Almost a Whisper by Charlene Cross

Author:Charlene Cross
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books

CHAPTER 13

Leah was whirled from the dance floor by her eighth consecutive partner since escaping the earl, then led to her chair. After a sharp bow, the young man quickly strode off into the crowd, his retreat no doubt hastened by the fact she’d virtually disregarded him. She felt bad about having treated him so shoddily, but in truth, she had more important things to consider.

Nearly falling into her seat, she snapped open her fan, then wagged it energetically. As the fast breeze cooled her cheeks, she glanced around. Her tension eased somewhat, for Ian was nowhere in sight.

On three separate occasions, Leah, and the swain with whom she’d waltzed at the time, glided by Lord Huntsford. He’d continued to hug the dance floor’s perimeter, and on spying him, she’d promptly turned her head, the action meant as a snub. But Leah doubted it had had much of an effect.

Determined as he was, his pursuit of her promised to be relentless. Victory would be his, she knew. Still she vowed to stave him off for as long as she could. Equally as determined as he, she’d not allow herself to go down so easily.

Music filled the air once more, and a young man stepped forward. “Miss Kingsley, I believe this is my dance.”

Long ago, on introducing her to each new swain as he approached Leah, Lord Whitcomb had corrected the mistake concerning her assumed name. Now, she wished her four remaining admirers would turn their attentions on someone else and leave her alone. By their eager expressions, she doubted they would. “Please, gentlemen, I’m simply exhausted,” she declared, smiling at the group, playing the part of a simpering coquette. “Allow me to sit this one out, will you? If I don’t catch my breath, I shall swoon.”

Leah blinked as one particularly solicitous gentleman dashed off to acquire a refreshment for her.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she told the lingering three, all having made earnest inquiry about her health. “A short rest, and I’ll be ready to dance again.”

Pretending to listen as each man attempted to outstrip the other in vying for her attention, Leah settled back, her fan waving more slowly.

Just beyond the plant, which separated one section of chairs from another, two female voices were engaged in a quick chatter. It wasn’t until Leah heard Lord Huntsford that she actually took note of what they said. Leaning her ear closer to the greenery, she listened.

“I know for a fact Lady Halston’s youngest son, Melvin, was in Bath. He returned just this afternoon. Lord Huntsford’s carriage was seen by him, several times. The countess and her aunt were inside on one such occasion.”

“Are you certain it was Lord Huntsford’s carriage?”

“He said the earl’s crest was clearly on the carriage and he swears he saw the countess inside. She’s not here tonight either. She never misses a function at the Delderfields’. Never.”

“The earl mentioned to someone she’d fallen ill—a headache, I believe.”

“A ruse, I tell you. She’s in Bath, and the two of them are alone in that house.

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