Emily Hendrickson by The Scoundrels Bride

Author:The Scoundrels Bride
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Lord Twisdale stiffened as though Chloe’s sneeze had been a major affront to him.

“I beg your pardon,” Chloe said in humble apology. “I do not know what comes over me at times.” She was far too polite to mention that his scent appeared to bother her.

“Twisdale,” St. Aubyn said in a freezing voice when he came up to the table and discovered the man had the effrontery to accost Lady Chloe. St. Aubyn gave him a look quite as though Twisdale had brought in an undesirable aroma. “Perhaps it is the atmosphere in here, Lady Chloe.”

“Seems a trifle warm to me,” Theo Purcell added in the most innocent of voices.

“Until later, my dear girl,” Twisdale said to Chloe, ignoring the others as though they were not there.

“Odious man,” Laura whispered as the pompous lord walked off in starched disapproval of the younger set. “He is so foolish he would choose a weathercock for a sign post.”

“I would be foolish beyond permission to think that he is not a menace, however,” Chloe said in a soft reply.

“Never underestimate the enemy, is that it?” Theo chimed in quietly, with a glance over his shoulder to make certain Lord Twisdale was some distance away.

St. Aubyn raised his hand to silence them. “Best say nothing, for you never know when ears may be around.”

Laura gave him a startled look, then turned to Chloe with a troubled face. “Does your grandmother still insist upon Lord Twisdale as a husband for you?”

“She has not threatened me with such for a day or two.” Then Chloe, determined to enjoy the ball—which was the high point of the Season—changed the topic. In short order they were laughing at Theo’s quips and demolishing the delicious food on their plates.

If Chloe cast worried glances a time or two in the direction Lord Twisdale had taken, she said nothing more on the subject.

Restored to her grandmother following supper, Chloe gracefully accepted the hand of her next partner—young Lord John Winton—and wished the ball would never end, for then she would not have to face Lord Twisdale. Truth be told, she was enjoying her little success. The confidence from knowing she was superbly gowned had given her a glow and the daring to chat amiably during the lulls while performing the figures of the dance.

A good many of the dances required that a couple stand and wait while others went through the steps of the figures. In the past, Chloe had stood silently, wondering what on earth she might say to her intimidating partner. Tonight, she found it surprisingly easy to converse, about polite nothings mostly.

The dance concluded and Lord John promenaded her along the edge of the floor as was the custom. Chloe looked across the room and caught sight of Lord Twisdale standing at her grandmother’s side. If it had not been improper, she would have begged Lord John to deposit her right here, on the opposite side of the ballroom. But, her manners being what they were, she submitted to the propriety of being returned to her relative’s side.

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