base manner. A mistress was what he needed. A widow out of mourning long enough to miss having a man in her bed. A widow would keep his mind off a woman he could never have without the worry of a husband discovering them. Lady Huntley’s ball would make excellent hunting grounds.
SIMON WATCHED AS MRS. Evelyn Ackerman danced with Stanton on Lady Huntley’s dance floor. It was her first Season out since the death of her husband just over a year ago. She had caught his eye when she’d accompanied her husband to Hell a few times. There had always been a passion in her light brown eyes that he wanted to explore. His only concern was the way she glanced up at Stanton with desire. Simon might be too late.
“They have been lovers for the past month.”
Simon glanced down as Miss Drake walked past him with a grin on her face. Had he heard her correctly? “Well, there is always you then.”
She faltered and then increased her pace away from him. He could only imagine the high color that must have tinted her cheeks.
He returned his attention to Mrs. Ackerman only to see her slip out to the terrace, followed by Stanton only moments later. Miss Drake’s information seemed to be correct tonight.
“Perhaps you should consider Mrs. Sherburne. Rumor has it that she is out for a new lover,” a whispered voice sounded behind him.
The slight aroma of lavender drifted around him, alerting him to the identity of the person behind him.
“I don’t usually return to a woman who spurned me for a lover with a title.” If he turned around, she would no doubt walk away. “And why the sudden concern over who will be next in my bed?”
A light laugh brought gooseflesh to his arms.
“Hardy a concern, sir. I thought you should know Mrs. Ackerman’s interest was elsewhere.”
“And Mrs. Sherburne?”
“Just letting you know she is available.”
“And you?”
“Definitely not available,” she whispered with a swish of silk skirts.
He chuckled softly as Emma Drake strolled away from him. But now, he couldn’t think of anyone else. Damn her! Why was she suddenly getting under his skin and sending lurid thoughts to his mind? He didn’t take innocents to bed. And she was one of the most innocent women in the room.
Still, he couldn’t help but turn and watch the gentle sway of her hips as she walked out of the room.
Emma breathed in deeply as she walked toward the ladies' retiring room. A small giggle escaped. What had come over her to speak to him in such a manner? She didn’t even like the man. Still, talking with him had been exciting, and that was what this Season was supposed to be about.
“Oh, Miss Drake, there you are,” Lord Fairchild said with a broad smile. His bald head seemed exceptionally shiny tonight. Almost as if he oiled his scalp. Perhaps he did. “I do hope you will save a dance for me.”
“There may be one dance left near the end of the night.” Emma smiled at the older man. She prayed her mother would wish to leave before then, so Emma wouldn’t need to dance with him. Before her enhanced dowry, Fairchild hadn’t paid her the slightest attention.
“Excellent. I shall look forward to our dance, Miss Drake.” He bowed and returned to the ballroom.
Emma finally reached the ladies retiring room and breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed Susan preening in the mirror.
“There you are,” Susan said, adjusting her hair. “I have been trying to talk to you all night.”
“Harry’s generosity has made my evening miserable. Every poor sap has been trying to dance with me. I finally came in here to get away from them all.”
Susan laughed. “It can’t be as bad as that. Lord Ainsley danced with you. Some gossips are already saying he will make an offer due to his friendship with the duke.”
“Yes, and while I am sure Mamma would approve of the match, I am not quite certain I approve of it.”
Ainsley was a good man, but she didn’t want a husband. There had been rumors of him and Clarissa Carter before she married Baron Hollington. Maybe Emma had read too many of Mrs. Lewis’ novels, but Emma believed they had loved each other. Years ago, Clarissa had been forced to marry the baron. With Clarissa now a widow, Emma wondered why Ainsley wasn’t courting her.
Leaning closer, Susan whispered, “You are not still using that list we created, are you? Because no man