Page 32 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“I do. How did you know?”

“He’s the only gentleman I’ve spoken to tonight who’s taken notice of my presence,” she explained. It was certain that Lord Oxbridge and Lord Kensington weren’t talking about her. She doubted they remembered they had seen her at all. “I hope His Grace isn’t angry with me.”

“He’s not angry at all,” the gentleman said. “Though he does look a bit of a fool, with wine all down his shirt! But I understand that’s your cousin’s doing, not yours?”

“She didn’t mean to,” Eugenia said, determined not to say anything that might hurt Esther’s chances. “It was an accident.”

“Of course it was,” the gentleman said. “Forgive me. I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Lord Charles Lockwood.”

“Oh!” Esther exclaimed. “You’re Baron Lockwood!”

“You know me?”

“I know your name. My mother mentioned you to me.”

“Did she?” Lord Lockwood smiled wryly. “I imagine her opinion of me was less than favorable.”

“Did you really spray mud on her coat downtown?”

To her surprise, Lord Lockwood laughed. “That’s not exactly what happened,” he said. “My carriage pulled up beside where she was standing, and there happened to be a puddle of mud on the side of the road. I felt terribly about it, and I did apologize, but she was very angry. Was the coat able to be cleaned?”

“No, it was ruined, I’m afraid,” Eugenia said.

“Oh, no.”

“Don’t worry.” Eugenia smiled. “It wasn’t one of her favorites, though I’m sure she told you it was.”

“She did seem very upset,” Lord Lockwood said. “But I’m glad to hear it wasn’t a terrible loss. Would you like to dance?”

“I—beg your pardon?” Eugenia stammered, flustered.

“I believe the musicians are about to start a new number.”

Sure enough, the opening notes of a piece began to play.

Lord Lockwood extended his hand. “Come,” he said. “It would be my honor to take you for a turn.”

Eugenia hesitated. Her first inclination was to refuse. After all, she hardly knew this gentleman.

But what had Esther said? Her cousin had encouraged her to speak to some gentlemen, to get to know them. And now Lord Lockwood was offering her the opportunity to do just that.

If nothing else, I’ll have something to tell Esther about.

She accepted his hand and let out a little gasp as he pulled her into his arms.

“I don’t know the steps,” she stammered as he brought her out onto the floor.

“It’s all right,” Lord Lockwood said. “I know them. Just follow my lead.”

Eugenia gave herself over to him. It was difficult at first, allowing him to lead her, but after a few moments, she relaxed and found that the steps began to come naturally.

“There,” Lord Lockwood said, smiling at her. “You see? You’re a natural.”

“Oh.” Eugenia blushed. “I don’t know about that.”

“You are,” Lord Lockwood said. “I’m a very experienced dancer, Lady Eugenia, and I recognize talent when I see it.”

“Do you?”