back to assist his sister out of the coach and then offered her his arm.
As they entered the townhouse, he was surprised at the number of people already congregated in the spacious entry hall. He could feel his sister leaning closer to him for support as they headed towards the drawing room.
“This is a crush,” she whispered, dejectedly.
“It is.”
She looked up at him with a hopeful expression. “Can we go home?”
“No,” he replied as he led her into the drawing room. “We have only just arrived.”
His eyes scanned the crowded square room and he saw his friend, Mr. Martin Pemberton, conversing with a group of ladies.
When Martin saw him, he parted from the group and crossed the room to greet him. “It’s about time you showed up, mate.”
“I had not anticipated so many people would be here,” Edward answered, raising his voice to be heard over the crowd.
Martin nodded. “Lady Fitzroy’s soirées always draw a large crowd,” he stated. “Miss Blackmore and her sisters even came to the event.”
Kitty perked up. “Miss Blackmore is here?”
Martin turned his gaze towards Kitty, who immediately looked at the floor. “How are you this fine evening, Lady Kitty?”
“I am well,” she mumbled.
“You are looking especially lovely,” Martin continued.
With her gaze fixed firmly on the ornate rug at her feet, she replied in a timid voice, “Thank you.”
“Would you care to take a turn with me around the drawing room?” Martin asked, stepping closer to her.
Kitty shook her head and tightened her hold on Edward’s arm.
“As usual, I have enjoyed our delightful chats,” Martin said gently. “I’m afraid I must depart. My presence has been requested in the card room.”
While Martin was walking away, Kitty brought her gaze back up and her eyes tracked him. “I daresay that wasn’t as awful as last time.”
Edward chuckled. “That’s a good point,” he agreed. “At least you answered his questions with words this time.”
“I don’t know why Mr. Pemberton insists on speaking to me.”
“He is being polite.”
“I wish he would stop it.”
Edward grinned as he patted her hand on his sleeve. “I will pass along your wishes the next time I speak to him.”
“Thank you.” Kitty’s eyes roamed the room. “Do you see an open chair where I can sit down and read?”
“The whole point of a soirée is to converse with other people,” he pressed.
“I’m not interested.”
“Will you not at least try?”
She sighed. “As you wish.”
The sound of a lady’s laughter met his ears, causing his heart to pound. It was a sound of genuine happiness, something he hadn’t heard in quite a long time. He quickly turned in the direction whence the sound came, and he beheld Miss Blackmore a short distance away.
Katherine’s mood soured the moment she locked eyes with Lord Berkshire. Insufferable man, she thought, before she turned her attention back towards the dark-haired Lord Jersey.
“Are you all right, Miss Blackmore?” Lord Jersey asked in concern.
She nodded reassuringly. “I am,” she replied. “Please proceed with your story. I found it to be most enjoyable.”
Lord Jersey puffed out his narrow chest at her praise. “After I killed the fox, I held it up by the tail for the rest of the group to see.”
“You must be a terrific hunter,” Hannah gushed.
Lord Jersey smiled broadly. “I wouldn’t say I am a ‘terrific hunter’, but I am definitely competent.”
Amelia spoke up. “I wish it was considered proper for women to join in on the hunt with the men.”
His smile dimmed. “But why would young women wish to go on a hunt?”
“For the thrill of it,” Amelia replied, earning a disapproving look from Hannah.
“Whenever I go on a hunt, my boots come back soiled with mud,” he remarked. “I have heard that it takes days for my valet to remove all the dirt and grime from my Hessian boots.”
Amelia shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t mind getting dirty.”
“You should!” Hannah exclaimed. “Your lady’s maid would have a fit if your clothes and boots were covered in mud.”
“I have no doubt that Leah would manage,” Amelia remarked.
Katherine gave both of her sisters a pointed look. “Perhaps this is something we could discuss at home.”
“You are right, of course,” Amelia conceded, smoothing out her pink gown. “If you will excuse me, I believe I need something to drink.”
“I shall accompany you,” Hannah said.
As her sisters walked away, Lord Jersey gave Katherine a flirtatious smile and stepped closer to her. “I was hoping to speak to you privately.”
She shifted her gaze away from his, and her eyes roamed the crowded entry hall.