Page 52 of The New Earl’s Convenient Wife

‘Perhaps not. Until the first supper is served, at any rate. The Rousleys’ balls are always a grand crush. Most of the others will dance, drink and play cards until dawn, but I think we can steal away.’

‘I’ll hold you to that.’

A short time later, they joined the slow procession of elegantly garbed guests making their way upstairs to the ballroom. After passing through the receiving line, they eased into the crowded ballroom where, as Juliana expected, Rafe was soon surrounded by government colleagues congratulating him on his entrance into the Lords. He was able to procure her a glass of wine and turn her over to one of his army friends before the political gentlemen bore him off, with a promise to return to claim her for the dancing.

Juliana chatted idly with several of the other guests, glancing frequently over to the ballroom entrance—and was finally rewarded by the sight of Claire and Hart, greeting their hostess. She was about to be gauche enough to wave at her, when Claire, scanning the room, saw her and smiled.

Juliana uttered a sigh of relief as her friends approached. ‘Rafe carried off by the gentlemen of the Lords?’ Hart asked. ‘I was afraid he might be. Nothing so appealing to a long-time member as bending the ear of a newcomer. I’ll let Claire keep you company and go in search. I promise to rescue him in time for the dancing.’

‘He did promise to return by then.’

‘I’ll make sure he does.’ Giving Claire a kiss on the cheek, he walked off through the crowd.

Claire pulled out her fan and plied it. ‘I don’t know why hostesses seem to delight in inviting far too many people to balls like this. The room is stifling already, and the ball’s hardly begun.’

‘I suppose she doesn’t want to leave out anyone and run the risk of offending someone.’

‘Perhaps. It’s even worse when the ball is given by someone with government connections. One must include all one’s own supporters and a fair number of the opposition. As well as, of course, those who are socially prominent or come from important families.’ She shook her head. ‘Give me a small rout-party or musical evening any day.’

‘Or a nice, companionable dinner,’ Juliana agreed.

Snagging a glass of wine from a passing waiter, Claire said, ‘Shall we look for a quiet place out of this crush? We can chat until the dancing begins.’

‘You don’t want to circulate and speak to the other guests? I wouldn’t hold you back if you wish to socialize. I can find a quiet spot on my own.’

‘No, I shall have to play “Duchess” at some point this evening, but I’d rather put it off until later.’

‘Then I’d be happy to join you.’

They made their way across the crowded ballroom, Claire doing her best ‘Imperious Duchess’ imitation, nodding royally to those who greeted her but allowing no one to detain her.

Having discovered an anteroom occupied by only a quietly chatting foursome, Claire led Juliana to the sofa in front of the hearth in which a cozy fire burned. Seating herself, she took a long sip of her wine. ‘What a gauntlet,’ she said with a sigh. ‘But we should have a half hour or so to have a quiet chat. How was the Royal Academy Exhibition? I should think you very much enjoyed it.’

‘Wonderful! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but there was such a great variety of art. Everything from paintings to drawings to sketches to architectural drawings to sculpture. Some works by artists so famous, even I had heard of them. Other works by ones I’ve never heard of. Even works by ladies! Including some marvelous drawings.’ She laughed. ‘Fish. Butterflies. Even a housefly. Probably not drawings others would find remarkable.’

‘I’m so glad you found works you could admire.’

‘Oh, so many! I could have lingered for days, studying technique. As it was, we spent far more time there than I intended. Rafe was so kind, never complaining a bit, though I’m sure he was longing to leave far sooner than I. So kind, in fact, that after having a break for tea at Gunters, he took me to Turner’s Gallery—and let me purchase two wonderful engravings.’

‘My, that was indulgent.’ Claire gave her a naughty glance. ‘I hope he was suitably rewarded for his gallantry.’

Juliana felt her cheeks pink. ‘I gave it my best efforts.’

‘Ah, I hear the orchestra tuning up. We’d better return to the ballroom so our errant husbands can find us for a dance.’

They deposited their glasses and made their way through the crush back to the ballroom. Claire, with the advantage of height, was able to spot Hart almost immediately and wave him over. He nodded, then made a motion towards an anteroom.

‘He’s going to rescue Rafe and escort him to the ballroom,’ she interpreted. ‘I expect they should return in time for the first dance.’

Rafe did return to claim her, squeezing her hand and giving her a smile so tender and admiring, she felt a wave of emotion she made no attempt to quell. How could a look be more loving? Surely it wasn’t just her imagination that he was regarding her with more warmth.

‘Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?’ he asked as he led her to take their place in the line. ‘I’m the envy of half the men in the ballroom. And if the gentlemen knew your sterling character, I’d be the envy of them all.’

It was nonsense, of course; there were several dozen females in attendance who were vastly more beautiful, but tonight Juliana didn’t intend to worry about truth. If her handsome husband wanted to compliment and flirt with her, she intended to just enjoy it.

‘It’s more likely that I would be locked in the Ladies’ Retiring Room by females wanting to steal you away, the new earl and newest member of the House of Lords.’

‘Then we shall agree we are both very lucky. Luckier than I ever expected to be.’ He gave her another smile of bone-melting tenderness before bowing, as the figure of the dance was about to begin.