Page 46 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)

Thirty-Five

T he Duchess’s Ball was every bit the crush that Johnathan had been warned it would be.

The card room was full as was the ballroom.

He worked his way around the ballroom hoping to find Georgiana as he had not seen her since Easter Sunday and the intervening days became dreadfully long.

He sent flowers around on her birthday, but was excluded from the family celebration as Sir Lightwood was in attendance.

That man at least would not be at tonight’s ball.

The first person he recognized was not whom he expected.

“Mr. Dalrymple, I did not know you were in Town.”

“I only arrived a few days ago. Do you know if any of our mutual acquaintances are here?”

Loath as he was to admit Georgiana’s presence, politeness dictated his truthfulness. “I believe Miss Jane and Miss Georgiana Lightwood are in attendance, and I saw Lord Godderidge in the card room when I passed. So I assume his wife and daughter are also here.”

The news cheered Mr. Dalrymple more than Johnathan was comfortable with. “Good, good. Have you met my friend Lord Montgomery the Earl of Dunningham?”

“No, we are not acquainted.” They made the proper introductions. Johnathan learned the man had recently been in Bath and owned a townhouse only a few doors down from Alexandra, whom had become his wife’s particular friend.

Turning, he narrowly avoided bumping into Miss Simesson, who had likely stepped into his path.

Mrs. Simesson stood close behind her daughter.

With moves to match a chess master, Miss Simesson maneuvered for a dance.

The supper dance was offered, Johnathan declined as it was already claimed.

Or so he hoped. The set after next was determined and he moved away as quickly as he could.

He needed to find Georgiana and secure the supper dance.

He greeted Lord and Lady Banbridge, who looked as in love as newlyweds deserved to be. They pointed him in the direction of the Lightwood sisters, whom they had just left.

Three quarters around the room, he located Georgiana and Jane discreetly fanning Lady Philippa.

“Mr. Whittaker.” The name sounded odd from Georgiana’s lips. “Would you mind finding Lord Endelton for us? My sister feels faint.”

Philippa waved him off. “It is but a little thing, just the crush. Please do not alert my husband. It might alarm him.”

“What if I escort you to the garden or obtain a glass of punch?”

“Anything with a bit of ice would be lovely.”

Several minutes later, Johnathan returned with three glasses. Philippa looked no less pale. “Are you sure I should not locate your husband?”

Jane set her cup aside and fanned her sister more vigorously. “Please do, I think he should escort my sister home.”

“No, I am your chaperone, you cannot leave before you have danced. All I need is a bit of air.”

Johnathan offered his arm. “We will return shortly.”

Once outside, Johnathan located a bench. Philippa breathed deeply of the cooler night air. After several minutes she stood. “See, all I needed was a few moments.”

Johnathan had enough female relations to believe otherwise. If he was correct, his dear cousin needed several months. However, since no announcement had been made, he tucked his suspicions away. “Shall we find your sisters?”

“I suppose we must. I much prefer the garden. It is where Michael and I met. Nothing scandalous. Alex and Peggy had a falling out…”

“Georgiana told me the story. I did not realize it happened here.”

“That is why I am loath to find Michael. It was a very trying night for him.”

“Might I suggest we find you a seat near a window?”

With Philippa’s agreement, they returned to the ball and found both sisters dancing a set.

“You need to ask my sister soon, or she may not have a dance available.” The sparkle in Philippa’s eyes softened the tease.

“I intended to do just that.”

“I will be well here by the window. And my husband will come find me within the hour. This set has five minutes left at least. Go and find others to dance with while you wait.”

There was wisdom in her command. It must not appear that he was partial to Georgiana. Soon he secured three other partners for the evening and returned as the set ended. Engaging first Jane for a set, then Georgiana for the supper dance.

Ouch! George pinched her lips together to keep from yelling at the man who stepped on her toes for the second time.

If he had not been watching another female, and paid any attention to where he was, he may well have avoided her toes all together.

The final notes played saving George’s toes from further abuse.

Jane was already at Phil’s side. Michael had joined them. Phil still looked pale and tired. George opened her mouth to ask if they should leave.

Jane pinched George's arm and whispered, “Do not ask her.”

George rubbed at the spot above her elbow. “That was not necessary.”

“I believe it was,” whispered Jane. “She and Michael just settled on leaving directly after supper. Another question might change the situation.”

Johnathan joined them carrying a cup of iced punch. “Lord Endelton, I see my services to my cousin are not needed further.”

Phil took the cup. “Yet, still appreciated. I hope it will not inconvenience you. We will be leaving as soon as supper is over. We do not wish you or Georgiana to rush on our account.”

If George counted correctly that was only two more sets away.

“You must excuse me as I have promised this dance to?—"

“Miss Simesson?” At Phil’s uncordial exclamation, everyone turned to an impeccably dressed blonde who laid her hand on Johnathan’s arm.

“Lady Endelton, you do not look well. Please tell me you are not planning to upstage the evening as you did last year.” There was not a single note of kindness in Miss Simesson’s voice. “This must be your sister. The one who was exiled to live on the moors.”

With clenched teeth George returned the nod. How did this woman know she’d been in the north country? Could she be the anonymous letter writer?

Miss Simesson’s gaze swept over Jane’s unembellished grey silk gown. “And goodness me, you brought a maid with you.”

Johnathan disengaged Miss Simesson’s hand from his arm. “I am afraid, Miss, that I am no longer inclined to dance with you.”

“But a gentleman never breaks a promise to dance.”

“And a lady does not abuse a gentleman’s closest friends in his hearing and not expect some sort of consequence.” Johnathan turned to Jane whose face was as white as milk. “Miss Jane. I believe we shall have that set I promised you now.”

Jane took his arm and was led away from the rude woman.

Miss Simesson sneered more than smiled. “Do not watch the man too closely Miss Georgiana. He will never be yours. Your father will never allow it. You must set your sights elsewhere.”

George glared at the obscene woman. “For someone who has only just gained my acquaintance, you speak rather decidedly about matters you know nothing of.”

“Don’t I? Your father is loose with his tongue when he plays cards with mine. They have many plans. Mark my words, if anyone is to be the next Countess of Whitstone it will be me.”

“You sent that letter.”

Miss Simesson’s smile contained more venom in it than all the adders in England.

“Miss Simesson.” Michael’s voice was almost as imposing as his more famous cousin. “I believe it is best you leave us. My cousin is likely to side with me if I ask you to be removed altogether.”

As Miss Simesson walked off, George was sure she heard the woman hiss. George's own partner came to claim the set and she was separated from her sisters.

After the set was over, George hurried back to Phil and Jane returned with Johnathan. Her sister’s color was much improved. Johnathan bowed to Phil and Michael before offering George his arm.

The waltz was announced.

Johnathan led her onto the floor. “I hope you are not displeased to have to spend the entire dance with only myself.”

As much as she wanted to ask about the odious Miss Simesson, whose name she was familiar with from last November’s letters, George was determined to enjoy the waltz and not mention the encounter if he did not. “I find it impossible to be disappointed. I feel as if I hardly see you.”

“You miss me then?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then I am fortunate that I am told it would be a great offense if I did not call on you tomorrow.”

“You will be received with open doors.”

Johnathan led her into a turn ending in a little hop. The movement bought them in line with Mr. Dalrymple and Isabel. The two couples nodded cordially.

“I was surprised to see him when he asked me to dance earlier.”

“I did not see you dance with him.”

A thrill shot through her. Johnathan had watched her. “Your partner must have been beautiful.”

“I consider myself fortunate to have secured a dance with you.”

George smiled up at him. “I saved the supper dance for you.”

Johnathan smiled back. The warmth of his gaze filled her from her toes to the ribbon in her hair. He was the only one she ever wanted to have look at her in such a way. “She was not nearly as beautiful as you.”