The Reluctant Debutante: A Sweet, Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 4) by Wendy May Andrews

Author:Wendy May Andrews [Andrews, Wendy May]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sparrow Ink
Published: 2017-06-21T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Glancing over the shoulder of her dance partner, Alanna stifled a giggle as she saw her brother glowering in her direction. She turned back to address her dance partner with a serene face. “My lord, I must apologize. I have allowed my mind to wander.”

Alanna was fascinated by the viscount’s attempt to control his amusement. She found his usually rather imposing features to be quite attractive when lightened with mirth.

“I would think I am the one who owes you an apology for not doing a better job of engaging your interest, my lady,” he said gravely.

Now Alanna could not contain her gurgle of laughter. “You, my lord, are a complete hand. It makes me wonder why you are not friends with my brother. I would think the two of you should well enjoy each other’s company.”

The viscount’s face returned to its usual impassivity, much to Alanna’s disappointment. “Why would you think that, my lady?” he asked politely.

“You put me in mind of him, my lord, and I think the two of you would have much in common,” she answered simply.

“We have not had cause to be much in each other’s company."

“Why, then, is he glaring in our direction?”

Dalton again allowed his amusement to display itself but forbore to comment, as the dance was coming to an end. “Thank you, my lady, for your charming company. Do I have your leave to call on you sometime?”

“I dare say you are a brave man if you wish to risk the duke’s ire,” Alanna replied without answering his question.

The viscount recognized her sidestep and bowed his acknowledgement. “No doubt we shall see one another about over the coming weeks.”

“No doubt.” Alanna dimpled at the viscount before turning to the next gentleman waiting to escort her on the dance floor.

Seeing how the duke was glaring as his sister danced with the viscount, Alfred made an attempt to distract his friend and keep him from making a scene. “You never did tell me what you are doing here. You rarely attend ton parties unless the duchess is hosting them, or there is something political to be gained by it. And do not tell me that fustian about needing to keep an eye on your sister. You did not bother during her first Season, so I strongly doubt you would need to now.”

Despite his irritation with his sister and the viscount, Bryghton grinned at Alfred’s words. “You did not buy that story?”

“Not for a second.”

“It was Alanna’s brilliant idea. She has the notion of bringing Lady Victoria about in Society, and has demanded my assistance in her schemes. I agreed. But in order to keep the tongues from wagging at my sudden appearance at the ladies’ side, we realized that I need to make an appearance before Lady Victoria does. As Alanna put it, I wish to be a fixture, not a novelty.”

“In theory it is a sound idea, however, unless the ladies wait some time before Lady Victoria makes her curtsy you still run the risk of setting tongues wagging,” the baron cautioned.

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