Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,51

feel something for Lord Coventry, I think, Delilah,” Lady Newfield said with a quietness in her voice that told Delilah her godmother already knew what had passed between herself and Lord Coventry. “And he for you?”

Not quite certain what to say, Delilah could only nod, looking away from Lady Newfield, a little disconcerted.

“I am very glad for you,” Lady Newfield said, a smile lighting her eyes. “Despite my reservations, it appears that Lord Coventry is an excellent gentleman and will, I think, care for you very deeply.”

“I believe he will, yes,” Delilah said, her anxiety blown away by the gladness in her heart as she thought of Lord Coventry. “I was so very afraid when I first received my uncle’s letter, but now I believe that I am very fortunate indeed.”

“Do excuse me for interrupting you both.”

Delilah looked up quickly and then hurriedly rose to her feet. “Good evening, Lord Robertson,” she said as Lady Newfield rose also. “Might I present Lady Newfield? My godmother.”

Quickly introductions were made, and soon it became apparent the reason for Lord Robertson’s presence.

“I should very much like to dance with you, Miss Mullins,” Lord Robertson said with a gleam in his eye. “Do you have any free to which I might put my name?”

Delilah flushed as she handed Lord Robertson her dance card. She did not want to dance with him, for she feared that the reason for him coming to seek her out was so that he might then be caught up with gossip, so that people might flock to him to speak to him of what he knew of the infamous Miss Mullins. Lady Newfield clearly knew of it also, for her eyes narrowed as she glared at Lord Robertson, who eagerly wrote his name down for first the quadrille, and thereafter, the waltz, which came a short time later.

“The quadrille will begin in just a moment!” he exclaimed, looking thoroughly delighted with himself. “Shall we, Miss Mullins?”

Delilah had no excuse, no reason to remain where she was. Her stomach swirling with nerves, she took Lord Robertson’s proffered arm and allowed him to lead her onto the floor.

Fully aware that everyone present might well be looking at her, Delilah fought off her nerves with all the strength she could muster. Lord Robertson seemed to be reveling in it, grinning broadly and turning his head from left to right so that everyone would notice him. Delilah kept her head low and her eyes fixed to somewhere near Lord Robertson’s feet. She did not look left and right to the others in the set for fear of what they would say to her, the looks she would receive. When the music began, it came as something of a relief, for she was finally able to concentrate on the steps rather than on the nerves that were running through her.

Lord Robertson laughed and smiled the entire way through, but Delilah could feel none of the same joy. With every second that passed, all she could do was pray that soon, the dance would be over and she would no longer have to remain in the middle of the ballroom where everyone could see her.

“Thank you for a wonderful dance, Miss Mullins.”

She curtsied and tried to smile as Lord Robertson bowed and rose again with a flourish.

“I do hope you enjoyed it,” Lord Robertson continued, making no effort to take her back to Lady Newfield but seeming to linger to keep them both where they were. The other couples moved around in front of them, a myriad of colors. “The waltz will begin soon.”

“I should return to Lady Newfield,” Delilah murmured, but still, Lord Robertson did not move. Eventually, as she arched one eyebrow and gestured towards where he was to take her, he finally laughed loudly again, although Delilah did not see what it was that he found so mirthful. “But of course,” he said, and finally, offered her his arm.

“I was speaking to your Lord Coventry earlier this evening, you know,” he said as he walked slowly back, their steps seeming to drag. “I was most delighted to converse with him.”

Delilah’s heart slammed into her chest, but she tried not to react visibly.

“We talked for some time,” Lord Robertson continued, sounding almost gleeful. “And thereafter, I thought that I simply had to come and find you so that I might convey my congratulations on your engagement.”

“That is very kind of you,” Delilah murmured, wondering why Lord Coventry had not yet managed to come to