The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(55)

“Will you travel to Belgium?” she asked.

“Many people are, but I cannot help but think that visiting the site of a probable battle is not the best idea.”

She grinned. “That is what my brother says.”

“I would imagine he has much more to say on the subject than that.” In fact, he knew Worthington’s thoughts on the matter.

“I have no doubt you are right,” she said, relaxing into his arms.

Con held her closer in a turn.

“I would like to visit Europe, but only after the war has ended,” she added.

Harrington’s father had arranged for the man to work with Sir Charles, Britain’s ambassador to France, and would be gone for a few years. “Have you ever thought about living on the Continent?” Con asked.

She seemed surprised. “In truth, no. I would not like to be that far from my family for so long.”

Lord Kenilworth’s question reminded Charlotte that Harrington would soon leave for France. She wished him well, but had no desire to be with him. Even if she had fancied herself in love with him, she would not have wanted to leave her family and friends for years at a time.

Her breath hitched as Kenilworth held her a little closer than he had before. Not inappropriately close, of course. Neither of them wanted to court any more gossip. Yet his hand lay hot and heavy on her waist, sending shivers up her back and warming her body. She had never had that feeling before and did not know what to think of it. Lately, it seemed as if any touch of his caused some reaction. A prickling of awareness she had never experienced before.

Charlotte had lost count of how many times she had danced this Season. With some partners—fortunately not many—she’d had to watch her toes. Silk or even kidskin slippers were no match for a gentleman’s evening pumps. Many times the man had danced extremely well, yet she had never before felt as if she was floating around the dance floor. Never had the waltz seemed so effortless, and she was sorry when the set came to an end.

As they strolled back to where her brother and sister would return and where her circle usually stood, Lord Kenilworth took two small bowls of ices from a footman, handing her one. “This is an inspired idea for a warm night.”

“It is.” She took a taste. Lemon. “How refreshing the ice is.”

One day when she had a home of her own, she would do the same. Matt and Grace arrived at the same time Charlotte and Lord Kenilworth did. Soon Dotty and Merton, Lord Endicott, Bentley, her cousin Oriana Blackacre, Elizabeth Turley, Harrington, and some of the younger gentlemen joined them.

Charlotte glanced at Elizabeth and found her sliding a quick look at Harrington. She had said she might be interested in him. And if they had not previously met... “Miss Turley, have you been introduced to Lord Harrington?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened a bit, and the corners of her lips curled up. “No, I have not.”

Harrington frowned, although Charlotte did not know if it was his usual expression these days or he was unhappy about something else. “In that case, may I make you known to Lord Harrington. My lord, Miss Turley.”

Elizabeth curtseyed, and he took her outstretched hand when he bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Turley.”

“I am delighted to meet you, my lord.”

Lady Hereford was bearing down on them, ready to make the gentlemen dance with ladies who did not have partners for the next set. “Miss Turley,” Harrington said quickly, “please tell me you will do me the honor of standing up with me.”

“You are in luck, my lord. This is the last set I have available.”

Charlotte was glad to see that Elizabeth’s smile and tone were nothing more than polite. If she was interested in Harrington, she should not let him think she was too eager.

“Thank you.” He bowed again as Lady Hereford sailed up to them.

“My lords and gentlemen, I have several young ladies who require partners. I shall be happy to make the introductions.”

The younger men muttered under their breaths, but the older ones bowed to their fate without complaint. Dotty whispered something in Elizabeth’s ear before she went off to the dance floor, then turned to speak to Grace, and Merton had moved to speak with Matt. In a few moments, the only gentleman left next to Charlotte was Lord Kenilworth, who had only slightly acknowledged Lady Hereford’s summons and had not followed her at all.

Charlotte would have to give him a hint. “Should you not have gone to dance with someone else?”

“But you promised to protect me.” He raised a brow. “Did you not?”

Suddenly, the vow she’d made during their carriage ride came rushing back to her. She could not believe he had been serious. “I thought you were joking.”

“Oh, no.” He shook his head slowly. “I never joke about my safety.”

Charlotte was torn between laughter and exasperation. He could not remain by her side all evening. “You should ask Lady Merton or Miss Turley to stand up with you. You will be safe with them.”

“Miss Turley’s last set has been taken, and Merton doesn’t look as if he will willingly give up his wife.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “You, my lady, are my only hope.”

Incorrigible man. “I trust you do not think I shall remain here all evening.”

“Not at all.” He acted surprised. “Your dance card is full. I shall hide behind the potted plants until you have finished your sets.”