his guests to his study to review some dull papers of some sort. He loves his investments more than he loves these balls.”
“Perhaps,” Jeffery replied with a sigh before finishing off the rest of his brandy. “Well, if he is not here at present, then I should greet a few others before, as I presume it shall be, we are requested to listen to a few of the young ladies perform for our listening pleasure.” He chuckled at the grimace that appeared in an instant upon Lord Swinton’s face. “A favorite of yours, I think.”
“Mayhap I shall have to suggest a game of cards or the like, so that I will be excused from having to give them the entirety of my concentration,” Lord Swinton muttered, no longer grinning as he had done. “But yes, be off with you. There are bound to be a few young ladies eager to make your acquaintance!”
Jeffery laughed and then walked away, quickly spying another group of gentlemen—with one or two ladies present also—where he might make conversation. Thus, the evening went pleasantly enough and, when it grew near to the time for the music to begin and the entertainment to start, Jeffery found himself enjoying the spirit of the evening. He had forgotten entirely about Lady Kensington’s advances and had been enjoying an excellent conversation with another gentleman, as well as being introduced to a few lovely young ladies. All in all, it had been an excellent evening thus far, and he was looking forward to what came thereafter, even if Lord Swinton was not!
“Lord Richmond! I have only just discovered the whereabouts of my husband.” Lady Kensington came to stand directly in front of him, preventing him from taking a step further, and Jeffery was forced to stand before her as though he were the subject and she the ruler. “I know that you have not greeted him as yet and that you do very much wish to do so, and thus, I have made every effort to satisfy such a whim.” She laughed brightly and settled a hand on his arm. “He is in the study at present, with Lord Millerton, whom, I am sure, would be glad for a little relief.”
Jeffery hesitated. “I see. I should not like to step away from this evening’s entertainment, however,” he said. “Will your husband be joining us for that?”
Lady Kensington shrugged and looked away. “Who can tell?” she replied somewhat morosely. “I had thought he would attempt to be the host the beau monde expects, but it seems that, yet again, I am mistaken.”
Something tugged in Jeffery’s heart as he watched Lady Kensington. Despite her marked flirtations, there was, he considered, a small flicker of genuine frustration in her voice and her demeanor at present. It was clear that she did, in fact, find Lord Kensington’s absence to be something of an embarrassment, clearly aware that the ton considered him a less-than-suitable host who very often neglected his duties towards his guests. Even Jeffery knew of it, but it had never once stopped him from attending.
“Might you not send a footman to fetch him?” he asked doubtfully, but Lady Kensington quickly shook her head, a false brightness about her now as she suddenly took hold of the situation in place of her husband.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she said, her voice filling the room. “Please, if you would come through, we might sit together for a short while as we are entertained by some of the most wonderfully talented young ladies in London!” A few murmurs of excitement and interest chased after her announcement. “Please, do come and join me.”
“Lord Kensington is not to appear, then,” said a voice in his ear, and Jeffery turned to see Lord Swinton chuckling as he moved past Jeffery slowly, a lady on his arm. “How very unsurprising.”
“Lady Kensington states that he is in his study,” Jeffery replied, joining his friend. “Mayhap I should go to speak with him and—”
“Do not be so foolish!” Lord Swinton exclaimed, suddenly rounding on Jeffery and letting go of the lady on his arm. “You cannot do such a thing, for it is not your duty. Lady Kensington will take his place, just as she has done before, and all will be well.”
“It was Lady Kensington herself who suggested I do so,” Jeffery replied, only for Lord Swinton to throw up his hands and roll his eyes in apparent frustration.
“You are much too compassionate, old boy,” came the firm reply. “Can you not