Page 3 of Vying for a Viscount
His green eyes sparkled as he took her in from head to toe, causing her to blush once again.
“I did, thank you.”
The musicians were setting up to play a lively country reel, and Greyson surprised her when he bowed and said, with his gloved hand out, “May I have this dance?” Letitia took his hand, and they made their way to the dance floor to set up for the reel, ladies on one side facing their partners. It wasn’t a dance for conversation as they went forward, turned around each other, and then went back. Several times they switched partners but always came back to each other. By the endof the dance, they were laughing, and he surprised her again when he said, “Would you care to stroll through the gardens?”
“Yes,” she said, suddenly breathless.
He offered his arm, and she slipped hers through his, and they strolled carefully through the crowded ballroom, out the double doors to a veranda, and beyond to the gardens lit up with torches. When she realized how romantic it was, she almost turned and ran away. It was the first time she’d ever been alone with a gentleman who wasn’t Rutherford.
“You seem nervous. Relax. I don’t bite.”
His comment made her giggle, and her insides eased. “This place is beautiful. The property goes on and on.”
Greyson looked at her intently. “The place is, but that isn’t what I’m looking at. You are more beautiful than any flower I’ve ever seen.”
Her steps faltered, and her cheeks heated. His words made her unaware of where they were in their stroll until Greyson said, “Here you are” when they came upon Stanton and Clarice sitting on a bench.
Stanton stood and waved to the bench, saying, “Have a seat, Lady Rutherford.”
“Thank you, I will.”
“I have some bad news to share,” Greyson said, a frown marring his handsome face.
“The Jockey Club’s betting book doesn’t show good odds for Zeus, I’m afraid.”
“I’m not surprised, nor does it bother me. I believe Zeus will place. Keep that in mind if you place a bet.”
“Place a bet?” Greyson cocked a brow. “Of course I’m placing bets. And to hell—excuse me, ladies—with the odds. I’m betting on my friend.”
Stanton held out his hand to Clarice. “Shall we return to the ballroom?”
After Clarice and Stanton left the gardens, so did she and Greyson.To her disappointment, he had been a perfect gentleman during their stroll through the gardens. The closest he came to not being a gentleman was when he brushed his lips against her cheek just before they stepped onto the veranda on their return to the ballroom. “Thank you,” he said.
“For what?”
He chuckled. “For spending time with me. I know we’ve only met a few times, but I feel as though I know you. So I hope you don’t think I’m being forward if I ask you to accompany my sisters and me to a luncheon at Lord and Lady Greenville’s tomorrow? If you don’t already have plans, that is?”
“I would love to.”
“Wonderful. We will meet you in the main lobby at one o’clock.”
They made their way inside, and it wasn’t long before Clarice and Letitia left. The ride back to the inn was quiet as both Clarice and Letitia were lost in thoughts of the men they had fallen for. Letitia had pleasant dreams that night about a green-eyed devil who stole her heart.
The following morning, after taking breakfast in her room, Penny helped Letitia prepare for the luncheon. She wore a lovely sage-green muslin day dress with a matching spencer and bonnet. She’d never socialized with Rutherford during their five years of marriage. Even though it was nearly two years since his death, this would be her first luncheon. Penny assured her she was dressed perfectly, but her stomach still ached from nerves. She couldn’t wait until social gatherings didn’t leave her petrified. By then, she’d probably be bored with attending such affairs and want to stay home.
She laughed out loud, which made Penny frown. “Is something amiss?”
“No. Nervous laughter.”
“Try to relax and enjoy yourself, my lady.”
“I will, Penny.” Letitia said goodbye to Clarice and left the roomright on time. Since her room was on the ground floor, the end of the hall opened into the main lobby, and her breath caught at the sight of Greyson. Dressed in a brown jacket, tan breeches, a cream-and-tan waistcoat, and brown boots, he was without a doubt the most handsome man she’d ever seen.
“Lady Rutherford,” he said, bowing as she approached. “How lovely you look today.” He offered his arm. “My sisters are already in the carriage. Shall we?”
She had to fight not to giggle like a nervous debutante. “We shall.”
He helped her into the carriage, and she took the empty seat facing forward. Anastasia and Aurora occupied the other seat. That meant... Greyson would sit beside her. Oh dear, she hadn’t brought a fan, and she suddenly felt warm as he sank into the cushion and his booted foot brushed against hers.
