Page 83 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

Helena gritted her teeth at Lord Jeffrey’s caustic dismissal of her maid.

My oldest friend.

“You have no right to tell off any of my friends,” Helena said.

“Or maid,” she added when Lord Jeffrey raised his brow.

“And you have no right to be angry at my choice not to share the supper dance with you,” she said.

“I am not angry yet, Helena. My anger is not something you want to see. I am displeased at your blatant refusal to heed my call,” Lord Jeffrey answered.

Helena thought once about denying hearing his call. She thought about it only once.

“I know you. You were about to demand that I dance with you. Dr Frederick had asked me already,” she said.

Lord Jeffrey moved closer to her. Helena could see the small quivers his lower lip did. His long eyelashes shaded his eyes. There was a scowl, so set in his face Helena wasn’t sure it wasn’t always there.

“I brought you here. I am the Marquess of Beaufort. If I feel I am due a dance, I am due a dance. And your due–” Lord Jeffrey said. He brought his face close to hers. His breath was hot on her face. Helena felt the intensity of his gaze and looked lower. He smelt of lavender, and there was a red stain on the collar of his shirt.

“–your right, is to give me one,” he completed.

“I owe you no such thing,” Helena said.

A few eyes were starting to linger on them. Helena turned and walked towards the entrance door, away from Lord Jeffrey.

“Will you not have supper?” Lord Jeffrey asked.

His voice was normal, friendly.

It’s only because people are watching us.

“You can have mine. I am going home,” Helena replied icily.

“You’d do well to wait; let me drive you home,” Lord Jeffrey said, coming closer and holding her hand.

Helena drew her hand out.

“You can stay; I’ll get home myself,” she said.

Lord Jeffrey smiled and left her hand. Helena walked out of the entrance and ran down the stairs. Her eyes were cloudy. Lord Jeffrey had damaged her mood for the rest of the ball.

This is exactly the kind of time Lavinia weaves her magic. Where is she anyway? She told me she’d attend with Prince Drew.

Helena looked around. She saw no signs of her friend or friend’s suitor. She looked back at the door and saw Miss Justina coming down the stairs.

“Have you seen Lavinia here?” Helena asked her maid.

Miss Justina shook her head.

“I want to leave,” Helena said.

“How? Lord Jeffrey brought us in his barouche. It was assumed he would take us back,” Miss Justina said.

“That’s why he let me go. He knows he is our only way home,” Helena said, in sudden realisation.

“He isn’t the only way,” Miss Justina said.

Helena looked at her and saw her staring up the stairs. Dr Frederick and his dresser were coming down the stairs to them.