A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1)(15)

Julia shook her head. “I am not one whit prettier than my cousin. You are only saying these things because you are my friend, but I do not wish to speak ill of my cousin.” Phoebe had always been a very pretty girl, had always garnered more compliments than Julia, but that could have been because Julia was only the poor relation, and no one wanted to promote the poor relation over the favored daughter. Phoebe’s eyes were a trifle small, but she was still very lovely.

“Julia, I understand, but you are too modest. You are quite the handsomest girl wherever you go.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re so sweet.” To me, but not to Phoebe.

“Believe me or not, but don’t give up your chance at happiness because of Phoebe and Mrs. Wilhern. Don’t take your loyalty too far, Julia.”

“And why shouldn’t I be loyal? They took me in when I was an orphan, educated me, and gave me everything. Where would I have been without them?” Julia felt the tears well in her eyes and took a deep breath to dispel them.

“I am only trying to say that you mustn’t let them treat you like you have no feelings—don’t look now, but Mr. Langdon is walking toward us.”

Julia’s whole body stiffened.

“Miss Mayson. Miss Grey.”

Julia turned to face him as Mr. Langdon gave them a small bow.

“Mr. Langdon.”

“Miss Grey, would you favor me with the next dance?”

“Yes, of course.”

Mr. Langdon nodded and excused himself.

“Oh, Julia!” Felicity clasped Julia’s wrist. “He would never go looking for Phoebe to ask her to dance.”

He would never have to.

Julia’s mind was awhirl with conflicting thoughts. The music for the previous dance was ending, so Julia gave the servant her cup. Remembering Mr. Edgerton’s earlier behavior, she whispered, “There are some things I must tell you. Will you be home tomorrow?”

“I shall wait for your visit with bated breath.”

Julia went to join Mr. Langdon for the next dance.

Placing her gloved hand in Mr. Langdon’s firm grip, she let him lead her onto the dance floor. This would be like any other dance with any other agreeable partner. She would enjoy the music, enjoy the dance, and focus on keeping her thoughts off her aunt’s embarrassing speech. Thank goodness the dance was a reel, so they would be moving too quickly to engage in conversation.

Julia concentrated as she skipped and skimmed over the polished floor, trying to appear as if she were enjoying the activity, still unable to return the gazes of the other ladies and gentlemen who may have heard what her aunt had said. She avoided Mr. Langdon’s eye too, at first, but eventually relaxed and nearly forgot, for a few moments, about her earlier humiliation.

He cut quite a dashing figure, straight and tall and yet graceful in his movements. He grasped her hand firmly to spin her around or to hold her hand high while she turned. He seemed almost to be studying her, and yet, not in an intrusive way.

Julia only hoped Phoebe was dancing with someone at this moment and that Felicity was wrong about him paying attention to her and inciting her aunt’s jealousy. Such an idea must be ludicrous.

When the dance was over, Mr. Langdon bowed and thanked her. “Dancing agrees with you,” he said.

Julia must have looked confused, because he said, “The activity brings out your smile and a healthy color in your cheeks, in a very becoming way.”

Julia stared at him, unsure how to respond. She didn’t want to be suspicious, but a sick dread rose up inside her. She would not have thought his words amiss on any other night, but tonight . . .

“Thank you. You are very kind. Please give my regards to your sister, Leorah.”

“You may give them to her yourself, for she is just behind you.”

Julia turned and found herself face to face with Mr. Langdon’s younger sister. They exchanged civilities, with Leorah regretting that she wouldn’t have the privilege of hearing Julia play and sing tonight. “You and my brother dance so well, it is a pleasure to watch you.” They discussed which dances were their favorites. Leorah declared she liked a Scottish reel best, and Julia the cotillion, though she enjoyed all types.

The next dance began, and Mr. Langdon asked Phoebe to be his partner. Thank goodness. Julia loved her cousin and wanted what was best for her, and she hoped Mr. Langdon might grow to care for her. After all, it would be a suitable match on both sides. And Mr. Langdon asking Phoebe to dance might help Julia’s aunt to no longer suspect that he felt an attachment to Julia.

As Julia and Leorah stood politely discussing various safe topics, Julia intermittently watched Phoebe, remembering what Felicity had said. For the moment, it didn’t seem so unlikely that Phoebe might inspire Mr. Langdon’s affections. He was smiling at her, looking much more interested than he had a few nights ago. He even seemed to take pains to speak to her at every opportunity during the dance. Perhaps Phoebe might win his affections after all.

A pang struck her, tightening her chest. If Julia had parents who loved her, if Julia had twenty thousand pounds . . . no, she could not let her mind go there. The very idea that she could feel jealous of Phoebe made her stomach churn.

Julia turned her attention away from Mr. Langdon and Phoebe and focused on what Leorah was saying.

Leorah had such an open temperament. Already Julia felt at ease with her, as if she could trust her. On a night when she had learned she couldn’t even trust her own aunt to care about her and be discreet, it was comforting to make a new friend.