Page 33 of His Scandalous Viscountess
He bowed over each of their hands, though he lingered much longer—obviously so—over Ros’s.
“My lord.” Her sister’s breathless reply continued to cause concern for Julia.
“As I said, I’d be happy to offer my protection, if Mrs. Smith requires it.” Flint repeated the offer once more, his words not revealing any strong emotion, one way or the other. Yet his intense gaze continued to drift to where Ros stood.
Wolf and Julia spoke at the same time, tripping over each other.
“Excellent!” he said.
“No need, my lord,” she replied, and narrowed her gaze at Wolf.
Everyone looked at her in surprise.
“Well, we can simply close ranks, as I suggested before. Then, when Lord Lincolnshire is feeling better, he can take up the role, as previously planned.”
Flint tensed at this, his hands fisting.
“Julia, I would feel better accepting Lord Flintshire’s offer.” Ros’ softly spoken assertion caused the obvious tension in the man to relax.
It shocked Julia to see such a physical reaction from him. Warily, she glanced back and forth between the pair, and then her gaze finally settled on her sister. “If you’re sure. I want you to be comfortable with this.”
Ros looked up at Flint and smiled softly. “Yes, I’m quite sure.”
“Well, now that that has been decided, perhaps we should go?” Wolf motioned the group toward the front door.
~
The ballroom was packed to the gills, as expected. Julia stood shoulder to shoulder with Wolf, and tried not to focus on her whirlwind of thoughts. Her mind kept circling back to her sister, who stood beside Flint, and then to the shared moments with Wolf, before everyone else had arrived. Her body kept swinging between hot and cold, even as she scanned the crowd for signs of Wallthorpe.
“Perchance you should attempt to appear to be enjoying my company?” Amusement tinged Wolf’s voice.
She huffed in response. “I am too busy worrying over Wallthorpe, and now my sister and your friend.” She angled closer to him. “Did you see how Ros behaved with him? I haven’t seen her act in such a fashion since her late husband was alive.”
“Do not make more of what is likely to be only a passing curiosity for them.” He stroked her shoulder with his gloved hand, sending goosebumps rippling over her skin.
“Possibly.”
She wanted to agree with him, but some part of her refused to let go of her concern. Then a movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention. She cast her gaze to her right, and found Wallthorpe moving toward their group. “Here he comes.”
Wolf made some movement with his hand, and Flint swept Ros away, along with Cooper and Emily.
Julia and Wolf faced her pesky suitor together.
“Good evening, Wolfington, Lady Wallthorpe,” he said, as he bowed to each in turn.
“Wallthorpe,” Wolf replied, almost growling at the man.
Wallthorpe glanced at Stonemere and Theo, who stood behind them. “And where is that lovely sister of yours?”
Julia took a breath, and hoped their gamble would pay off. “I believe she is off spending time with her suitor.”
Wallthorpe’s gaze narrowed. “Suitor? I had not realized Mrs. Smith had garnered such attention.”
“Yes, well, it seems she has. I believe you are acquainted with Lord Flintshire?” Julia worked to keep her features in a neutral place. It wouldn’t do to sneer at the man.
Wallthorpe paled.
She found it a strange response, but if the mere mention of Lord Flintshire caused such a reaction, maybe his supposed interest in Ros would be more than enough to keep her safe.
