Miss Pennington, Miss Bardwell, and Miss Donaldson passed in front of them, walking very slowly. Both gentlemen nodded and bowed. Miss Bardwell winked, but Chandler had no idea if the flirtation was intended for him or Fines. Miss Pennington openly smiled, showing why her beauty made her the belle of the debutantes this Season, and shy-acting Miss Donaldson hid most of her face behind a lacy fan.
When he was certain the ladies were out of earshot, Fines picked up the conversation where they had left off by saying, “What you need is a new mistress.”
Not that again.
The thought of securing a mistress had no more appeal to Chandler than renewing a relationship with Lady Lambsbeth or starting one with Miss Bardwell.
“Once you get the right mistress settled into your life, Lady Lambsbeth will never cross your mind again.”
“She doesn’t cross my mind now unless you mention her,” Chandler complained.
The only lady on his mind was Miss Blair, and he must be blessed for she was walking in to the ballroom on the arm of Viscount Heathecoute. He hadn’t gotten the feel of her out of his mind or the taste of her from his lips. She was an extraordinary lady to have held his attention so long.
He had to find a way to see her again—alone, as he had today. He wanted to sweep her out into the darkness and ravish her until she begged him to show her fully how a man loves a woman.
Sir Charles Wright was the first gentleman to her side. She gave him her hand for an appropriate kiss and curtsy, then smiled at him. A few moments later he signed her dance card. As he walked away, the too-tall and too-thin Viscount Tolby approached her. He stood right in front of her and completely blocked her from Chandler’s view.
Chandler was not accustomed to that uncontrollable knot in his chest that made him want to charge over to her and demand she accept the attention of no suitor but him.
“Are you listening to me?” Fines asked.
Chandler swallowed past a dry throat. Had he finally been smitten with love after all these years? No, that couldn’t be. But for some reason, she affected him differently from all the other ladies who’d caught his eye.
“Sorry, old chap, I didn’t hear what you had to say. What was that?”
“You’ve been doing a lot of woolgathering lately, Dunraven. Are you feeling all right?”
“I’ve never felt better. I was just giving serious consideration to your idea of a new mistress.”
Fines gave him a pleased look. “Good. At last we’re getting somewhere. Excellent to hear. I’ll start asking around for you.”
“Fines,” Chandler said in a warning tone, “I can find my own mistress, if you don’t mind.”
“No.” Fines sniffed loudly. “No. I don’t mind at all, but I did hear that—”
“Will you excuse me?” Chandler interrupted. “I see someone I’d like to talk to.”
“Who? I’ll walk with you.” Fines stared in the direction Chandler was looking.
“You know, I don’t mind you joining me, but I think you should know I just saw Miss Pennington walk over to the refreshment table alone.”
“Really?” Fines pulled on the hem of his waistcoat and sniffed again. “Miss Pennington having to get her own cup of punch? Perhaps she’d like someone to help her.”
“That’s probably why she walked over alone.”
Fines smiled at Chandler. “I think I should go over and speak to her.”
“And ask her to dance?”
Fines smiled. “I’m already on the card. Do you suppose there’s room for another name?”
“Doubtful. She’s been here almost an hour. You’d better hurry. I see Viscount Tolby heading her way.”
“I’m off. Should we make plans for breakfast at White’s?” Fines asked walking backward.
“Don’t plan on me. I have some things to check on tomorrow.”
Fines nodded and turned around and was swallowed by the crowd. Chandler talked to several friends, some acquaintances and even had a dance or two before he finally managed to find himself face-to-face with Miss Millicent Blair. She stood with Lord Heathecoute and his lady.
Chandler joined the group but had eyes for no one but Miss Blair. Her buff-white evening gown had three pale pink flounces, and a pink satin ribbon banded the high waist. The round neck was cut low, showing more of her beautiful breasts than he wanted other men to see. He noticed the pearl-drop earrings she wore and remembered taking her dainty lobe into his mouth.
Greetings were quickly dispensed with, and it took only a