An Unwanted Proposal by Lane Cossett

Author:Lane Cossett [Cossett, Lane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

42

The dance was a Scottish reel and the steps were not ones Elizabeth was familiar with, but she followed the viscount as best she could and she saw she was not the only one who was having to concentrate very carefully.

“You are very quiet this evening, Miss Bennet,” he remarked as they stood and clapped for the musicians.

“Is there something you would wish me to say, sir?” she asked.

“Only that you would allow me another dance.”

Elizabeth was in a dilemma. She remembered about her father’s words and being polite to the viscount, but she did not wish to dance with him again. To do so would give rise to speculation about their relationship which she did not want. He was an acquaintance of her father, nothing more. “I would not wish to take up more of your time,” she said carefully.

The viscount smiled at her, “Miss Bennet, at this moment in time I wish to be with you and I would like a second dance.”

Elizabeth did not like the arrogant look on his face. “Then, sir, I must decline. You would not want to ruin my reputation, would you?”

Elizabeth knew as soon as the words left her mouth they were the wrong ones to say.

The viscount leaned close to her. “I wonder which of us has a reputation to protect, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth almost shrunk away from him as there was something in his tone that made her feel very uncomfortable indeed.

“Valentine, you must not monopolise Miss Bennet. She looks quite terrified of you.”

Elizabeth was grateful for the interruption of his sister, who was eying her brother with a seemingly innocent air.

“Perhaps I want to monopolise her,” he said.

“Not this evening. I think mama is hoping you will dance with Miss Thornton and I know Miss Carlisle will be very disappointed if you do not ask her to dance.”

Valentine Langley smiled at his sister. “I do not wish to dance with anyone. I do believe the cards are calling.” He gave a bow to both of them. “Goodnight, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth dropped a small curtsey, but she did not reply.

Lady Vivienne smiled at her. “Miss Bennet, I knew when we first met we would be good friends. I rarely meet anyone who is prepared to stand up to my brother. He is too used to being admired and adored.”

Elizabeth was beginning to wonder who she found more shocking - the viscount or his sister. Lady Vivienne was almost as indiscreet as her own mother.

Lady Vivienne took Elizabeth’s arm and gently steered her away from Lady Frances and Mrs. Gardiner. “Valentine is my brother and as such I have some affection for him, but you would be wise to have as little to do with him as possible.”

“But I …” Her natural good manners prevented Elizabeth from saying that she had no interest in the viscount.

“Now I have shocked you,” said Lady Vivienne. “I must apologise because it is not my intention to do so.”

She did not look at Elizabeth, but kept her eyes on the rest of the room.

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