Sally MacKenzie Bundle (241 page)

She heard Mr. Parker-Roth laugh, felt his touch under the table, and wished . . .

No. She would not wish for what couldn’t be.

“It’s very crowded, isn’t it?” There was a note of trepidation in Evie’s voice.

Stephen was standing in Kenderly’s ballroom with Anne and Evie at his side. Clorinda, ceding her chaperone duties completely to Anne, had secluded herself with Lord Ramsey behind a bank of potted palms to continue their discussion of great tits, black-tailed god-wits, and other feathered subjects.

“All the better,” Anne said. “You’ll meet so many eligible men tonight, Evie. I’m sure you won’t sit out a single set.” Anne sounded confident, but the look she gave him was worried.

“Your sister is quite right, Evie.” He had little doubt the girl would take. She was beautiful and an earl’s daughter, even though the earl was Crazy Crane. Perhaps most importantly tonight, however, she was a favored guest of Lord and Lady Kenderly. “You’ll be a great success.”

Evie’s wide smile made her even more beautiful. “You really think so?”

“I do indeed. We just have to find you your first partner, and then the men will be lining up behind him. Your feet will ache from dancing by the end of the night.” He looked around the room. It should be easy enough to find a suitable man. There were plenty here to choose from, and more were still pouring into Damian’s ballroom. Jo should be very pleased. Her first society gathering was going to be a shocking squeeze.

Davenport had chatted with Evie during dinner—he’d be an adequate choice. Where had the fellow got to? Ah, there he was, poor man. Lydia Fitzwilliam had already sunk her claws into him. Well, no matter. There were others—

Damn. Emma was coming their way, Knightsdale in tow. It had been a great piece of luck one of her children had taken sick—not that he wished the youngster ill, of course, but not having to face Emma before dinner had been a blessing. He’d known it was too much to hope she’d leave them alone all evening—she’d thrown Anne so many pointed looks across the dining room table, she likely upset the poor girl’s digestion. Anne
had
looked a bit peaked by the end of the meal.

“Hallo, Emma; Knightsdale,” he said.

Emma barely glanced at him, though Knightsdale gave him a commiserating look.

“Lady Evangeline, Lady Anne,” Emma said, “I’m so sorry we didn’t have an opportunity to chat before dinner.” Emma addressed both Crane’s daughters, but her attention was solely on Anne.

“And I was so sorry to hear one of your children is ill,” Anne said. “I do hope it’s nothing serious.”

Ah, Anne had made a wise move in mentioning Emma’s boys. Surely that must cause her to rise in Emma’s estimation.

“Oh, no. A mother is always concerned, of course, but Henry—that’s our second son—is a hardy little fellow and usually weathers these things better than Charlie, his older brother.”

“That’s a blessing,” Anne said, nodding. “I’ve noticed the same thing with my twin brothers—illnesses always affect one more than the other.”

“Really?” Emma’s eyes brightened. Perhaps she would refrain from discussing anything more alarming than the croup. Stephen began to relax. “You’ve had charge of your siblings’ care?”

“Oh, yes,” Evie said, managing to squeeze in a few words. “Mama and Papa are often gone, so Anne has looked after us. She’s the best of sisters.”

Emma beamed at Anne. “I’m happy to hear it. I raised my sister as well, you know, and I’ve found the experience helped when I had my own sons, though of course each baby is different, which I’m sure you’ll discover, Lady Anne, once you marry Stephen and start a family. And speaking of Stephen”—Stephen snapped back to attention.
Oh, damn, here it comes.
—“I must say your betrothal came as a complete surprise.”

Emma turned her gaze to him. “Why didn’t you tell us you were considering marriage when we saw you at Jack’s christening?”

Stephen looked to Knightsdale for help, but the marquis merely raised an eyebrow. Clearly, Knightsdale smelled a rat. “It wasn’t a settled thing then.”

“It wasn’t?” Emma looked at Anne, who just shook her head. “But you must have had some inkling. That was only a few weeks ago.”

“Well, I might have had an inkling, but I wasn’t about to share an
inkling
of marriage with my mother.” Of course, he hadn’t known Anne existed a few weeks—a few
days
—ago, but he wasn’t about to tell Emma that.

“Well, no, I suppose not. But surely you wrote to inform them once it became more than an inkling? We just got a letter from Meg and there wasn’t even a whisper of your betrothal in it.”

Right. He should post a letter to Mama immediately. “Even if I had, there wouldn’t be room for that with all the baby news.” He chuckled. “I’d never have believed it if I hadn’t witnessed it myself, but I do think my brother has finally discovered something that’s of more interest to him than his beloved plants.”

Emma was not buying his theory. “Oh, I know Meg would have squeezed in a mention of something this extraordinary. Even a new baby can’t completely distract from the betrothal of one’s brother-in-law, especially a brother-in-law known far and wide as the King of Hearts.” She smiled at Evie. “But I imagine you knew all about the engagement, Lady Evangeline. Women are so much more forthcoming than men.”

Evie shook her head. “Oh, no, Anne hadn’t breathed a word about it to me, though I suppose it’s possible she’d mentioned it to Papa and Mama. I only found out about it when we reached London. It was quite a shock.” She paused and seemed to think perhaps her last comment hadn’t struck the proper note. “A
pleasant
shock, of course. I am very happy for Anne. She’d never shown any interest in the gentlemen at home, but now I expect that was because of her attachment to Mr. Parker-Roth. They have been in love for years, you know.”

Emma’s eyebrows disappeared into her coiffure, and Anne’s face rivaled her hair and dress for brightest hue. Stephen hoped no one was taking note of them, but he knew better than to bank on that. It was time to bring this uncomfortable conversation to a close.

“And now we are finally betrothed,” he said, lifting Anne’s hand and kissing it. “I couldn’t be happier. I hope you will both wish us well.”

“Of course,” Knightsdale said. Emma looked as if she’d like to argue, but thank God she kept her tongue between her teeth. The marquis had taken her arm, so perhaps he was exerting a little pressure. “Have you set a date for the nuptials?”

“We thought we’d wait until the Season was over and Lord and Lady Crane have returned,” Stephen said. “Isn’t that right, my love?”

It took Anne a moment to realize “my love” referred to her. She nodded somewhat weakly.

“Hmm.” Knightsdale studied her. She managed to lift her chin and meet his eyes, making his forbidding expression soften somewhat.

“Lady Dunlee has been spreading a rather alarming tale, you know.” Emma’s eyes shifted between Stephen and Anne as if she couldn’t decide which to blame. “She said”—her eyes slid over to take in Evie, and she pressed her lips together. “She said she witnessed an inappropriate degree of warmth between you and Lady Anne, Stephen, on a public square.”

Knightsdale covered his wife’s hand. “I don’t believe Parker-Roth’s behavior is really our concern, Emma.” The gaze he directed at Stephen, however, clearly delivered the message that if any of Stephen’s actions cut up Emma’s peace, Stephen would pay the price.

Stephen looked back at him, but it took some effort. He was used to standing up to strong men—plant hunters had to deal with difficult and dangerous fellows routinely—but the marquis was especially intimidating. This particular expression was one he must have cultivated as a captain in the army, before his brother’s death catapulted him into the marquisate.

“It
is
our concern. He’s Meg’s brother-in-law.”

“Yes, but I hazard to guess Meg would not thank you for meddling, my dear.” Knightsdale let his eyes linger another moment on Stephen. “Parker-Roth is fully aware of his responsibilities, I’m sure.”

“Of course,” Stephen said. “You can rest easy, Emma.” He smiled somewhat bitterly. “I really am not a care-for-nobody, you know.”

Emma flushed. “No, of course you aren’t. I didn’t mean to suggest . . . well, I suppose I may have suggested, but I didn’t . . . that is, I apologize if I gave offense.” Emma smiled at Anne. “You are quite fortunate in your choice, Lady Anne. I do not wish to give you a false impression.”

“No, ah, you didn’t.” Anne glanced up at Stephen and smiled. “Er, thank you.”

“And to make our family gathering complete,” Knightsdale said, “I do believe I see Nicholas approaching.”

“Nicholas?” Stephen turned and grinned as he saw his brother wending his way through the crowd. Splendid. He could foist Evie off on Nick once the music started. “My valet must have directed him here.” He stepped forward to intercept him.

“Hallo, Stephen,” Nick said. “Have you heard the wild tales circulating about you? Lady Dunlee apparently saw you kiss—ow! You trod on my foot, you oaf !”

“Exactly,” Stephen hissed. “And I’ll stomp on it again if you don’t show some sense. Open your eyes, you nodcock.”

“What? I don’t—oh.” Nick finally looked over Stephen’s shoulder.

“Yes, oh.” Stephen turned and drew his brother into the circle. “Lady Anne, Lady Evangeline, may I present my scapegrace younger brother, Nicholas?”

Nick nodded at Lady Anne, and then stared at Evie. At least his eyes didn’t start from his head. He even managed a credible bow. “My pleasure, ladies. Knightsdale, Emma, good to see you again.”

“Lady Anne is my betrothed, Nick; her sister, Lady Evangeline—Evie—is making her come-out.”

Nick managed to tear his eyes from Evie to goggle at Stephen. “I’m sorry.” Nick laughed and shook his head. “I thought you said Lady Anne was your betrothed.”

“I did.”

Nick’s jaw dropped, damn it. Stephen heard Knightsdale muffle his laughter.

“So it’s a surprise to you, too, Nicholas?” Emma asked.

Nick transferred his gaze to Emma. “Rather.” He moved his foot as if he feared Stephen would stomp on it again and swiveled his eyes to Anne. “But I’m delighted to welcome you as a new sister, Lady Anne”—his eyes went back to Evie—“and to become better acquainted with your family.”

The orchestra was finally tuning its instruments. The dancing would start in a moment.

“Nick,” Stephen said, “I believe Lady Evangeline is in need of a partner.”

“What a coincidence,” Nick said. “So am I.” He bowed to Evie. “Would you care to stand up with me for the opening set, Lady Evangeline?”

Evie laughed shyly. “I would be honored to, sir.”

“And I would ask you to join me, Lady Anne,” Knightsdale said, “but I suspect Stephen here would take issue with that.”

“Precisely, Knightsdale. Very astute of you.” He laid Anne’s hand on his arm. He was eager to partner her—and very uneager to partner Emma, which would be his fate if Knightsdale made off with Anne. He did not wish to spend the set dancing around Emma’s questions as well as the ballroom.

He led Anne onto the floor, trying to ignore the stares and whispers. He hoped the musicians would play a waltz. He would very much like to waltz with Anne, but he wished it could be somewhere more secluded.

He smiled down at her as they waited for the set to begin. He’d have his secluded time with her. Once this set was over, he’d take her out into the garden, into one of Damian’s leafy bowers. He’d kiss her and then he’d slip his ring on her finger, making this betrothal official.

He could hardly wait.

Chapter 10

The orchestra began the opening strains of a waltz and Anne’s stomach sank—before it leapt into her throat as she felt Mr. Parker-Roth’s arm slip around her back.

She looked up at him as she placed her hand on his shoulder. She could see the very faint shadow of his beard and the sweeping curve of his lashes over his clear blue eyes; she breathed in his scent, a mix of wine and soap, linen and man; she felt the strength of his arm and the broad solidity of his shoulder.

She’d been closer to him the times he’d kissed her, but in some odd way this seemed almost more intimate, perhaps because they were in public, with everyone watching them. As they moved through the opening steps, the music wove its magic around her, heightening her feeling that she’d stepped into a fairy tale with a happily-ever-after ending.

She had to say something, anything, to break this hot, drugging spell. Her voice wavered slightly.

“I should warn you I’ve never waltzed in company.” Damn. She shouldn’t have said that, but it was true. Worse, she’d never waltzed with a man before. The only time she’d performed the dance was at home, helping Evie learn the steps. Waltzing with Mr. Parker-Roth was a very different experience. He was so much taller and larger and harder than she. “I will probably tread all over your feet.”

Mr. Parker-Roth chuckled. “I’m willing to risk it. You’re doing fine.”

It was a wonder she was, she was so on edge. “I suspect your toes haven’t been flattened only because you are an excellent dancer.”

The right corner of his mouth turned up in a half smile. “Oh, no, I assure you I’ve had my feet trampled by any number of society misses.” He turned her so his hand slid over her back to her waist and she sucked in her breath. “Why haven’t you waltzed before, Anne?” One of his brows rose skeptically. “Don’t tell me the waltz wasn’t danced in your neighborhood, because I won’t believe you. Most of the
ton
haven’t considered it scandalous for years. Even the patronesses at Almack’s approved it long ago.”

She flushed. The waltz
had
been considered too shocking ten years ago, the last time she’d danced in public. “The waltz is danced at home, just not by me.”

“Why not?”

Why wouldn’t he let the subject be? He must be able to discern she didn’t wish to discuss it. She glanced at the other dancers and saw Evie smiling up at Nicholas. Her heart swelled with pride, distracting her for a moment from her own problems. Evie was so beautiful tonight, she was sure to be a success. It was almost worth all the worry and discomfort to see her shining in a London ballroom.