Page 8 of An Impulsive Kiss (Captivating Kisses #2)

L ucy watched as Annie put the finishing touches on her hair and then stepped back, admiring Lucy’s image reflected in the mirror.

“You will be the most beautiful girl at tonight’s ball, my lady,” Annie declared proudly.

“While I know I am a bit pretty, we both know there will be girls more beautiful than me at this ball, Annie.”

Her maid shook her head stubbornly. “But you are beautiful inside, as well as outside, my lady. The right gentleman will figure that out for himself, and he will make you his wife. Is there anything else you might need?”

“No, Annie. Thank you. If I am a success tonight, it is because of you and Madame Laurent.”

The maid left the bedchamber, and Lucy stared into the mirror. She was pleased to be wearing the ballgown she had wanted to, thanks to Ariadne.

Yesterday, after they had visited the orphanage and Gunter’s, her cousin had insisted upon coming inside, saying that she wished to see the gowns Madame Laurent had already made up for Lucy. They had gone upstairs to her bedchamber, along with Mama, and Annie had brought out each finished gown.

Ariadne had Lucy step behind each one so she could have an idea of what Lucy would look like in each gown, and she had raved over two of the ballgowns, in particular. Thanks to her cousin’s suggestion of which gown to wear this evening, Mama had agreed.

And the gown was the color Lord Huntsberry had suggested she wear, as well.

Why had the marquess kissed her? He had warned her not to be alone with a man because a kiss was a possibility. Lord Huntsberry had sternly told her she would be ruined if she were caught kissing a man, especially if that man did not immediately offer for her.

He had made a good point when she had told him not only would she not be forced into a marriage she did not want, she would not force any gentleman to wed her, either. He had explained to her the effect that would have not only on her reputation—but also her family’s. Lucy would take his words to heart. She would always stay in view of others.

But oh, how she longed to kiss Lord Huntsberry again.

She brought her fingertips to her lips, thinking of how his had brushed ever so softly against hers. He had kissed her several times, his mouth pressing against her lips, then separating, only to return again for more. His kisses had caused her scalp to tingle and made butterflies flutter within her belly.

Lucy stood. The marquess had made it clear he would not be one of her suitors, so she needed to cleanse all thoughts of him from her mind. Tonight was the beginning of a wonderful time in her life, possibly the best, a Season where she would attend glittering balls and fabulous parties. Hopefully, it would end in a betrothal, and she would wed and have her first child quickly, just as Ariadne had done. Her cousin and Julian would be at tonight’s ball to help introduce her to members of Polite Society. Mama and Papa would also help ease her into the ton , and Con would be ever watchful, making certain she was wooed by the right type of gentlemen.

Mama entered Lucy’s bedchamber without knocking, something she was used to occurring. Her eyes swept over Lucy, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile of approval.

“Ariadne was right,” Mama said. “This color suits you. You will gain quite a bit of attention tonight, Lucilla. Remember, you are looking for a gentleman who will be able to take excellent care of you, one who will allow you to live in the manner you have become accustomed to. An earl would be nice, but a marquess or duke would be even more desirable.”

“I am hoping to wed a gentleman who will respect me, Mama. One who is kind and will be devoted to me and our children.”

Mama waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Those are not the things to look for, Lucilla,” she chided. “You need to wed for a title and wealth. Social standing is most important in Polite Society. Do not worry, though. With my guidance, I will make certain that the right husband is selected for you.”

Lucy knew better than to protest. She had faith that Con and Papa—along with Ariadne and Julian—would see that she had a good, kind man, hopefully one who would also please Mama.

She went downstairs with her mother, finding her father waiting for them in the foyer. His eyes lit up as he saw her.

“Ah, Lucilla. You resemble an angel. Who knows? You may be betrothed by the end of this first week.”

“Is that even possible?” she blurted out.

“Of course, it is,” Mama said brusquely. “Some of the best matches made occur early in the Season. A gentleman finds exactly what he is looking for and takes a lady off the Marriage Mart. Look no further than your own cousin as an example. Ariadne and Aldridge were the first couple to wed last Season. Why, Ariadne was the envy of every girl in her come-out class! She has great standing in Polite Society now.”

Lucy kept quiet, not bothering to mention that Ariadne and Julian were an obvious love match. Yes, Julian had snapped up her cousin quickly, but she could tell it was because he and Ariadne were so much in love and eager to start their lives together as husband and wife, not because they met the requirements of some arbitrary list.

They went outside to the carriage, where Con awaited them, and traveled at a snail’s pace because of the roads being clogged with other members of Polite Society eager to attend the first event of the Season. Con had told her that the opening ball was attended by practically everyone in the ton , eager to catch up with old friends and see the new class of girls making their come-outs.

The receiving line was lengthy. Mama spend the entire time they were in it whispering into Lucy’s ear, pointing out gowns she admired and identifying important members of the ton to Lucy. Her head spun with all this information, and she doubted she would recall a single name.

Reaching the front of the receiving line, they greeted their host and hostess. The countess was someone Lucy had heard her mother disparage before, but Mama was all smiles now as she introduced her daughter.

As they left the receiving line, a footman handed Lucy her dance programme, which gentlemen would sign in order to reserve a dance with her. They entered the ballroom, which looked as if a garden had been brought indoors. The sweet smells of fragrant flowers filled the air.

Things became a blur as friends of her parents came to greet them and wish Lucy a good Season. Ariadne and Julian joined them, as well. Con stood by her side the entire time as various gentlemen were introduced to her. Her brother had told her he would nod if he found the gentleman acceptable, so she constantly looked to him for his approval before handing over her dance card to a man. It filled quickly, and Mama smiled smugly.

“I see you have no other dances left, Lucilla. You still must continue to meet others and act interested and eager as potential suitors make their way toward you. The fact that you no longer have any dances available will be a sign to them, letting them know how popular you are. Why, you may even have some gentlemen call upon you tomorrow, despite the fact they did not have a chance to dance with you.”

All Lucy knew was that Lord Huntsberry would not be one of those callers.

She had seen him enter the ballroom a few minutes ago, and he turned in the opposite direction of where she and her family stood. Without meaning to, her gaze had followed him around the ballroom as he spoke to a few people and signed a few girls’ programmes.

Her heart began beating rapidly as Lucy saw he had circled the room and now made his way toward their circle.

The musicians began to tune their instruments when Lord Huntsberry approached them.

“Lord and Lady Marley,” he said, bowing. “It is a pleasure to see you again this evening.” He also greeted Ariadne and Julian.

Then the marquess turned to her brother, inclining his head. “Dyer.”

Suddenly, his attention focused on her, and Lucy felt her heart slamming against her ribs. He looked so very handsome in his evening black, and she longed to spend time in his company.

Bowing, he took her hand and kissed her gloved fingers. “You look like a dream come to life, my lady.” Pausing a moment, he added, “And this color is so very flattering on you.”

She saw the twinkle in his eyes and told him, “Ariadne helped me choose tonight’s ballgown.”

“Then I would say your cousin has impeccable taste, Lady Lucy. I suggest you listen to Lady Aldridge’s advice throughout the Season and wear what she recommends for each affair.”

Smiling gratefully at him, Lucy knew he had said so in order to influence Mama’s thinking.

Her mother spoke up, saying, “If you wished for a dance with my daughter, Lord Huntsberry, I am afraid you have arrived too late for that to occur. Her entire programme filled completely within minutes.”

She winced, hating that Mama pushed her in the marquess’ direction.

He smiled graciously, though. “It is good to know that your daughter will have so many eligible bachelors to dance with this evening, Lady Marley.” Glancing around, he added, “I must seek out my first partner now. If you will excuse me.”

After the marquess left, Mama clucked her tongue. “I thought he would ask you to dance this evening.”

“I would not worry about it, Mama,” Con said easily. “Lucy has already proven to be quite popular. I do not believe Huntsberry is serious about finding a bride.”

Mama’s brows knit together. “Why do you say that, Constantine?”

Con shrugged. “He has rarely attended events in the past, and the marquess spends far more of his time in the card room than dancing when he does come to a ball. Huntsberry may be one of those gentlemen who plans to enjoy bachelorhood for many years to come.”

She only hoped that Mama would set her sights on anyone other than the Marquess of Huntsberry.

Her first partner came to claim her, leading Lucy onto the ballroom floor. They had only exchanged brief greetings when groups formed, and the country dance began. Lucy had always enjoyed dancing, and did so even more this evening, knowing she wore a beautiful ballgown and was becoming a part of Polite Society tonight.

Her partner escorted her back to her mother, who told Lucy that her father had already retired to the card room.

The next partner arrived, an earl, and the same pattern repeated. They went to the center of the floor, barely exchanged two sentences, and the dancing commenced again. Lucy decided she would not have time for any conversation this evening and so gave herself over to the music.

After the next set ended, the musicians took a short break, and her partner offered to bring her something to drink. He did so, asking shyly if he might call upon her the next afternoon.

She could not begin to recall his name, but she said, “I would be happy to have you visit us, my lord.”

He said, “Then I will see you tomorrow, my lady.” Bowing, he left her with Con.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” her brother asked.

“I am enjoying the dancing immensely, but I can find no time for conversation.”

“There never is at a ball,” Con agreed. “It will be a little different at a garden party. Even a card party. There is always time to exchange pleasantries as someone is dealing a hand.”

“I do not remember a single name of anyone I have met this evening,” she admitted. “Is it always like this?”

“You will see these people all Season, Lucy. They will soon become familiar to you. I would not worry about it right now.”

She danced a few more sets, and then she stood again with Mama, who crisply said, “This next dance is the supper dance, Lucilla. You will accompany your partner into the supper room and sit with him. Usually, a gentleman who is interested in a particular lady will ask to reserve the supper dance because it allows him to spend more time with her. Who is your upcoming partner?”

Consulting her programme, Lucy said, “A Lord Perth,” she told Mama.

Gentlemen began claiming their partners, and she waited for Lord Perth to appear. She thought he was about Con’s height, with blond hair, but she could not be certain.

Then her belly tumbled several times as she saw Lord Huntsberry making his way toward her. His determined stride let her know she was his final destination, but she couldn’t begin to fathom why.

He bowed. “I am sorry to inform you that Lord Perth had to step out to attend to a pressing matter, my lady. He will be unable to dance the supper dance with you.”

Disappointment filled her. She felt all eyes would be upon her because she would have no one to escort her into supper, and she would be forced to find her parents and dine with them.

“I, on the other hand, was not engaged for this dance, Lady Lucy.” He paused, their gazes meeting.

She swallowed. “What are you saying, my lord?”

The marquess smiled charmingly at her, taking her breath. “I would be happy to take Lord Perth’s place if you are amenable.”

Without waiting for her answer, Lord Huntsberry took her hand and placed it on his sleeve, leading her onto the dance floor.