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Eliza sat beside her mother. ‘The Lieutenant Colonel and I have met a few times over the last few weeks. He has been very kind and attentive.’
Her mother sniffed. ‘If we are going to all the expense of court presentations, I trust you will aim higher than that.’
Eliza tried to work out how to reply without putting her mother’s hackles up. She couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. ‘I haven’t really thought about where I am aiming, Mama,’ she offered in an attempt at diplomacy.
‘Well, you should.’
Eliza couldn’t think of anything polite to say to that, so she bit her tongue. She looked out over the room and spotted Hart heading her way. She smiled. Perhaps the heir to a dukedom might impress her mother more.
Hart arrived and bowed over her hand, her mother’s also, and asked her to dance. She accepted with a curtsey and then took his arm and cast a somewhat triumphant look at her mother, expecting to see at least a modicum of approval, but she just frowned even harder. It was all Eliza could do not to roll her eyes.
‘What’s wrong?’ Hart asked as they positioned themselves for the dance.
‘Mama just being…’ she shrugged, ‘Mama.’
He chuckled.
‘Thank you for being here,’ she said. ‘It means a lot.’
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Haryo has been beside herself with excitement, and even Gee has joined us.’
‘They are so kind.’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Lady Liz didn’t drag Papa over at some point in the evening.’
That made Eliza laugh. ‘As long as she doesn’t bring the dog.’ They both laughed at that.
‘Have you had lots of dance partners?’
‘A few,’ Eliza said, modestly.
‘Well, let me have names. Lord Granville and I will tell you who to avoid.’
Eliza’s brows went up in question.
‘You know, the rackety ones. Pockets to let, rakes…’
She laughed aloud. ‘That is most kind. I don’t think I’ve ever met a rake.’
Hart laughed at that. ‘I’ll find some and introduce you.’
‘Please don’t,’ she said as the music swelled and they moved into the steps.
Hart led her back to her mother and bowed with a flourish.
‘Is an heir to a dukedom more to your liking, Mama?’ she asked in a teasing voice when Hart had gone.
Her mother pokered up immediately. ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
Eliza’s answering sigh held a note of frustration.
Chapter 29
ELIZA
London
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Ellice watched as Miss Eliza danced with Hartington. Despite his lack of interest in plunging into the marriage mart in the way his brother seemed intent on doing, there was something about Eliza Courtney that drew him strongly. She was so much more honest and straightforward than most of the young women he met. It made for pleasant company. He wasn’t the best at small talk and conversing about nothing. It was easier to talk to someone who had something interesting to say, and she had a lot to say. Fortunately, on interesting topics, not just about ribbons.
