Page 3 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Well the Marquess of Kimble is very well connected, so it is hardly surprising.” Miss Carstairs laughed, her eyes widening as she spotted Rose and her mother. “Lady Cotswalts! Miss Pembleton. How lovely to see you both!”

“Miss Carstairs, always a pleasure.” Rose inclined her head.

“Wonderful to see you, as always, my dearest Miss Carstairs.” Lady Cotswalts smiled.

“I am sure you know my companions.” Miss Carstairs gestured to the gentleman beside her. “I believe you danced together at the last ball, did you not, Lord Goldstone?”

“Indeed we did, and I would very much like the honor of another dance with you if your card is not already full?” Lord Goldstone smiled at Rose.

Rose opened her mouth to reply, but Lord Verimoor interrupted. “I am sure there is room on the good lady’s card for us both. Ah, yes, I think this dance will be more suitable for you, my good man. I know that you do struggle with the more modern numbers.”

Lord Goldstone flushed and smiled tightly. “How considerate.”

Lord Verimoor smiled and patted him on the back. “Think nothing of it, old chap. Actually, speaking of consideration, I daresay these ladies could use some refreshments. Perhaps you might signal for a servant or be so kind as to fetch some drinks for our new companions?”

Lord Goldstone nodded and bowed to the women, before disappearing into the crowd.

Lord Verimoor turned to Rose and her mother and stage whispered, “Never fear, the good Lord Goldstone may not be much of a dancer, but he can at least avoid a woman’s feet for the most part.”

Rose smiled, unsure how she should respond. “I do not seem to recall him stepping on my feet.”

“That is probably for the best. I daresay you cannot recall much about your dance with him.” Lord Verimoor flashed her a dazzling smile. “I hope to make our own dance far more memorable. I believe a Diamond such as yourself should be with a partner that brings out her radiance.”

“You are too kind, Lord Verimoor. I hardly know what to say.” Rose felt a flush creep up her cheeks.

“I am not kind enough, I fear. There can be no words to express the joy your company brings to those around you. I confess, it is the thought of a dance with you that has mostappealed to me this evening.” Lord Verimoor glanced at Miss Carstairs and Lady Cotswalts, smiling earnestly at them both. “That is, of course, if your chaperone feels I am a suitable partner.”

“I am sure my mother will be only too glad to permit me the pleasure of your company.” Rose smiled at him.

“Wonderful. I promise to make every moment memorable.” He flashed her another dazzling smile, artfully brushing a blond curl from his face as he did so. “After all, I am often complimented on my ability. While I do not like to boast, I think you will find I am much more enjoyable company than say… Old Lord Goldstone. Dear man, he does try, and yet he can never seem to measure up.”

Miss Carstairs laughed, and Rose smiled, though she failed to see why it was necessary to be unkind to Lord Goldstone.

He is close in age to Lord Verimoor, who is but thirty. I am quite sure Lord Goldstone is not above three and thirty.

Rose would never voice her thoughts, for she did not want to offend any of her companions.

“Oh, that reminds me, did you hear about Lord Deermont?” Miss Carstairs’s eyes were full of delight.

Rose shook her head, trying to appear interested.

Must we talk about every scandal in the ton? I should hate to be gossiped about so.

“Well, apparently he was discovered in a rather compromising position with his housekeeper some months ago, and now the woman has returned, claiming to be carrying his child!” Miss Carstairs smiled as though she were savoring a particularly delicious sweet.

“Well, perhaps he will finally have an heir. Six daughters and no sons.” Lord Verimoor shook his head. “A man needs a son to continue his line.”

“Indeed, perhaps Lord Deermont will share in your own parents’ good fortune, and this shall be the babe that finally brings him that security.” Miss Carstairs traced a finger around the rim of her glass.

“It is true, my parents were most grateful for my birth. And I do what I can to repay their gratitude.” Lord Verimoor smiled at Rose. “And, of course, growing up surrounded by women has given me a wonderful understanding of the fairer sex.”

He does think much of himself, doesn’t he?

Rose raised her fan to hide her face, hoping it would seem an act of demure intrigue. “How fortunate for us all.”

Miss Carstairs and Lord Verimoor laughed.

Rose felt the slight knot of tension in her back ease. She glanced sideways at her mother, who was nodding in approval.