Page 11 of Beguiling the Duke
His heart thudded against his ribs. How foolish he’d been, to imagine she would give up so easily. What was she after? She’d had numerous friends before she’d married, so if all she needed was companionship, she could have found it elsewhere. She was up to something, and he must assume it centered on him.
“Is something amiss?” Lizzie’s concerned voice broke through his turmoil. She eased his arms from the dance hold but grasped his elbow as if to let him escort her somewhere.
He forced a tight smile. “Not at all. Merely surprised to see an old acquaintance.”
Lizzie’s perceptive gaze searched his. “It would seem everyone here was equally surprised.” She tipped her head to point out the guests who watched the couple in anticipation of an on-dits. There was no accusation in her tone, only gentle understanding.
Heat crept up his neck. He gave a stiff nod and began to lead her out of the center of the room.
She squeezed his arm. “Do not distress yourself on my account. I am quite content here in your arms, and shall not be easily displaced.” The smile she gave him then was as radiant as the sunrise.
His chest swelled with warmth and gratitude for this woman’s generous spirit. The iron band of tension eased from around his ribs, his panic subsiding. He bit back a laugh at the notion that Lizzie was offering herself as armor against Amelia.
A rustle of silk skirts and a familiar scent of jasmine announced Lady Amelia’s approach before Matthew saw her. He tensed, drawing his arm from Lizzie’s grasp and bringing it around her back to guide her to the opposite side from Amelia.
“Your Grace, how delightful to see you again.” Amelia’s smile was all sharp edges, her gaze sliding from Matthew to Lizzie and back again. She continued pointedly, “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Lord St. Ervan’s guests.”
Lizzie curtsied. “I’m Lady Elborough. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Her tone was polite but cool, her eyes wary.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Amelia’s words were at odds with her frown. She had never been adept at hiding her emotions. “Teversham, mightn’t you partner with me for a dance? For old times’ sake?”
Matthew’s stomach knotted. He glanced at Lizzie, hating to leave her but unable to refuse Amelia outright and cause a scene.
Lizzie’s smile was understanding. “Of course, you must dance with her. We’ll have our refreshments after your set.”
Reluctantly, Matthew turned to Amelia and offered his arm, steeling himself for the coming confrontation.
Amelia latched onto him with a triumphant smirk. “It seems the rumors of your betrothal have been greatly exaggerated.”
“There are no betrothal rumors to exaggerate,” Matthew said shortly. “Lady Elborough is merely a friend.”
“Oh? Then she won’t mind if I reclaim what is rightfully mine.” Amelia’s nails bit into his arm as they took their places for the dance. Her gaze was stern and avaricious. “You belong to me, Teversham. You always have, and you always will.”
Matthew’s jaw tightened. He had a feeling this night was only going to grow more complicated. This wasn’t the place to argue that he’d never belonged to her, that she hadn’t wanted him. She’d easily given her heart to someone else. What sort of game was she playing? If she expected him to fall to his knees in gratitude that she’d returned, she was in for a rude awakening.
When the dance ended, Lizzie intercepted them. “Your Grace, you promised me the supper dance.”
Amelia’s eyes narrowed, seeing the challenge for what it was. “By all means, take him. I have already had my fill of the duke’s company.” With a swish of silk, she spun on her heel and strode away.
Shaking his head as he watched her leave, Matthew asked, “Is this next dance the supper dance?”
“I have no idea,” Lizzie said, glancing up at Matthew with a quizzing expression. “I assumed since she just arrived, she wouldn’t know either.”
“Lady Elborough, you are brilliant. Remind me to never get on your bad side.” Matthew sighed, rubbing his temple. “Amelia was my first love, and we share a complicated history. I don’t know what scheme she has underway, but I’m relieved she waited until tonight to stir the kettle.”
Lizzie tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, her eyes soft with understanding. “Do not let her manipulate you into feeling guilty for moving on to find happiness.”
A smile tugged at Matthew’s lips. “I assume you’re the happiness in question?”
Lizzie’s cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. “You did seem to enjoy yourself this morning.”
A laugh rumbled in Matthew’s chest. The tension eased from his shoulders as Amelia faded from his thoughts. Lizzie’s warmth and playful humor were far more compelling than any clingy former lover.
Perhaps he didn’t need to avoid love and companionship after all.
Matthew glanced around the ballroom, noticing more than one curious stare directed their way. No doubt there would be gossip about this evening, with Amelia confronting him and Lizzie so openly defending his honor.
He leaned closer to Lizzie, his hand tightening on her waist. “Would you accompany me to one of the sitting rooms? I find myself in need of a respite from prying eyes.”