Good Earls Don't Lie (25 page)

And so it was that she made a wager of her own. “All right, Lord Ashton. If I win the trick, you will ask Miss Sinclair for the first dance. If you win, I will grant you my first dance when I am able to walk again. However long it takes.”

He met her gaze with a sudden intensity that made her stomach flutter with nerves. “I accept the wager.”

Very deliberately, she chose his weakest suit and laid down the king of hearts. She never took her eyes off him, but let him see that she had taken this quite seriously. He was not going to defeat her.

“Oh dear,” Lady Penford said, following suit with a queen. “Lily, can you help?”

But Lily only discarded a ten. “I’m sorry, but
someone
dealt me a rubbish hand once again.” She glared at Rose.

All eyes turned to Iain. He withdrew a single card from his hand but did not lay it down. For a moment, they all waited for him to make his move. He didn’t smile at all, but locked his green eyes upon hers. She couldn’t read his expression, for he offered neither defeat nor triumph.

“Go on, Ashton,” she urged. “If you have a card to play, then set it down. Admit your defeat.”

With that, he turned over his card and laid down the ace of hearts.

Chapter Thirteen

Victoria Nottoway, the Duchess of Worthingstone, greeted them with a warm smile. Rose had arrived earlier than the other guests, so as not to attract attention when the footman carried her inside.

“Where would you like to sit?” the duchess inquired. “Your chair can be placed anywhere.”

“By the wall will be fine,” Rose answered. She wanted to remain somewhat out of the way so that no one would notice her.

Her sister drew up a chair beside her. “I’ll join you here.” Lily cast a glance at the corner, toward a large fern. “Or perhaps, if Grandmother tries to match me up with someone, I’ll go into hiding over there.”

She fingered the chain at her throat once again. Tonight Lily wore a ball gown the shade of lilacs, trimmed with lace dyed the same shade. Her hair was pulled into an updo and she wore hot house gardenias tucked into the brown strands. There was no doubt that her sister would attract a great deal of notice with her beauty. Rose didn’t understand why Lily insisted on waiting for Lord Arnsbury when she could have any man she wanted.

“Lily, do try to enjoy yourself tonight,” Rose urged. “Her Grace has gone to a great deal of trouble to make us feel welcome. It would not do for you to remain a wallflower.”

Sadness crossed over her sister’s face. “I know it. But it doesn’t mean that I’ve given up on Matthew.”

Beneath her skirts, Rose moved her feet and ankles. “I’m going to stand for a moment.” She wanted to gain her footing, to ensure that she could keep her balance. A flutter of nerves caught her stomach.

Tonight was the night she’d been dreaming of for so long. She had practiced walking in the privacy of her bedroom, and now she felt confident she could manage it—so long as she kept her steps slow.

What she didn’t know was how to handle Lord Ashton. Why had the earl asked to claim her first dance? Was it because he wanted to help her in front of everyone?

It was because of him that she’d learned to walk at all. Iain had been ever patient with her, catching her before she could fall. He had helped her to strengthen her legs, encouraging her with every step. Her mood softened, and she realized that she owed him the first dance, after all that he’d done.

“Grandmother is approaching,” Lily warned. “And . . . oh dear, she has her battalion with her.”

Rose wasn’t certain what Lily meant by that, but when she saw the women alongside her grandmother, she relaxed and sat down once more. “It’s only the duchess’s sisters. Lady Castledon, Lady Falsham, and Mrs. Sinclair.”

She brightened when her friend Evangeline crossed the room to join the ladies. Mrs. Sinclair’s youngest daughter was the prospective bride she hoped Lord Ashton would court. Her friend was indeed wealthy, though her riches were steeped in scandal. It was bad enough that Mrs. Sinclair and her husband were engaged in commerce, but to own a business empire that was built around ladies’ unmentionables had made it quite difficult for their daughters to find appropriate husbands.

But that wouldn’t matter a whit to Lord Ashton. Miss Sinclair had one of the largest dowries in London, and that was what he needed. Her only problems were her immense shyness and her father, a notorious Highlander who made it clear that no man was good enough for Evangeline.

Lady Castledon extended her hands and came to greet them. “Lady Rose and Lady Lily, it’s been ages.” She beamed at them with a sly wink. “I believe you’ve met my older sisters already. I’ve told Margaret and Juliette all about your requirements for husbands, and I am quite certain we can find men who will suit. I am eager to begin matchmaking.”

The eldest sister, Mrs. Sinclair, had dark blond hair with faint streaks of gray. “What Amelia means is that she is eager to begin meddling.” The matron extended her hand in greeting. “It is good to see you again, Lady Rose. Evangeline was so glad to hear that you’d returned to London.”

“I’ve been dying a slow, painful death of shopping,” Evangeline admitted. She fidgeted with her gloves. “Mother, may I please sit with Rose and hide behind the draperies?”

Mrs. Sinclair exchanged a look with her sisters. “Certainly not.”

“Then I shall wait until you’ve left my side and go hide within the library.” With that, Evangeline planted herself beside Rose. She studied the room of arriving guests with an anxious eye. “I don’t know why I came tonight. This was a mistake.” With a pained expression, she added, “I can only imagine the spectacle that will take place if my father arrives.”

“He won’t be here this evening,” Mrs. Sinclair told her daughter. “I made Cain promise.” Dropping her voice to a low murmur, she confessed, “Evangeline is worried that my husband will threaten to kill any prospective suitor.”

“Father told me that if any gentleman asked me to dance, he would slice him into ribbons and feed his remains to the dogs.” The young woman appeared uneasy at the thought. “He
means
it, too.”

“Cain is only a worried father,” Mrs. Fraser reassured her. “He believes it’s his God-given right to torment his daughter with threats pertaining to her virtue. My husband unfortunately shares that sentiment. And until you have found a man whom your father likes, I fear you’ll have to endure it, too.”

Evangeline sent a pleading look toward Rose. “Save me.”

“I’m afraid I’ve done worse.” Rose sent her a weak smile. “I found a possible husband for you. You’ll meet the Earl of Ashton tonight.”

“Traitor,” Evangeline moaned. “I thought you were my friend.”

“Oh, but she
is
looking after your best interests, darling,” Lady Castledon interjected. “Lord Ashton is an Irishman, and he is positively delicious. We’ll need to bring extra smelling salts, for half the ladies here will swoon.”

While Lady Castledon sang the praises of Lord Ashton, Rose searched the arriving guests for a sign of Lord Burkham. It didn’t seem that he was anywhere to be seen. Had he somehow fallen ill? Or was he not coming at all? Her spirits sank, and as the minutes turned into an hour, her sister Lily went with Lady Castledon and Mrs. Fraser to meet the other guests. Evangeline stayed behind, and it granted Rose a measure of comfort to have an ally at her side. Several of the guests began dancing, and she wondered if she would have the opportunity to join them. Or whether she should try.

“Dear God,” Evangeline breathed suddenly. “That’s not
him
, is it?”

Rose glanced toward the opposite side of the room and saw that Lord Ashton had indeed arrived. He wore the new clothing she had arranged for him, and it fit him like a second skin. His black coat was tailored across his broad shoulders, revealing a cream waistcoat and dark trousers. His black hair was combed back, and when his green eyes rested upon her, she knew that this battle was lost. He fully intended to pursue her.

“Yes. That is Lord Ashton, the Irishman I spoke of.”

“He’s looking at us,” Evangeline blurted out, fanning herself suddenly. The young woman’s face reddened. “No, I’m wrong. He’s not looking at us. He’s looking at
you.
”

And he was. Iain’s green eyes held a knowing look, as if Rose were the only woman here. His stare was filled with warmth and a sense of mischief.

“He knows we are only friends,” she managed. “But I’ve told him about you. I think the pair of you should get acquainted.”

Her friend’s expression turned curious. “I think I might just go find the library, Rose. It looks as if he wants to speak with you.”

“Don’t go. I’ve been meaning to introduce you to him. Lord Ashton is—”

“—entirely interested in you,” Evangeline finished. “And I am quite certain that I should leave the pair of you alone. Oh, Heavens, he’s almost here.” She stood up, and promptly stepped on her gown, lurching forward before she caught her balance.

Iain was suddenly standing before them. Evangeline straightened, wincing as she adjusted the hem. “Rose, I’ll . . . just be going now.”

“Not yet,” she said, catching her friend’s hand. “Lord Ashton, may I present Miss Evangeline Sinclair.”

“A pleasure it is, to make your acquaintance, Miss Sinclair.” Iain offered the young woman a kind smile, and Evangeline blushed, fanning herself more rapidly. Then he bowed and greeted her. “Lady Rose, I am glad to see you once more.”

The look in his eyes reminded her of what it was like to be in his embrace. Rose was well aware that he was here to claim the dance she owed him. She wanted to refuse, and yet, she was not one to break her promises.

“Would you grant me the honor of your first dance, Lady Rose?”
Can you manage it?
he seemed to be asking.

She looked around the ballroom once more, trying to decide what was best. She supposed she could either dance with Lord Ashton and show everyone that she was no longer an invalid . . . or she could remain in a chair beside the wall.

“Only if you dance with Miss Sinclair next,” she countered with a smile of her own. It was a reasonable enough request.

“If Miss Sinclair is willing, I should be very glad of her company.” He sent her a charming smile, which made Evangeline’s fan flutter faster.

“Of course, I would be happy to dance with you, Lord Ashton,” the young woman agreed. Her expression turned worried, and she continued, “But as for Lady Rose, I fear that—” She stopped abruptly, and looked perplexed, as if to remind them both,
She
cannot walk.

But the moment Iain extended his hand, Rose took it and stood slowly. He gave her a moment to steady her balance, and then she leaned against him when she took her first step.

Her eyes fixed upon his with a silent plea,
Keep it slow.
At least then she could hide her heavy limp.

She heard Evangeline give a soft gasp, and there were murmurs all around them. It took all her concentration to walk, but Rose leaned against Iain, determined to keep her balance.

“There’s a lass.” He smiled at her, allowing her to set the pace. Her heart hammered faster, and she felt the eyes of every guest staring at her. Never in her life had she felt so self-conscious. Though she had longed to take her first steps with Lord Burkham at her side, now she was beginning to reconsider.

Iain was the man who had helped her to walk again, and of anyone here, she trusted him not to let her stumble. He knew the limits of her endurance, and she could confess when she needed to stop and rest.

“You look grand this night.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they moved closer to the dancing.

“Thank you.” She had worn a sky-blue gown with a full skirt and a lace shawl to cover her bare shoulders. It wasn’t the most fashionable gown, but her grandmother had deemed it quite appropriate for the evening.

Because she expected me to remain in a chair,
Rose thought.
No one expected me to dance.

“Do you think you can manage this?” Iain asked. His expression revealed the sincerity of a man who didn’t want her to be embarrassed.

“Only if it’s a waltz.” A quick-paced dance would be quite beyond her balance. But right now, this was about proving herself to others. She wanted everyone to see that she had overcome her illness and could walk again.

She took one step that was too heavy, and stumbled forward. Iain caught her immediately and halted, waiting for her to regain her balance. Her cheeks burned, and she blurted out, “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He brought her to the edge of the dancers, nearest to the wall. They would be away from the others, and yet, she could join in. The music shifted into a lilting waltz, and he rested his hand against her waist. “If you begin to tire, step on my feet. Your skirts will hide it, and no one will notice,” he advised.

He’d worn gloves tonight, and she took his hand, feeling braver. She lifted her gaze to the onlookers and saw both her sister and grandmother watching. Their faces revealed shock and joy. Lily was beaming at her, while the matrons spoke in excited whispers. Behind them emerged Lord Burkham.

He, too, was watching. But there was no warmth in his expression. She didn’t know what that meant, nor did she care. This was no longer about him; it was about all that she’d done to overcome her illness.

“Lord Burkham is here at last,” she informed Ashton. “Just behind you.”

“Good. I hope he regrets leaving you behind and realizes his mistake,” he admitted. “If I were you, I’d not dance with him at all.”

“It wouldn’t be polite to refuse him,” she said. “After all, we were nearly betrothed. I cannot refuse to dance with him.”

“Of course you can. And ‘nearly betrothed’ means nothing at all.” His hand squeezed her waist lightly.

There was something about Iain Donovan that drew her close, tempting her to surrender. She was intimately aware of his touch, of his palm upon her spine, pulling her near. If they were alone, she had no doubt that he would kiss her again. And it would unravel her senses if he did.

He led her gently into the dance, moving slower than the other couples. She tried to follow him, but her footsteps were not light at all. It was far more difficult than she’d ever imagined.

“Don’t be nervous,
a chara.
I won’t let you fall.” True to his word, Iain cut their pace in half, moving slowly as he turned her. Her skin warmed, her cheeks growing flushed. But she trusted him implicitly, knowing that he spoke the truth. He would never let her go.

His hand tightened against her waist, and the heat of his palm warmed the silk of her gown. “I know you won’t.” She could feel herself softening, transfixed by his gaze. His green eyes burned into hers with an undeniable intensity. The rest of the world seemed to fall away, and her wayward thoughts imagined his mouth upon hers, coaxing her to want what she could not have.

His thumb rubbed a slight caress against the base of her spine as he moved her in a circle. Though he spoke not a word, she never took her eyes from his.

“You look as if you belong here,” she murmured. “Our lessons helped.”

His mouth tilted slightly. “I don’t belong here, and we both know it.” He lowered his voice and added, “I find myself not wanting to obey any of the rules.”

“What do you mean?” Her voice came out breathless as the music slowed to a stop.