Page 55 of The Earl Next Door
“Do you think this time you might have found love?”
Yes.
Lyon remained silent. His feelings for Adeline weren’t something he could discuss with his father. Marksworth knew it but never stopped trying.
“I didn’t expect an answer,” his father grumbled. “But then you know that silence can be an answer. I take it that for some reason you decided someone else should be the first gentleman to greet her tonight.”
“There’s no hurry.”
“Oh, good lord, I know that,” his father said in a frustrated tone. “I’ve lost track of how long I’ve beentrying to get you in a hurry to settle on a bride and marry.”
“Eight years,” Lyon said.
“Ah. You’re right. No reason to rush anything tonight. You’re wise to let the flurry of flapping coattails slow down before you approach her. That might give you an edge.”
Lyon grunted a laugh.
“I saw Lady Wake’s eyes. She was searching for you.”
“What?” Lyon’s breath kicked up.
“Ah, so you are interested in her. It’s not as if you couldn’t dominate her time as I feel free to do with Miss Ballingbrand since we are betrothed and will be married shortly after the Season ends.”
“This is not the night to start that conversation again, Marksworth. That is not a route I intend to travel.”
“I didn’t think so, but it is the night for you to meet all the young ladies who’ve just entered Society. I still hold hope one of them will please you. If not the countess, perhaps another. Turn around, I’m about to introduce you to the lovely young lady I met a few weeks ago. I mentioned her to you. Mr. William Palmont’s daughter. She’d be perfect for you.”
Lyon turned and saw the stout, bearded man and his daughter. “I’ve already been introduced to her,” Lyon said.
“Really?” Marksworth raised his eyebrows.
“I can’t believe something happened in London that you don’t know about.” Lyon lifted one corner of his mouth in a grin. “I was invited to his house for a dinnerparty last week and accidently met her. Much as you did a few weeks ago I suspect. I think Palmont wanted to make sure every eligible peer saw her before tonight in case any of them wanted to make an offer for a match before the Season began.”
“Hmm. He must not have had any takers,” Marksworth murmured just before the two stopped in front of them.
Lyon greeted the cheerful, green-eyed Miss Palmont and her father. There didn’t seem to be anything about the young miss to dislike. As a gentleman, he did all that was proper and expected of him concerning her, including asking her to save him a dance later in the evening. After a few minutes, he found an easy way to excuse himself from the trio when he looked up and saw Cordelia walking into the ballroom.
“You are looking beautiful enough to be the diamond of the Season, Aunt,” he offered and kissed her hand.
She laughed. “You are such a dear. You make me wish I had more nephews to flatter me.”
“I would never do that. I only tell you the truth and you know it. You are looking exceptionally beautiful tonight.”
“Well, it’s a wonder. I do get weary of telling Mrs. Feversham that it doesn’t matter if she has a spyglass, it wasn’t you she saw with Lady Wake in your back garden. Nor was it you she saw a few days ago traipsing past the hedgerow half-dressed with a girl from the school on each side of you.”
“So she saw that?”
“By the saints, Lyon! Was it true? I’ve convinced the poor lady she’s drinking too many elixirs for the pain in her hip and she must stop. Heavens! What is going on at your house?”
“Nothing you want to know about.”
“I do want to know if I’m going to keep defending you. Please get me a glass of champagne, Lyon. You know I love the taste of it and I’m suddenly feeling in need of a sip.”
Giving his aunt an indulgent smile, Lyon answered. “I know you like holding the glass.” His gaze swept over the room. He saw Adeline talking with Thurston. He couldn’t say the man hadn’t warned him.
“For the love of heaven, Lyon, you and Lady Wake need to be more careful.”
“Aunt,” he cautioned, “I can’t speak to that.”
