In the Arms of an Earl (The Duke's Daughters Book 4)(5)
The evening began to lose some of its sparkle, her heart sinking into her toes as Luke twirled her around the floor and, suddenly, all she wanted was to return home.
Chapter Three
“Did you enjoy the ball last evening?”
Harmonia threw a sidelong glance over towards Amelia as they walked through the park, wondering how much to give away. “I was enjoying myself until Luke…”
Amelia sighed as Harmonia struggled to find the words to explain his behavior last night.
“Luke acted rather possessive, did he not?”
“Yes, that is it precisely,” Harmonia agreed, with a small shake of her head. “He seems to think that I belong to him when, all the while, I have been doing all I can to dissuade him.”
Amelia grimaced. “Maybe I should say something to him.”
Harmonia shook her head. “I do not think he would so much as listen.” Frowning, she paused in her walk and looked over at her sister. “You do not think he would go to papa directly, do you? As I said, papa is now quite eager for me to wed and I know he has a fondness for Luke.”
Her sister did immediately answer, making Harmonia’s worry rise even further.
“I do not know what Luke will do in order to get what he wants,” Amelia replied, eventually. “But you should perhaps speak to papa before Luke has the chance, just in case you are right to be as worried as you are. I can go with you, if you wish.”
Harmonia nodded slowly, her stomach tightening. “I may take you up on that offer, Amelia. I am concerned that Luke is determined to have me as his wife – but I am equally determined to refuse him. I do not think that he expects me to be so stubborn, however. I think he believes that he can bend me to his will in time.”
“Then you shall just have to make yourself more than clear over and over until he finally backs away,” Amelia declared, now appearing a little cross over Luke’s behavior. “Why that man has been intent on pursuing you, I shall never understand.” Throwing a quick look over at Harmonia, Amelia tried to smile. “Not that you are not worth pursing, Harmonia, but not by a man who has been told repeatedly that you are not interested in furthering your acquaintance with him. He is as stubborn as a mule!” She tossed her head and began to walk again, muttering to herself.
Harmonia smiled to herself and continued to walk alongside her sister, her anxiety slowly fading away. She knew that Amelia would stick by her and was truly grateful for her company, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Amelia had been through a difficult time herself before she found Lord Northfell and she appreciated her determination to ensure that Harmonia was, in no way, to be tied to Luke.
“Might I ask, was your attention caught by anyone else at the ball last evening?” Amelia asked, after a few minutes of silence. “You were introduced to a great many people, I know, but was there anyone in particular you might wish to know more about?”
Immediately, the image of the blue-eyed gentleman threw itself into Harmonia’s mind and she felt her face blush with just the thought of him. Knowing that she could be entirely honest with Amelia, Harmonia told her about the man in question.
“I was actually wondering if you knew a certain gentleman’s name,” she began, as Amelia lifted one eyebrow in anticipation. “The only reason I am asking is because I was in the middle of conversation with him – a bit of a strange conversation since neither of us had been introduced – but we were about to give one another our names and titles when Luke came to take me for the next dance.”
Amelia pursed her lips, thinking hard. “He was in the group with us?”
“Yes, he was,” Harmonia replied, her heart quickening just a little as she thought of him. “He had the bluest eyes I have ever seen and very dark hair. He was tall, even taller than Luke, and yet gave all the appearances of gentleness. I know it was most improper to be talking in such an easy manner without being introduced, but there was no-one able to do so and I did very much want to talk to him.”
Amelia laughed, looping her arm through her sister’s. “You need not worry about that, Harmonia, certainly not for my sake. Convention has to be ignored sometimes, particularly at a ball! The man you are describing is, I think, the new Earl of Newford. He is only recently arrived in town, I think. I am quite sure we will see him again very soon at some ball or another.” She gave Harmonia a sidelong glance, her eyes filled with interest. “Do you think you might like to know him better?”
“I do,” Harmonia replied, honestly. “He seemed like a pleasant fellow and I do think I would like to know him a little more.”
“Then I shall do all I can to do just that,” Amelia declared, squeezing Harmonia’s arm. “I do not know anything about the man myself, but we shall both find out more about him. And I am glad there is someone that has caught your attention, for it shall be another way to try and dissuade Luke.”
“Luke is….” The words died on Harmonia’s lips as a sudden shout caught her ears. Coming to a complete stop, she looked over at Amelia who was frowning heavily, her eyes narrowing as she looked out across the park.
“Is that Luke?” she whispered, her heart squeezing with dread. “I really do not wish to see him.” The memory of how he had behaved only yesterday still clung to her mind, her dislike rolling up through her.