No Earls Allowed (The Survivors #2)(34)

“Mr. Wraxall, won’t you dance with me?” Lady Juliana said suddenly, turning to face him.

“I don’t—”

But she took his arm and steered him to the end of a line of dancers.

“I will see you at the Darlington musicale!” her father called after them.

On the dance floor, Neil panicked. He would rather face a line of French infantry than this line of dancers. He knew the steps well enough to avoid making a complete fool of himself, but that did not mean everyone would not discuss him. He had heard it all over the years.

Just like his tart of a mother.

He conducts himself well…for a bastard.

Has his father no shame? Flaunting his by-blows in public!

Neil avoided the ton and their social events religiously. Even after he’d returned from the war a hero and everyone wanted to throw fetes in his honor, he declined. As far as Neil was concerned, Rafe could represent them all.

But here he was, in full view of his critics, about to dance with one of the most beautiful ladies in the peerage. The two lines of dancers came together, and Lady Juliana pressed her hand to his and circled. “Why are you scowling?” she murmured. “You are supposed to be having fun.”

“Why are you scowling?” he shot back. “Aren’t you having fun?”

“No. I’d rather be back at Sunnybrooke, but I can’t leave until I’ve danced at least two sets. That is my father’s rule, although it seems the rules are changing. Where would you rather be?”

They parted, and Neil danced with a blushing blond girl, then he was beside Juliana again. “A pit of vipers? A French dungeon?”

“You hate it that much?”

“I’m a bastard. We are not supposed to show our faces in polite society.”

They parted again, and Lady Juliana stared at him intently across the path for the dancers. Then it was their turn to promenade. “I suppose you expect me to apologize.”

“You are not that predictable, Lady Juliana.”

“Good. Because I will not apologize. You are every inch the man any legitimate son is, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. I am glad I asked you to dance.”

“That makes one of us.”

“We can show everyone what a gentleman you are.”

“I think all we will do is give everyone a new topic for gossip. The set is ending, my lady.” He bowed and kissed her gloved hand.

“We must take a turn about the room.”

“Forgive me if I do not take part in that spectacle.”

“I will not.” She linked her arm with his, and he was forced either to make a scene or promenade her about the ballroom. As much as he hated the attention he garnered and the false smiles and too-slight bows of the nobility, he could not pretend he did not like having her beside him. She smelled of fresh roses, and when the crowds swelled, she was pushed against him, giving him the impression of lush curves and round softness.

“My lady.” A young man stepped before them. To Neil he looked barely out of the schoolroom. “May I have the next dance?”

“No,” Neil said at the same time Juliana said, “Yes.” She glared at Neil, then looked back at the boy. “Lord Peter, have you met Mr. Wraxall?”

Peter bowed. “An honor, Mr. Wraxall. I studied your accomplishments on the Continent at university. You are a true hero.”

“Thank you,” Neil said, feeling like an old man.

“He is a hero,” Lady Juliana said. “In so many ways.” Her dark eyes met his, then she looked back at the boy lord. “Shall we, my lord?”

Lord Peter bowed again and took Lady Juliana’s arm, leading her back to the dancing. Neil wished he were on the battlefield. He would have shown Lord Peter a thing or two.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Neil turned to see Rafe sipping a glass of champagne. He raised it to Neil. “To what do we owe this honor?”

“To the fact that my latest mission is proving more difficult than I expected.”

“Ah, yes. The Lady Juliana. Since our conversation in the Billiards Room, I have done a bit of investigating.”

“Why?” Neil drawled, watching Juliana laugh and twirl with Lord Peter. Where had Rafe acquired that champagne? Neil needed a bucket.

“Because I am curious by nature. Aren’t you the least curious as to what Society says of Lady Juliana?”

“No.” It was a lie, but he knew Rafe would tell him anyway.

“She is stubborn and willful, but those qualities can be forgiven because she is so generous and kindhearted. Some say too kindhearted. It is difficult for her to see the bad in anyone. That is a boon for you, is it not?”

Neil cut Rafe a look. “Isn’t there some chit looking to toss her skirts up for you?”

“Definitely, but this is vastly more entertaining. I have never seen you jealous.”

Neil stiffened. “I am not jealous.”

“Then why are your hands balled into fists, and why are you glaring at the Duke of Preston’s youngest son like you want to sever his head from his body?”

Neil forced his fists to open. It did not matter to him who Lady Juliana danced with. In a day or so, she would be home and he could forget about her. She was not even his responsibility at the moment. Her father was here. Let him deal with his daughter. “I need a drink,” Neil said.