A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1)(3)

Even though Mr. Langdon was of above-average height, he moved gracefully. He was nothing like his older brother, whose countenance was less serious, almost careless. His brother, Jonathan, was also stouter and more pale complexioned, a perfect contrast to Mr. Langdon’s dark hair and skin, brown eyes, and crow-black brows. Their grandmother was from Spain, and her heritage had made its presence known in the younger son. Mr. Langdon was handsome, Julia had to admit, and though he appeared somewhat reserved, he had expressive brown eyes.

Phoebe certainly wasn’t the first girl whose heart had been captured by him—nor was she likely to be the last.

Julia watched how he interacted with Phoebe. He did not look overly friendly as he danced with her, although he engaged in conversation with her and appeared attentive as they waited their turn in the round.

He had not been as fortunate as one might have assumed in his choice of wife, however. Two years ago, his fiancée had thrown him over for a wealthier, older man. A betrayal like that would make some men bitter, and, at the very least, cautious.

When the dance ended, Mr. Langdon gave Phoebe a quick nod and then turned and seemed to be asking Julia’s friend, Miss Felicity Mayson, to dance.

When the next dance was over, he asked another young lady. Phoebe, meanwhile, also danced with other partners. She stared too much at Mr. Langdon, but Julia was proud of her for not trying to flirt with him. Indeed, she had little chance to, as he danced every dance.

Julia remained busy playing for the lively crowd. Everyone looked to be having a good time, even Phoebe.

Everyone, that is, except Miss Sarah Peck, who sat in the same position all night, near Julia and the pianoforte. Julia took a moment here and there to speak to Sarah, but she had no time for real conversation. No one else said a word to her, as though her station as a governess made her invisible.

Julia had paused to choose some new music when Mr. Langdon suddenly approached Sarah with Julia’s aunt, Mrs. Wilhern, by his side. Her aunt introduced them, and Mr. Langdon asked Sarah to dance.

Julia was so gratified at his kindness, her breath hitched in her throat. Perhaps Mr. Langdon was more worthy of Phoebe’s high regard than Julia had thought.

Sarah smiled for the first time since the party had begun as Mr. Langdon gave her his full attention for the duration of the dance.

Sarah came back to her chair with color in her cheeks. Julia couldn’t remember the last time anyone had asked the young governess to dance.

But perhaps his actions had been calculated to charm. Some men’s only obvious purpose in life was to make conquests of silly young females, although Mr. Langdon didn’t seem to be that type.

Julia had heard nothing but praise from Phoebe’s lips since she’d first met him two years before. His fiancée had jilted him for the older Mr. Tromberg, which resulted not only in making Mr. Langdon eligible again, but also making him the object of romantic sympathy—just the sort to make young girls’ hearts flutter. He’d had his pick of dance partners that Season.

Then, during Julia and Phoebe’s second Season, Julia had heard just as many lamentations from Phoebe, for Mr. Langdon had been sent away to the Peninsula to fight with General Wellington. Now that he was back, Phoebe was no doubt hoping to gain his attentions, and affections, before he must return to his duties as a lieutenant in the Peninsula campaign, fighting Napoleon.

Julia’s hands hovered over the piano keys to start the next dance tune. “Excuse me, Miss Grey.”

Mr. Langdon stood at her side with a young lady. “May I introduce someone to you? Miss Grey, this is my younger sister, Leorah Langdon. She would be delighted to play if you would do me the honor of dancing with me.”

Realizing her mouth was hanging open, Julia closed it and addressed his sister. “I am much obliged to you.” She stood and gave Miss Langdon her place at the instrument while quickly donning her gloves.

Turning to Mr. Langdon, she placed her gloved hand in his and allowed him to lead her toward the dance.

Was he also trying to make a conquest of her? But in the small crowd, perhaps he was afraid of running out of partners and did not want to break his rule of never dancing with the same young lady twice in one night.

Julia was fond of dancing, but rather than focus on enjoying a dance with an agreeable partner, she should be thinking how she might direct Mr. Langdon’s interest toward Phoebe. She might never have a better opportunity, and Phoebe would never forgive her if she did not take every possible occasion to help her win Mr. Langdon.

As they lined up facing each other, she tried to think of something complimentary to say about Phoebe. But once she looked upon his countenance, it was impossible to look away. His warm brown eyes had a thoughtful tilt, his thick dark hair slanting over his forehead like a blackbird’s wing, his side whiskers reaching almost to his jawline . . . the combined effect made her heart beat strangely.

Had she truly once thought his blond, fair-skinned brother more handsome?

The dance began, and she seemed to understand Phoebe’s infatuation. There was something about his bearing, the expression of his countenance. Of course, he must know Phoebe and many other girls fancied themselves in love with him. Well, she wouldn’t be one of his conquests. Overly handsome army officers had never been to her taste, and she loved her cousin too well to ever fall for the man on whom Phoebe had pinned her hopes.

As they danced, every girl in the room was looking at him as though her dearest wish were to be an army officer’s wife. They were looking at Julia as well. She wore her white muslin gown with the square neckline, but as was her wont, she wore little ornamentation, only a small amber cross around her neck and her pearl earrings. Her hair, which she had curled herself, was completely unadorned. She hoped she didn’t look too plain.