In the Arms of an Earl (The Duke's Daughters Book 4)(3)

“Yes, of course,” Harmonia said, quickly. “Goodness, I did not expect to feel this nervous.”

Amelia laughed softly, her eyes growing a little distant. “It feels very different when it is you who is the focus,” she said, quietly. “With all your sisters married, the ton will know that it is you who is now to find a husband. That fact cannot be hidden.”

Feeling as though every eye was to be on her the moment she stepped from the carriage, Harmonia drew in long, deep breaths in an effort to calm her nerves. Amelia murmured a few soothing words and, once they had descended from the carriage, took her arm and began to climb the few short steps that led to the front of the house.

“You need not look so worried, Harmonia,” Amelia chided gently, as they came to the front door. “Try to smile, my dear sister. Wipe that anxiety from your face.”

With an effort, Harmonia lifted her chin and smiled gently as she stepped inside, nodding to a few people she recognized. Once they had greeted and thanked the hosts, Harmonia and Amelia walked a little further into the house before coming to the ballroom.

The orchestra was already playing, and the dancing in full swing. Harmonia felt her smile stretch as she watched the spinning couples, her anxiety slowly beginning to fade. This was what she had been missing during her year at home – company, dancing, conversation and laughter. There was plenty of that here, however. She just needed to let herself relax and enjoy the evening. It was not as though she were expected to find a husband this very evening!

“Lady Harmonia? Lady Harmonia!”

Jerking in surprise, Harmonia felt Amelia clutch at her arm, giving her a gentle tug to her left but, before she could move, none other than Luke appeared in front of them both, a wide smile on his face.

“Lady Harmonia, how good to see you,” he said, with a deep bow. “I have been waiting for your arrival and sighted you almost the moment you stepped inside.”

Before Harmonia could reply, Amelia cleared her throat loudly, drawing Luke’s attention. He colored at once, aware of his rudeness, and bowed quickly before greeting her.

“I did not see you there, Lady Amelia. I do apologize. And your father? Is he here?”

“No, he is not,” Amelia answered, before Harmonia could say a word. “He is tired and remained at home. I am Harmonia’s chaperone.”

Luke did not seem to notice her, his attention entirely fixed on Harmonia. “And do you have your dance card? I simply must put my name on it. How glad I am that I found you the moment you stepped into the ballroom. I could not have allowed the evening to go by without ensuring I had at least one dance with you. Mayhap the waltz would be suitable?”

Harmonia’s mouth went dry, glancing towards Amelia for help. Luke was always so sure of himself, so certain of what he wanted. Despite Harmonia’s attempts at pushing him away, he had never taken her refusal to be a definitive answer. Even now, he was suggesting that they waltz together in the hope that he might somehow endear her further towards him.

“Come now, Lord Darnsley,” Amelia admonished, using his formal title and, with a wave of her hand, blowing his suggestion away. “The waltz simply will not do, not for someone who is family to us. We do not want to suggest that there is anything more than familial friendship between yourself and Harmonia.”

Luke cleared his throat, his eyebrows furrowing. “Lady Amelia, I had hoped –”

“Do hurry, Luke, please,” Amelia interrupted, still looking quite disinterested. “I must introduce Harmonia to a few new acquaintances.”

Harmonia gave him a quick smile as he muttered darkly under his breath before signing her dance card. Much to her surprise, he did write his name under one of the waltzes, despite Amelia’s express request that he did not. His doggedness had come to the fore once again.

As Luke scribbled his name, Harmonia was caught by a movement to her left and, on looking over, saw a gentleman regarding her. He had the bluest eyes she had ever seen and, when she saw him watching, he simply smiled and did not look away. Her heart quickened, her breath hitching as he turned away from her, leaving her to wonder who he might be and why he had been watching her. She tried to recall whether or not she had seen him before, giving herself a slight shake as Luke dropped her dance card.

“I look forward to our dance, Harmonia,” Luke murmured, as he gave her a quick bow. “Thank you.”

Realizing that she had not yet uttered a single word to him, Harmonia tried to smile and thank him, her voice a little hoarse.

“Regardless of what Amelia believes, you know what my intentions are, Harmonia,” Luke continued, so softly that Harmonia had to strain to hear him. “Do not forget that.”

He turned around and walked away into the crowd, leaving her to stare after him. Apparently, she had not convinced him about her lack of regard, even though it had been made clear to him multiple times. Deep in her heart, she had hoped that he might come to accept how she felt, that he might even be caught by another young lady’s attentions, but it appeared not to be the case.

“What did he say to you?” Amelia murmured, as they began to walk through the guests once more. “And what dances did he put himself down for?”

Harmonia shook her head, lifting her dance card. “The quadrille and the waltz.”

Amelia stopped dead, her face a mixture of frustration and anger. “I specifically said –”