Spinster Ever After (The Spinster Chronicles #7) - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,96
Sterling laughed to himself. “Only because he was one of the Spinsters’ choices for Best Bachelor. But what do you have to worry about with Tyrone? Charlotte is entertaining Mr. Riley, is she not?”
“You are increasingly less helpful,” Michael growled as he watched Charlotte interact with Tyrone, noting the amusement in her face and the laughter they shared.
“Did Riley receive an invitation?” Hugh asked his brother.
“No. Charlotte had refused due to being unwell, so I didn’t bother. Then she changed her mind this morning, and I didn’t see the need to invite him at this late hour.”
That was some small comfort. Diana wasn’t here, and Riley wasn’t here. No courtships on display, no façade to uphold, and no agenda to see to. He could be him, and she could be her.
They didn’t have to speak, and it would be right enough if they didn’t. Perhaps they would dance, perhaps they would not. They had started over the other day, and he had no expectations of it. No, that wasn’t quite right. He expected to find a friend in her, and that he would be a friend for her. He wouldn’t be at her heels as he had been for so long, but he would be there in her life all the same.
Was that enough?
“Are you feeling more like throttling someone now?”
He glanced at Hugh’s rather leading question. “Why? Do you need somebody throttled?”
Hugh chuckled and nodded, clapping Michael on the arm approvingly. “That is much better, Sandford. Much, much better.” He continued to nod, smiling as he turned away.
“What?” Michael demanded after him, but no answer was given. He turned to Lord Sterling, the only one still standing near him.
The man looked just as confused as Michael felt. “I have no idea what’s going on. Don’t look to me for answers.”
Michael made a face and tugged at his cravat. “I’m beginning to think I don’t know, either. Is your sister here? I know I can safely dance with her without raising speculation or making anyone overly upset.”
Lord Sterling laughed and gestured the way. “Yes, Alice is here. Don’t tell my wife you view my sister as safe. I think she has aspirations for you both.”
The idea made Michael groan, and he slowed his step. “Please, no. I cannot bear to disappoint your wife, and I don’t want to give your sister hope. I don’t want to do anything except get through this evening with some entertainment in life and my reputation intact. I don’t want to start rumors, I don’t care to stop any, I simply want to be here. I know I cannot be invisible anymore, but please don’t make me important.”
Lord Sterling folded his arms and gave him a thorough look. “Are you finished?”
Michael blinked once. “Yes…”
“Good. Dance with Janet first, she’ll be pacified that way. Come on.” He put his hand on Michael’s back and steered him onwards, shaking his head in some disgruntlement.
As luck would have it, Janet was with the Spinsters conglomeration, which enabled Michael to join them in a natural way without raising speculation.
He’d thank Lord Sterling later for that, if nothing else.
He shook hands with the men, extended greetings especially to Camden Vale and Lord Radcliffe, whose courtship of Lady Edith some months past Michael had entirely missed. Both seemed particularly pleased with their lot in life, and Michael found himself strangely envious of their joy.
He caught sight of Janet and moved to her. “Lady Sterling.”
Her dark eyes twinkled as she grinned. “Mr. Sandford. I’m so pleased you could attend this evening.”
“As am I, my lady,” he replied with a bow. “Might I have the honor of the next dance?”
Her expression brightened further still. “Why, of course! I’ve seen you dance a bit more this Season, and I must say you are rather good at it.”
“Passable at best, my lady, I assure you.” Still, he smiled at the compliment, as one was prone to do in Lady Sterling’s company. “It is all due to the partners I have chosen. That is the trick. A passable dancer may appear skilled if his partner exudes excellence. I never choose anything less now.”
Lady Sterling shook her head, laughing quietly. “Oh, you have learned well, Mr. Sandford. Most impressive.”
Michael grinned. “I beg your pardon, my lady, but I have always been able to flatter well and with sincerity.”
“You simply never did?” she suggested.
“Correct, my lady.”
She nodded now, seeming all the more pleased. “Perfect.” She looked at something behind him, and her smile deepened. “I do believe someone