In the Arms of an Earl (The Duke's Daughters Book 4)(4)
“He is used to getting what he wants,” Harmonia reminded her, with a slight shrug. “I cannot refuse him.”
Amelia shook her head, her face a little red. “You could always be in the retiring room when it is time for the waltz,” she muttered, before continuing to walk to the side of the ballroom. “Come now, we need to greet a few more acquaintances.”
Harmonia smiled and nodded to a few more of her friends, before being greeted by a gentleman she did not recognize. He seemed to know Amelia and Lord Northfell. That led to even more introductions to other ladies and gentlemen and, very soon, Harmonia had her dance card all but filled. It brought her a great deal of happiness to know that she was wanted and desired by those in the room, that her company was now sought after. She did not feel like the wallflower she usually was at such things as this, grateful for Amelia’s guidance and help.
Listening politely to one gentleman talking about his recent purchase of a pair of greys, Harmonia suddenly caught sight of the blue-eyed gentlemen from only a few minutes before. He was now talking to a young lady, standing just behind Amelia. She could not help but study him for a moment, taking in his strong features and broad shoulders. He was impeccably dressed, with not so much as a hair out of place and, for whatever reason, Harmonia felt drawn to him.
Which was quite ridiculous, given that she did not so much as know his name. As she gave herself a stern talking to, the gentleman looked up and caught her gaze, only for Harmonia to drag hers immediately away from him and back to the gentlemen who had been speaking to her about his stables. A flush of embarrassment crept up into her cheeks, almost feeling the blue-eyed gentleman’s gaze remaining on her – although she dared not look back at him. It was almost a relief when Lord Donaghy came to claim her for his dance for that meant she was no longer in close proximity to the mysterious gentlemen. At least while dancing, she would no longer feel confused and distracted by him. She need to focus on making sure each step was done correctly.
Lord Donaghy was a polite, genteel young man with a sparkling wit and sharp eyes. He complimented her on her dancing, smiled at her response and made a joke about one of the fop’s choice of cravat which made Harmonia laugh. He was, all in all, a very nice young man although there was no spark of interest in Harmonia’s heart.
When the dance came to a close, Lord Donaghy led her back towards Amelia, still chatting amicably. Harmonia was enjoying the conversation, but her response died on her lips as she saw her sister talking with a small group of gentlemen and ladies, which included the blue-eyed gentleman from before.
Her heart began to hammer wildly in her chest as she drew near, seeing the gentleman look over at her, his smile widening as he took her in.
“Ah, Harmonia,” her sister exclaimed, a smile on her face. “I was just making some new acquaintances although, I confess, that I have not quite got to know everyone’s name just yet! Of course, you know Lady Sophia Winterthorn.”
“Yes, yes of course,” Harmonia replied, a little breathlessly. “This is Lord Donaghy, to those of you who might not know him.”
Lord Donaghy gave a short bow, the conversation beginning to flow again – and yet Harmonia could not look anywhere but the blue-eyed gentleman.
“I confess that I do not yet know your name,” the blue-eyed gentleman asked her, seemingly ignorant of everyone else around him.
His voice was deep and rich, his expression warm as he drew near her. Harmonia drew in a sharp breath, her skin tingling all over as he smiled at her.
“This is precisely why I have come to London, sir,” she replied, quickly, hoping that she was not speaking too quickly nor appearing too eager. “My acquaintances are in much smaller number in the country, mostly because there is a severe lack of society particularly during the winter.”
She was babbling now. She knew it and her cheeks warmed immediately.
“I quite understand,” he said with a smile, his gaze still fixed on her own. “I suppose we must give up convention and introduce ourselves to one another without your sister or another being involved.”
Harmonia felt her smile spread across her face, pleasure spinning through her. “Indeed, I think we must. I am –”
“Ah, there you are!”
A loud, brash voice interrupted her and, looking behind her, Harmonia saw none other than Luke striding towards her.
“Come now, it is our dance and I will not lose this opportunity,” Luke said, coming to stand beside her, her gaze on the gentleman she had been talking to. “Nor will I give you up to another.”
Harmonia, mortified by Luke’s arrogant speech, turned towards him and gave him a tight smile. “Yes, of course,” she said at once, suddenly desperate to get Luke as far away from the gentlemen as she could. “Do excuse me, sir,” she murmured, giving the gentleman one last look, trying to hide her frustration that she still did not know his name.
“But of course,” he replied, with an easy smile. “I will not keep you. Good evening.”
Harmonia did not have time to reply, having been quickly hurried away by Luke. She did not enjoy the dance, despite Luke’s clear delight at having her all to himself. She found him frustrating, irritating and much too full of himself. He did not take her refusal of his intentions to marry her seriously, seemingly believing that if he continued to pursue her enough, she would simply agree. Was she truly that weak? Did he see her as this small, easily intimidated, eventually willing to do what he asked if he pressured her enough?