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“Nonetheless, I am absolutely certain that there will be many gentlemen interested in furthering their acquaintance with you,” he said, firmly, the music carrying them along.

“You are quite lovely, Rosalyn, you need not think you are not in the least bit desirable because you are a bluestocking.” The words came from deep within his heart and, though he felt himself a little embarrassed at speaking so vulnerably, he continued.

“Not every gentleman in London thinks poorly of bluestockings, that is the truth. Do not doubt it.”

Lady Rosalyn smiled up at him. “Should you like to convince my brother of that, Waverley? It is tiring to hear him complain about me over and over again.”

Sympathy pressed into his heart. “I shall do my best, given that you are doing so much for me.”

“That is because you are like family to me and family must always protect and support one another.”

Her answer, though beautifully said and, Phillip had no doubt, said with every ounce of meaning attached to it, brought him a sharp kick of sadness. He thanked her and continued the dance though the silence grew between them instead of any further conversation.

She considers me family.

That came as no surprise, and Phillip silently berated himself for hoping for anything more.

Yes, he had always been drawn to her, and yes, he had always inwardly admired her and felt an affection for her, but had he not only just reminded himself of how little he had to offer her?

Had he not decided that he could not even think of taking a bride until he had not only improved his standing in society but also his fortune?

He was foolish to think of anything more.

“Has your evening been pleasant enough?” she asked, as the dance began to come to a close. “I know you have danced but I did see you in conversation with some others also.”

“Miss Trentworth introduced me to Lord Albury,” he said, with a smile.

“That was very pleasant indeed. I was also in conversation with Lord Mansfield, who introduced me to some new acquaintances.” His smile faded.

“Two of them walked away soon after, however. They were not pleased at the introduction.”

“Then they are fools,” came the stalwart reply. “You ought not to be treated with any sort of disparity. You have done nothing wrong.”

Phillip took in a deep breath and then bowed, a little sad that the dance was at an end.

“That is true, though my father did a great many wrongs, Rosalyn. I cannot ignore that. He will have stolen from some, injured others and mayhap even upset marriages.” Wincing, he saw her eyes round.

Mayhap he had said too much. “He was not of good character the last few years of his life. I can see why society now wishes to shun me.”

“All the same,” she answered, her voice soft as she took his arm so he might lead her from the floor, “it is not fair to be treated as though his sins are now yours.”

Phillip had no time to answer for they were now returned to the other guests. He released her arm and she smiled at him, her brother near to where they stood.

“Thank you for dancing with me, Lord Waverley.” Glancing around, she bobbed a quick curtsy, clearly aware that there would be others watching. “It was most enjoyable.”

“I do not know if you ought to be dancing with him, Lady Rosalyn.” A lady with a long, broad nose and eyes that were small and dark, set one hand on Lady Rosalyn’s shoulder as Phillip frowned, his stomach twisting painfully. “Do you not know about his family? Like father, like son, yes?”

Lady Rosalyn’s lips thinned, and she put both hands to her hips. “Lady Billington, whilst I appreciate your concern, I am very well able to determine who I ought to spend my time with. I am sure that – ”

“You stole from us!” Lady Billington put out one thin finger, her face paling though her eyes narrowed. “My husband lost a good deal of coin one night, and it was never returned!”

Embarrassed, Phillip lifted his chin just a little. “Lady Billington, I do not know what my father did but I can assure you, I know nothing of it. However, I am mortified at his poor behavior and – ”

“I have heard it said that you are the very same!” Lady Billington exclaimed, her eyes wide now, throwing up her hands as she stared at him. “Lord Pentland told me that you were in the gambling den with him and lost a great deal of money, though you refused to pay your vowels and are now in debt!”

Phillip’s anger roared to the surface and he curled his fingers tight into his palms, trying to keep a hold of his emotions. “I can assure you, Lady Billington, that is not true. I have not set foot in a gambling den as yet.”

“And why should we believe you? Your father was a renowned liar and – ”

“Enough! I am not my father!”

The moment he said those words, Phillip was filled with regret.

It was not the words that he had spoken but the tone with which he had said it.

It had been much too loud, much too furious and determined, and seeing not only Lady Billington’s eyes flare but also Lady Rosalyn’s, Phillip realized he had not behaved as he ought.

His voice should have been quiet and steady, not loud and furious.

Mayhap he ought not to have said anything at all but instead, remained silent!

Clearing his throat, he set his shoulders and then forced a smile.

“As I shall prove to the ton ,” he said, painfully aware of how many of the other guests around him were now fixing their attention solely to him, “I have nothing like the character of my father. Now, if you will excuse me, I think it is time to take my leave.”

He did not so much as glance at Lady Rosalyn, too ashamed of his loud exclamation to even look into her eyes.

With as much dignity as he could garner for himself, Phillip took himself away from her, away from the ball and, after a few minutes, away from Almacks, the shadow of his father following him all the way.