Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,64
perfect complexion and almost icy beauty. The debutante, his final dance, had light brown hair and danced the best of the three. For her age, she was quite self-assured. If he didn’t already have his heart set upon Elise, he might have considered the girl to be his duchess.
None of these women held a candle to Elise, though. Her incandescent beauty was only one of many things that attracted him to her. Her sterling character made her as beautiful inside as out. The fact that she came with the most delightful child in England was merely icing on the cake.
Weston returned his partner to her formidable mama and excused himself. He got something to drink and then watched as the next dance began, a lively country reel. He spied Elise and watched her, her steps sure and full of energy, her face glowing with happiness. Suddenly, the urge came over him to go out and claim her now, in front of everyone. Why wait for weeks, especially when some handsome nobleman might sweep in and steal her away?
As he started forward, someone grabbed his arm and tugged him back.
George.
“What do you want?’ he asked grumpily.
“For you to stop staring at Elise like a hound in heat,” his friend replied drolly. “You are mooning over her.”
“I am not mooning,” Weston snapped. “Merely observing.”
“Have you fallen in love with her?” George asked softly.
“Yes,” he muttered. “And no I-told-you-so from you,” he warned.
“You won’t get one from me. I’m merely happy for you. But you need to wait.”
“Why?”
“Weren’t you about to rush out to the dance floor and declare for her?”
“How did you know?”
George smiled. “How could I not know? We’ve been together three decades now, West. I know you better than you do yourself.”
“What is your point?”
“I think you should let Elise enjoy a small bit of the Season. You’ve told me how difficult her life has been. Look at her. She’s happy. Truly happy out on that dance floor. Let her giggle and flirt a bit. Claim attention from a few good-looking swains.”
“What if one of them offers for her while I stand idly by?” he asked.
“Then let her have a week,” George said sagely. “No one will declare for her that quickly. She certainly wouldn’t accept any man that fast. Let her bask in the sunshine. Go buy a special license. Then in a week’s time, after she’s had a bit of fun, tell her that you love her. That she is your entire world. She’ll say yes to you. Then you can wed and let her continue the rest of the Season as your duchess. She’ll thrive, knowing she has your love. Polite Society will fall to her feet. And you can show everyone how the beautiful and elegant Lady Ruthersby tamed the Duke of Disrepute.”
Weston’s eyes continued to follow Elise but he said, “When did you become so wise?”
George laughed. “Perhaps it was always in there somewhere. Sam seems to have brought out an innumerable amount of good qualities within me.”
He turned. “You’re happy with my sister?”
His friend’s smile told his story. “Indubitably. As you will be with Elise. Do you have any more dances scheduled?”
“No. I danced with the three women she wished me to. I’ve claimed the supper dance from her, though. And the last one.”
“Then you have time to come to the card room with me. No sense in standing on the sidelines, yearning for her.” George grinned. “Or seeing her in another man’s arms and punching him out.”
The thought of Elise held close by another man angered him.
“Come along, Your Grace,” his friend urged. “Let’s keep you out of trouble.”
He did as his friend advised and they left the ballroom. Weston played several hands of cards and won all but one. He circulated, talking to old friends he hadn’t seen in months since he’d been in Devon. The time passed quickly until George found him.
“The supper dance is two away. I thought it wise to return to the ballroom. Have you kept yourself occupied?”
Weston nodded. “It was good advice. I might have thrashed someone if I thought he danced too close to Elise.”
They made their way back to the ballroom and found Sam returning.
“Where have you been, my love?” George asked, taking her hand and kissing it before tucking it into the crook of his elbow.
“The retiring room. It’s very crowded.” She glanced to Weston. “Have you danced yet with the women assigned to you?”