How to Beguile a Duke by Ally Broadfield

Author:Ally Broadfield
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2014-12-07T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The Russian Embassy overflowed with music and laughter. Flickering candlelight danced merrily from the wall sconces and chandeliers, highlighting the sumptuous interior. Chaise longues and chairs upholstered in shades of blue, gold, and black to match the imperial coat of arms were set about the perimeter of the ballroom. The signature two-headed eagle featured prominently in the decor. Catherine was surprised to discover that aside from the addition of the embassy staff, the guests were virtually identical to that at the Cortland ball.

Nick, or Nicky as Countess Lieven referred to him, seemed to be a favorite of the ambassador’s wife. She had held up the receiving line for several minutes while she conversed with him in hushed whispers. Catherine smiled and nodded at the appropriate times, but wasn’t engaged in the conversation Jane held with Lord Osterling and Lord Cavanaugh because she was too occupied by Nick’s conversation with the countess.

Catherine wondered how they had become friends when Nick was so pompous and taciturn upon first acquaintance. Granted, if her own association with him was anything to judge by, he relaxed after he got to know someone, but still.

“Catherine,” Jane whispered, “whatever do you find so fascinating about the receiving line?”

“I’m testing my memory, making sure I remember everyone I’ve been introduced to at previous events. Aside from the embassy staff, I’ve seen only a handful of people to whom I haven’t already been introduced.”

“That is to be expected. London society is not very large.” She shot a smile at Lord Cavanaugh and nodded as if she’d been listening.

It was as Catherine had suspected, but she was still disappointed, as it greatly limited her prospects to win the wager with Nick. The receiving line began to disperse, indicating the dancing would soon commence. No doubt Lord Cavanaugh would claim Jane for the first dance.

Lieutenant Galkin, an embassy employee she had just met, approached from the direction of the receiving line. “Miss Malboeuf, would you do me the honor of accepting me for the first dance?” From what she had been able to deduce, he was the ambassador’s second in command.

“I would be honored.” She placed her hand in his and he led her to the middle of the room. Countess Lieven had chosen to begin the dancing with a waltz.

“You accent is different from the English. Are you from France?” Lieutenant Galkin asked.

“That is an impressive guess. My father is French, but I live in New Orleans, which is now part of the United States.” It seemed easier to speak of New Orleans and leave off the part about the Bahamas.

He nodded. “Yes, America. I have thought of living there one day. You speak French in America?”

“We do in New Orleans because it belonged to France for many years.”

“French is the language spoken in His Imperial Highness’s court and among the nobility of our country.”

“I will bear that in mind if I am ever afforded the opportunity to visit Russia.” He swept her around to the left, and she had to focus on her steps for a moment.

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