Glitter - Abbi Glines Page 0,43
and when had I decided I cared who Lord Ashington danced with? Before I could think too much further into the matter, Lord Ashington took my hands and we were dancing. Nothing else seemed to matter at that moment.
“It has taken me three balls to secure a dance with you, Miss Bathurst. I do hope you live up to the expectation,” he said.
I felt my face heat up and I knew I was blushing fiercely. “I’m afraid I may disappoint you, Lord Ashington. You may find that our first encounter was more of a blessing.”
He laughed then and the light in his eyes made my heart squeeze a little, that is if a heart could squeeze. I wasn’t sure that was a possibility, but it did, in fact, feel as if it had. “I believe you are unaware of your many favorable traits,” he replied.
“It would seem. Unless one acknowledged my sharp tongue as a favorable trait.”
He smiled at me softly. “Let me be the one to enlighten you, Miss Bathurst. Your sharp wit, kind heart, measure of decency, belief in what is fair, love for family, and, of course, your unsurpassable beauty are all favorable traits.”
My heart was back to doing that funny thing again that I had no real explanation for and for once in my life, I truly had no words. My sharp wit had failed me, and I continued our dance unsure what the proper response was to such a description. It was more than a thank you could cover yet that was all I knew to say. Finally, after a few moments of thought, I replied.
“That was the most generous description I’ve ever heard, especially related to me. Thank you, Lord Ashington.”
He studied me for a moment as our dance ended. “If no man has ever noted any of those things to you then he isn’t a man worth your time. Those are just the finest of your qualities, but they aren’t the only ones.”
Again, I had no words. What other qualities did he think I had? I was afraid if he truly knew me, he would be sorely disappointed. The ones he had stated were nothing more than any other female would have. They weren’t something that took much effort.
He held out his arm to me and we retreated in the direction of my aunt. I felt as if I should be saying more but I wasn’t sure what the right thing to say would be at this moment. Should I praise his attributes?
“Would you mind greatly if Miss Bathurst and I stepped out onto the veranda for some fresh air for a moment? There are others out there so we won’t be alone, I assure you.” Lord Ashington’s request to my aunt startled me since I had been inside my thoughts, wondering what I would say to him next. Now, he was excusing us to be outside. Did I want to be outside with Lord Ashington?
“Of course,” Aunt Harriet gushed happily. “Please, go get fresh air. It is rather stifling in here. I am sure Miriam needs it.”
She wasn’t going to wait on me to give her a nod that it was okay. It was clear she wanted me outside with the earl. Tsk Tsk Aunt Harriet, you are becoming as bad as the other mothers here tonight. I couldn’t be mad at her, however, because more time with Lord Ashington was something I wanted.
Lord Ashington led me to the large open archway where the breeze and cool evening air greeted us. I sighed in relief as we moved out toward the far left of the veranda near the different shades of pink roses covering the wall. They smelled as lovely as they looked.
“It’s better out here, is it not?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” I replied. “The fresh air is nice after so long inside.”
“Do you spend much time outside when you are in the country?” he asked.
“If the weather permits. I enjoy the sunshine and warmth, but on cold dreary days, I prefer a spot near the fireplace and a book.”
He smiled. “You enjoy reading very much.” He wasn’t asking. It was a statement. “I do as well. My library at Chatwick Hall is extensive. Perhaps you and your aunt and uncle could come for a visit.”
“To Chatwick Hall?” I asked, not sure I was understanding him correctly. I wasn’t sure where the Earl of Ashington’s country estate was located exactly, but I did know it was Chatwick Hall. That was all I