Page 30 of Diamond of the Season (Heiress #1)

Twelve months later, London

R osalind stood at the side of their Grosvenor Square ballroom floor, watching with pride—and not without a tear in her eye—as her sister, Lady Evangeline, commenced her coming-out dance with Nathaniel.

As the Duchess of Ravensmere and sponsor for her younger sibling, the months of preparation—and the enjoyment they both experienced leading up to her sister's debut—had been vastly different from her own, but she had suffered every tribulation to give her sister this wonderful day.

Evangeline was stunning this evening, and there was not a gentleman present who did not watch her with interest.

They would have to wait their turn, for now Evangeline was busy, enjoying her first dance of the Season with someone who loved her as much as Rosalind did.

For several minutes, she watched, transfixed, until the set was over, and Nathaniel was relieved of his duty by Lord Wilkes for the next set.

Nathaniel strolled toward her, his cheeky grin making her stomach flutter and her pulse jump. The man had intoxicated her mind and soul, and she was his—utterly at his whim whenever he wished.

Not that she didn't also lord power over him. She'd learned many things in the last year, so much so that he was more in her power than the other way around.

"Thank you, my love," she said, as he took her hand and kissed the top of her gloved fingers.

He came to stand at her side and wrapped her arm through his. "She'll do well, I'm certain of it. She's beautiful and kind, just as you are, and I think she'll be well courted."

Rosalind looked up at Nathaniel, and he kissed her quickly, not caring who was around them. “Are you trying to get me into trouble again with the ton ?" She laughed, not caring if they were ostracized altogether, knowing that would never occur.

After marrying the duke, whether Nathaniel was her guardian or not had not raised many brows—certainly not when there was a new duchess in society, a rich and powerful one whom society wanted to impress.

She had been welcomed back into their opulent world—not that Rosalind cared what they thought. Nor did Nathaniel, thankfully.

"Always, for then we can spend more time at home…alone," he said, wiggling his brows. "Oh, and before I forget to mention, my good friend from Eton has returned from Rome. He'll be joining us for supper this evening. He's been waylaid but will arrive to dine with us before enjoying the rest of the evening at the ball."

Rosalind raised her brow, having not heard of this friend before. "Whom do you speak of, my love? Have I met him before?" She turned back to Evangeline and watched to ensure she was safe and happy.

"No, but you know his mama—the dowager Countess St. George. Her son inherited the title some years ago. I think you'll like him. He's a good man."

"Oh, maybe he'll take a liking to Evangeline and court her?" she teased, having no idea if the gentleman was looking for a wife or not.

"Do not mention such a thing to your sister. I would not like to get her hopes up, but I am looking forward to you meeting him. He's quite the charmer."

"And good character I hope?"

"Of course." The duke nodded toward her sibling. "Lord Felton seems to think he can dance with our girl. I'll have to have a word with him later this evening. Tell him to bugger the hell off."

Rosalind grinned, amused that Nathaniel held a grudge far longer than she did. As for grudges, he'd ensured she had not invited Lord Kelter or Lady Smithe this evening either.

"Let him be. Evangeline is not interested in him in any case. They were introduced some weeks ago in the park, remember, and she thought he looked like a toad."

"He does. She is not wrong." Nathaniel smirked, and then his eyes darkened with hunger. "You're beautiful this evening. Have I told you that yet?"

She felt a blush kiss her cheeks and nudged him with her shoulder. "You have. But I'm always willing to hear your compliments again. I so adore them."

"Mmmm, as I adore you." He looked about before leaning close to ensure privacy. "Should we excuse ourselves for an hour or so? I think the ball will run smoothly without us, do you not think?"

Rosalind laughed and slapped his chest with her fan. "I do not think so, no, Your Grace. Now, off you go and be a good brother-in-law and host. Ensure the men are on their best behavior toward my sister. We Ravensmeres have a standard to uphold. "

He winked and bussed her cheek before moving away. "I'm at your service, Your Grace."

She grinned, drinking in the sight of him as he strolled back into the throng of guests. "As I am at yours, Duke."