Blythe:: Schemes Gone Amiss by Collette Cameron

Author:Collette Cameron
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2016-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

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“That’s the longest set, and possibly the most energetic cotillion, I’ve ever danced.” Laughing and breathless, Blythe sank into a curtsy on the Wimpletons’ ballroom floor. Her birthday ball was well-attended, a crush, truth to tell, and she’d been dancing nonstop for the better part of an hour.

Mr. Burlington, a fine sheen of sweat on his upper lip, bent above her hand. “Quite the most enjoyable one I’ve ever been privileged to share with someone as beautiful as yourself. Would you do me the honor of another set?”

A third? That wasn’t done unless ... Did he intend to propose?

She pressed a hand firmly to her middle to ease her sudden collywobbles.

Anticipation or dread?

A month ago, she’d have predicted anticipation. Now ... Trepidation better described the peculiar sensation assaulting her middle.

Yes, wouldn’t readily pass her lips. As clichéd as the phrase was, she needed more time. To get to know him better. Get to know Tristan better, especially after their outing to Gunter’s Tea House. To decide whether she could abide Town life for more than this Season.

“I’m afraid the rest of my dances are already promised.” She shouldn’t have been relieved, and guilt kicked its petulant heels hard against her ribs. Wouldn’t a woman desperately in love hurl convention aside to be with their sweetheart?

She would. But Blythe didn’t love him.

“Ah, I should have anticipated that.” Winking devilishly, he straightened and fished his kerchief from a pocket. “Next time I shall claim them all.”

Acceptable if they were betrothed.

He dabbed his forehead, and after finishing, tucked the cloth away. Placing her hand into his crooked elbow, he guided her toward the terrace. “Would you walk with me outdoors for a spell? It’s rather overwarm inside.”

“A splendid idea.” Unless he had another purpose for the suggestion.

Nonsense.

Even if he intended to propose, he wouldn’t publicly. He’d been the embodiment of politesse these weeks past. She’d no reason to expect he would be otherwise tonight.

Besides, she feared her underarms were damp, such was the crowd, and her ball gown was an original. Hopefully, her perspiration wouldn’t stain the fabric.

The Wimpletons, in collaboration with her dear cousins and sisters, had hosted an elaborate birthday ball in her honor. The house overran with yellow, peach, and white flower garlands and bouquets, as well as people wishing her well. She’d never had a grand birthday celebration, certainly nothing of this magnitude, and found herself overwhelmed and uncharacteristically emotional at the generosity and kindness.

A month ago, London and Society had rather appalled her, and now, the Season held more appeal than she’d ever foreseen. That didn’t mean permanent residence in the malodorous city enticed. Visiting with the knowledge she’d be leaving and not returning was one thing. Staying on, enduring the continual scrutiny and rigid structures set by Society ... She shuddered slightly. And to think, some people thrived in this environ.

As Heath had predicted, the Culpeppers had niggled their way into le beau monde’s good graces, after first rendering the ton off balance. Now they’d

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