Page 8 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Seven

“ D on’t look now, but my great aunt is making a beeline for you, Pelham.” Ravenscroft ran a hand down his face. “You were always one of her favorites. No telling what the old bird has up her sleeve tonight.” He winked Pelham’s way. “Or should I say under her wing ?”

Lady Edith Nelson, Ravenscroft’s great-aunt, strolled toward them, swinging her cane like a scepter with the magical power to part the throng of guests as she crossed the dance floor. The ostrich feathers on her ruby turban bobbed up and down like royal subjects trailing their monarch.

“She either wants to play cards or have you escort her around the ballroom all night as she plays matchmaker.” Trafford nodded in Honoria’s direction. “I’ll take this opportunity to dance with my darling wife. I don’t want to stand in Lady Edith’s way as she makes you the object of her attention.”

Ravenscroft winked. “Excellent advice. Pippa is with Honoria. Perhaps I can convince her that one dance is enough to make an appearance, and then we can leave. I can imagine a more enjoyable way to enjoy the evening than staying at the soiree.”

“Oh, the allure of a new marriage,” Trafford teased. “I shall follow your example.”

Both of his friends abandoned him, but Dane didn’t care. He adored Lady Edith, and if anyone could make him laugh, it was her.

When she came to his side, Dane delivered a deep bow in a show of respect. Then he took her hand and squeezed. “Lady Edith, what an honor.”

“Duke,” she acknowledged with a bob of her head. “Where is my nephew off to?” She narrowed her eyes as her gaze caught Trafford and Ravenscroft fleeing like mice who had spotted a cat.

“He decided to seek out Pippa and ask for a dance,” Dane explained.

“Your two friends are cowards not to face me,” Lady Edith declared, then smiled Dane’s way. “But I didn’t want to talk to either of them anyway.”

“Would you care to dance?” Dane offered with another bow.

Lady Edith tilted her head back and laughed. “Dear boy, aren’t you sweet?” She leaned near. “I’d much rather play a game of vingt-te-un and win some of your millions.”

“As long as I had your delightful company, I wouldn’t mind.” He winked in the old dame’s direction.

“Charmer.” She threw back her head with a laugh. “But you shouldn’t be wasting your talents on me.” Edith rested her hands on the brass lion’s head at the top of her cane. “You should be trying to win the affections of one of the young ladies here.” She waved her hand across the room.

“Should I? What if I’m not interested?”

Lady Edith turned her hawk-eyed gaze to him. “Time is precious, and unfortunately, no matter how powerful or rich you are, it’s only finite. You can’t buy more. Even you, Pelham.”

“I shall take your wise advice under consideration.” Dane clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. She was correct. He didn’t want to waste any more of his precious days without a wife. “Do you have any suggestions?”

“Yes.” She nodded her head once, sending her ostrich feathers flying again. “Quit standing here with Trafford and Ravenscroft. Even though I’m entertaining, a divine conversationalist, and politically, not to mention socially savvy, you cannot pin your hopes on me.” She took the crook of her cane and discreetly pointed it across the room. “However, make tonight worth your while. See Lord Marbury over there? He’s talking with Lady Grace and keeping her enthralled. I’ve been watching them for the last fifteen minutes. He hasn’t left her side.”

Dane followed the direction of Edith’s cane, which led him to Grace. She had her head tipped back, laughing at something the young earl had said. Even from this distance, the sight of her delicate skin sent a wave of heat through his body. Grace always loved it when he kissed her there. She also adored when he whispered in her ear, just like Marbury was doing at the moment.

Dane frowned as he fisted one hand. The sudden urge to march across the dancefloor and pull Grace away became almost unbearable to ignore. However, he would not look like a heathen at a ton event, no matter how much he desired to throw Grace over his shoulder and leave.

“Perhaps she should be the one you ask for a dance?” A sly smile pulled at Lady Edith’s lips.

“I would, madame, but Lady Grace can barely tolerate me,” Dane confided.

“Nonsense, my boy,” Edith exclaimed, then reached a bony hand and placed it on his arm. “I’ve seen the way she argues with you. She wouldn’t do it unless she felt something.” The grand dame leaned closer and lowered her voice. “As the old saying goes, there is a thin line between love and hate.”

Dane stood silent as he watched Grace. Another woman had come to her side. Hopefully, she was the object of Marbury’s affection and not Grace.

“Go ask her,” Lady Edith encouraged as she gently pushed him. “What are you waiting for?”

“For her to come to me,” Dane said. It wasn’t that he was bashful. He didn’t possess a shy bone in his body, but Grace was making her way in his direction, accompanied by Marbury and the young woman.

When Grace and her entourage reached them, he couldn’t help but grin like a fool. She’d actually sought him out without him having to summon her. “My lady, are you enjoying yourself?”

“Indeed, Your Grace.” She smiled politely. “May I introduce Lord Marbury and his ward, Lady Athena Wescott.”

Dane straightened to his full height, which meant he towered over the young earl. “Of course. I’ve had the honor of making Marbury’s acquaintance before.” He inclined his head. “It’s good to see you.”

Marbury bowed slightly. “It’s been a year or so if recollection serves me.”

“Indeed,” Dane answered, but he’d turned his attention to Grace and the young woman beside him.

Instead of blushing and sputtering like a typical debutante, the young woman met his gaze directly.

Grace nodded approvingly, but there was something odd in her demeanor. It was almost as if she were purposely holding herself back or perhaps wishing she was somewhere else. “Your Grace, this is Lady Athena Wescott.”

“And to think I almost didn’t come tonight.” Dane took the young woman’s hand and leaned over it. “It would have been the most tragic mistake of my life, as I wouldn’t have met you.”

Lady Athena hadn’t dropped her gaze. Dane admired that. She was a beautiful young woman.

Young being the operative word.

Grace stood off to the side, and if he hadn’t had his peripheral vision trained on her, he would have missed her slight flinch. He stood and directed his attention to her. “Lady Grace, is anything amiss?”

She rolled her eyes. Since the others had their back to her, they didn’t see the gesture. “Absolutely fine.”

Suddenly, Marbury, Lady Athena, and Lady Edith turned to face Grace.

She quickly smiled and shook her head. “Truly. I’m perfectly fine.”

If he were a betting man, which he was, he’d say that his Governess was jealous. Perhaps he should let her taste how bitter jealousy could be. He’d been choking on it earlier.

“Good,” he said dismissively, then turned to Lady Athena. “It would be my greatest honor if you danced with me?” He was laying it on thick, but it was all for Grace’s benefit so her clients would be pleased.

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Lady Athena smiled as if he’d given her the keys to his kingdom. Funny, she wore a gorgeous smile, but it didn’t make his heart pound or create a need to step closer. That only happened with Grace.

“Athena, stay where I can see you.” Marbury frowned.

Now, it was Dane’s turn to scowl. Did the young earl think he would compromise his ward in the middle of the dancefloor? Anyone who knew Dane would know that he had excellent manners.

At least, he always did, except when it came to Grace.

“No need to worry, Marbury,” Dane drawled. “I want everyone to see me dancing with Lady Athena. They’ll be jealous of my good fortune.”

Marbury’s stern expression turned into exasperation. “May I have a word, Your Grace?”

“Of course,” Dane answered politely and followed Marbury, who walked to an area far enough from the ladies that they couldn’t hear. He could still keep his eye on Athena, and Dane could watch Grace.

“I know of your reputation,” Marbury said bluntly.

“Which is?” Dane lifted a brow and stood as if bored. It was his most arrogant stance, and it reminded everyone that he was a duke.

“That gambling is your number one priority. The man lucky enough to win Athena’s hand will be of excellent moral character whom no one would question.”

Dane chuckled and shook his head. “I think you misheard. I asked Lady Athena to dance. Not to marry me.”

Marbury narrowed his eyes.

“But you did hear correctly that I love gambling. I even own a gambling hell and coaching inn next to my ducal estate. You should visit sometime. And bring Lady Athena. My sisters practically live next door to me. I think she’d enjoy them. If you’ll excuse me? The orchestra is playing.” He tilted his head and grinned in Marbury’s direction. “Luck is with me tonight. It’s a waltz.” Without a look back, he turned on his heel and made his way to the ladies. He could only imagine the steam that had to be bellowing around the pompous young pup of an earl.

Lady Edith commanded him to her side. “Jealousy doesn’t appear to be his color. The green doesn’t suit him.”

“Very astute, madam,” Dane answered softly.

“Hopefully, I’ll see you in the card room. I’ll be the one with all the markers on the table before me.” With that, Lady Edith deftly spun around, defying her age.

Dane turned his attention to Athena and held out his hand. “My lady?”

Without hesitating, she placed her hand in his and led her onto the dancefloor. Keeping the proper distance between them, Dane took her in his arms and swept her into the familiar routine. They were silent for the first several moments.

“You’re an excellent dancer,” Lady Athena said as she gazed into his eyes.

“Thank you.” Dane expertly turned her to avoid colliding with another couple who were having difficulty with the steps. “It came from teaching my sisters how to waltz.”

“I’ve met them. I understand they are your only siblings?”

Athena was tall enough that he didn’t have to strain his neck to make eye contact. “That’s correct. They’re the most provocative, intelligent, not to mention enchanting women you’ll ever meet.”

She blinked several times. “The way you talk about them is lovely, Your Grace.”

“I’m lucky to have them.” He turned her again.

“I understand that Lady Grace’s assistance was invaluable when they were seeking to marry.”

“In a way,” he explained. “My eldest sister didn’t care for London, but Grace helped her take her place in society, and Honoria married my best friend. With my youngest sister, Pippa, Grace stayed with her during the Season while I had to travel to my ducal seat. Pippa married my other best friend.”

“I see. Lady Grace must be like a sister to you.”

He caught himself before his dance partner noticed his slight stumble. “Pardon?”

“Forgive me if I’m too bold, but she seems to be integral to your family’s happiness. I also understand that you’re looking for a duchess,” Athena said.

A bubble of laughter escaped. “I’d forgotten how quickly rumors spread when you make a rare appearance in society.”

She frowned slightly. “It isn’t true?”

“It is,” he answered.

“Have you found her yet?”

“Perhaps.” Dane smiled slightly, but he didn’t offer anymore.

An enigmatic smile drew across the young woman’s lips. She didn’t say another word but glanced at the other couples. She turned her attention back to him. “Everyone is looking at us.”

“They see me dancing with a beautiful young lady.” Dane glanced at the crowd. Indeed, people were watching them—except for the one person he wanted to. From his brief glance, Grace was nowhere in sight.

“Are you dancing with anyone else this evening?” Athena asked.

“No. I think I’ll head to my club.” Just then, he caught Ravenscroft and Trafford standing on the edge of the dancefloor wearing sly smiles as they watched him. They were worse than an assembly of busybody matrons who thought it their duty to insert their noses where they didn’t belong. Standing beside his best friends were his sisters, Honor and Pippa, who were frowning at him.

He would ensure they realized this was just a dance, not a declaration of impending nuptials. Thankfully, the music slowed, indicating that the dance was over. When it stopped, Dane let go of Athena, and they applauded in appreciation for the orchestra’s effort.

“I shall return you to Lord Marbury. Thank you for the dance.” He offered his arm, and Athena wrapped hers around him. “You’re an enchanting dance partner.”

“As are you.” She leaned near and lowered her voice. “Your Grace, do you think it matters if there’s a difference in age between a husband and a wife?”

The young lady had to be at least a decade younger than him. Was that too young? Was he too old? Surely, she wasn’t declaring herself interested in marrying him.

“I think it depends on the individuals,” he offered without any explanation. He had to nip her interest in him quickly in the bud.

“Excellent answer,” Athena said with a laugh. “You and I are of like minds.”

“Wonderful.” He could only force a tepid smile. Discreetly, he evaluated her. She was undoubtedly beautiful, but she was barely out of the nursery.

He shook his head slightly. He knew what he wanted in a wife, and Lady Athena was not it.

A relieved breath escaped when he found Grace standing next to Marbury. He frowned at the brittleness of her smile. It reminded him of an emerald, easily shattered with the right amount of force. With her caramel-colored eyes and dark blonde locks, Grace would look stunning in the Pelham parure of emeralds. Every Duchess of Pelham had worn them when they’d hosted their first ball.

He’d never considered it before. The brilliant green jewels would also match the jealousy that radiated around her.

Who knew this matchmaking business could be so intriguing?