lasts beyond courtship—is finding a gentleman who stirs not only your heart but your mind. Jack and I speak of books, nature, politics, and history. I am fortunate he appreciates my intelligence as well as my domestic accomplishments.”

“Indeed,” said Miss Nelson, “one might say a woman’s intellect is her finest accomplishment.”

Before Emily responded, a movement at the entrance caught her eye. The baron had arrived with his mother, Lady Hartwell, on his arm. He did not waste time in approaching their group, nodding to acquaintances he passed until he stood before them.

Where was Lyness Eastwood? Why was he not in company with his mother and brother?

“Good evening,” he said, bowing deeply. “We have not missed the opening set, I hope.”

“One is never late,” Lady Hartwell chided gently, “so long as one arrives before the supper dance.”

Juniper tilted her head. “Or perhaps a gentleman is only late if he arrives after all the eligible ladies have already secured partners for it.”

Emily restrained herself from casting a glare at her sister-in-law.

“An excellent point,” Lady Hartwell agreed. “Dancing—and discussing the dancers—is the entire purpose of the evening. I hope you young ladies give us something delightful to gossip about over tea tomorrow.”

Everyone laughed except Emily. She had endured enough gossip in London to last her a lifetime. She simply needed to make it through this evening without providing the rumor mill anything new.

“My lord,” she said, picking her words with care. “I understand my brother has been arranging partners for me. I hope he did not coerce you into asking.”

A flicker of surprise lifted his brows. “I assure you, my lady, there was no coercion. I was present when your brother mentioned that he hoped you would enjoy a full evening of dancing. Several gentlemen assured him you would not lack for partners. He was thoughtful—not intrusive.”

“That does sound rather less dreadful than he made it seem,” Emily admitted. “Very well. I shall forgive him.”

Juniper relaxed somewhat, too. “I am pleased to hear my husband has greater tact than he lead us to believe. You have defended his honor, my lord.”

Roman’s lips curved, never quite into a full smile, but nearly so. Why was it that he never truly smiled? What lay behind that carefully controlled composure she had come to expect from him?

It occurred to her that if he continued in an earnest courtship, if it concluded the way a courtship ought, then she would one day know.

The thought did not soothe her in the least.

“Oh, there is my friend, Mrs. Pew. If you will excuse me, Roman. Ladies. I hope all of you enjoy the evening.” Lady Hartwell nodded graciously to them before snapping her fan open and gliding away with an elegance that Emily could not help envying.

Lord Hartwell watched his mother with concern in his expression.

“Is everything all right, Lord Hartwell?” she asked, keeping her voice quieter as the Nelson sisters engaged someone who had drifted near in a conversation. Juniper had stepped aside, to study a flower arrangement along the wall, giving Emily and Lord Hartwell some semblance of privacy.

“Yes, of course,” he said, his features smoothing back into his usual pleasantly neutral expression. “My lady,” he continued, “I hope you will not mind if I secure your supper dance now, before another gentleman claims it. It would be my honor to enjoy your company for both the waltz and the evening meal.”