Odds of Love by Dawn Brower

Author:Dawn Brower
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Monarchal Glenn Press

Chapter 8

Dinner had gone well. At least Bennett believed it had… It would have been better if he’d been seated next to Lady Katherine, but Baron Dryden had taken that honor. The seating hadn’t exactly followed proper etiquette, but complaining wouldn’t have benefitted him. He wanted Lady Katherine to look upon him favorably.

They had retired to the sitting room. The men had brandy and the ladies had been served sherry. He found the entire thing tedious. What he really desired was to spend a few moments alone with Lady Katherine, but he couldn’t discern a way to make that happen. She was on the far side of the room in a deep conversation with his cousin, Lenora. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to know what they could be discussing. His cousin could be…impressionable. He hoped that Lady Katherine wasn’t giving her unsavory ideas.

He lifted his glass to his lips and sipped at the brandy. Bennett didn’t really want it, but he was also at a lost what to do with himself. They had no entertainment to speak of and he’d been half listening to Baron Dryden for the past half hour droll on about nothing of import. He’d never experience such a sense of ennui before.

“Don’t you think so?” Baron Dryden asked.

“Hmm?” He mumbled still distracted by Lady Katherine. He had no idea what Baron Dryden was speaking about and quite frankly he didn’t particularly care.

“Dancing,” Baron Dryden said. “We have enough to do a few sets, but we’d need someone to play the pianoforte.”

“Dancing?” Bennett asked. What a brilliant idea. He could suggest a waltz and pull Lady Katherine onto the floor for a set. She wouldn’t be able to escape from him then. He’d have her full attention for several short minutes. “That’s a splendid idea. My cousin, Lady Lenora is an excellent musician. We should ask her to play for us.”

“Splendid idea,” Baron Dryden agreed.

They strolled leisurely over to where Lady Katherine and Lenora were conversing. They stopped their discussion upon their approach. Lady Katherine met his gaze briefly then turned toward the baron. “Baron Dryden we were just discussing what a lovely dinner you hosted for us.”

“I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it.” Lord Baron smiled down at her. Bennett had to stop himself from punching him. He wasn’t doing anything untoward. The baron started to speak again focusing his attention on Lenora. “My lady, Lord Holton tells me you’re an excellent musician.”

“I..I am,” Lenora stumbled over the words.

Baron Dryden beamed at her. “Would it be too much to prevail upon you to play for us? It would be wonderful if we had some music to dance with.”

Lenora was quiet for a short time. Her face lost all color. His cousin didn’t like being noticed and playing might lead some individuals to stare in her general direction. He placed a hand on her arm. “If this is too much for you we understand.”

“No,” she said and shook her head. “I’ll do it…” Lenora swallowed hard and then slowly walked toward the pianoforte.

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