Page 68 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

“I will.” I ledhimto the dance floor. I could not remember his name, but it hardly mattered. He was an agreeable partner who didn’t step on my feet, and he’d got me away from Mr. Welton.

When the dance was over, my partner thanked me and led me to Mrs. Drake. Mr. Welton was standing just beside her, an almost pouty look on his face.

When my dance partner had gone, Mr. Welton said, “Miss Robbins, I thought you knew I wanted to dance the last dance with you.” The look on his face was so manipulative I nearly laughed out loud.

“You must have also known, Mr. Welton, that there were other gentlemen who wished to dance with me.”

It was a bold thing to say, I know. Lord Brookhaven had been walking past us at that very moment, and I was fairly certain he heard me, for he cut his eyes our way. Perhaps I should have added that he wasn’t the only gentleman after my fortune. But that would have sounded even more brazen.

“Lord Brookhaven!” I turned to him just as Mr. Welton narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to speak. “I have so enjoyed attending this assembly and seeing you and Lady Derringer again. Do you know where I might find your aunt?”

“I believe she is just over by the door.” He nodded in that direction, a very sober look on his face. Without even acknowledging Mr. Welton, he lent me his arm, and we headed that way.

I said my farewells to Lady Derringer, and she promised to callon me soon, and I told them I’d come soon to see the children and perhaps bring Joshua and Sarah.

“Oh yes, that is a wonderful idea,” Lady Derringer said.

Lord Brookhaven gazed into my eyes as we bid each other a good night. “Until tomorrow,” he said. Just then, he bent over my hand and kissed it.

A little wave of feeling went through me—relief that he wasn’t angry with me, desire to get closer to him—but then he was gone.

As I feigned to ignore Mr. Welton, the look on his face became more and more disgruntled. But I pretended not to notice and instead chatted with Hattie and Millicent as we gathered our things and waited for Mrs. Drake to accompany us.

“Miss Robbins, may I call I on you tomorrow?” Mr. Welton said, stepping quite close.

“I am not sure I shall be home.”

He looked confused, then disgruntled. “Well . . . I shall call on you very soon.”

I said nothing and he sauntered away, stumbling slightly, proving how much he had been drinking.

As soon as he’d gone, Mr. Merritt appeared at my side. “I want to wish you a good evening, Miss Robbins. May I call on you tomorrow?”

“Of course.”

While we waited for our carriage, one or two other gentlemen approached with the same question. Oh dear. Well, if they must all come, I suppose they might as well all come at once.

Twenty-One

The first gentleman caller to arrive the next day was Mr. Merritt. It was the usual time of day for callers, so it wasn’t surprising when Lord Markeley arrived shortly thereafter. He seemed surprised to see Mr. Merritt there, who didn’t give him a very warm welcome. Lord Markeley did not stay long, excusing himself after only about five minutes. Then two more gentlemen with whom I’d danced the evening before joined Mr. Merritt, Millicent, Hattie, Mrs. Drake, and me. We made small talk as a group, and indeed, the conversation was rather dull, and yet a bit tense at the same time.

Since I hadn’t slept much, it took an enormous effort to force back a yawn. I drank so much tea that my hand had a slight quiver. As yet another yawn threatened, I had to clench my jaws shut to prevent the ruin of my reputation as a polite hostess.

When the two gentlemen stood to leave, Mr. Merritt moved closer, and while no one was listening, he said that he’d like to go for a ride with me.

“I’m afraid I’m not much of a rider,” I said. “I never owned a horse nor learned to ride.”

Without hesitation, he said, “Then I’d like to take a walk with you to Hyde Park tomorrow, if the weather is not too foul.”

If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was acting as if he was trying to court me.

I knew very well what he thought of me. I’d never forget what he’d said to me at the house party in Berkshire.

Unfortunately, Lord Brookhaven was right about all these men only wanting me for my fortune. I sighed heavily.

Mr. Welton was announced a moment before he entered the room. He bowed to us, then he and Mr. Merritt gave each other barely disguised looks of disgust.

Mr. Merritt had stayed longer than was typical, but he seemed in no hurry to leave now that Mr. Welton was here.