Page 10 of The Lion Duke's Proposal
They crossed the room, but Julia felt it then. A prickle at the back of her neck.
She looked up.
And met his gaze.
The Duke of Pridewell stood across the room, watching her.
Julia quickly looked away, her pulse quickening. She fixed her attention on Poppy, though she could still feel his eyes on her.
What could he want? He had made his dislike clear.
She lifted her chin. He was not worth her attention.
The dance floor blurred before her as couples moved in perfect time. Conversations came and went, each as empty as the last. Julia forced a polite smile, though her patience thinned.
No one asked Poppy to dance.
She cast a quick glance at her sister. Poppy still smiled, but it no longer reached her eyes.
Please. Just one dance.
“
Lady Bendon appeared at Julia's elbow, her expression brightening as a gentleman with a round, open face made hisway toward them. His jacket hung slightly loose, one cufflink askew.
"Lord Blackwell," her aunt said warmly, "how delightful. I have been hoping to introduce you to my nieces. This is Miss Julia Norish, and her sister, Miss Penelope Norish. Girls, Lord Blackwell's mother and I have been friends since we were hardly older than Poppy."
"Indeed, Lady Bendon." He bowed before turning to Poppy and then Julia. "Ms. Penelope. Ms Julia. It is a very great pleasure."
“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord,” Julia said with a curtsey.
“It is indeed,” Poppy said, her voice brightening. “How are you finding the evening?”
“Marvelous,” he said warmly. “It is quite something to finally see this place. I never imagined it like this.”
Julia let them speak, taking a piece of cheese from a passing tray. It was a relief to see Poppy at ease, even for a moment.
When Lord Blackwell excused himself to fetch refreshments, Julia allowed herself a small breath of hope.
It did not last.
Footsteps approached.
A tall blonde girl in pale green stopped before them, her expression far from friendly.
“Excuse me. Is one of you Miss Poppy Norish?”
“That is my sister,” Julia said, stepping forward. “I do not believe we have met.”
“Miss Catherine Burbank,” she replied, her lips curling. “I am soon to be engaged to Lord Blackwell.”
“Oh,” Poppy said, glancing at Julia. “My congratulations. We were only just introduced.”
“I am aware,” Miss Burbank said coolly. “I have been told you have taken an interest in him.”
“I would not. I mean, I am not,” Poppy faltered.
“He simply asked her for a dance,” Julia said evenly. “We expected nothing more.”
