He suddenly grabbed her gloved hand and strode off the dance floor with her in tow. She did not wish to make a scene or draw anyone’s attention but tried as best she could to pull out of his hold. “Sir … please stop … Sir Edward, what do you think you are doing?”
He stopped, turned, and glared at her. “Lady Babs, you will accompany me into the garden, for I mean to talk to you in private … now!”
Perhaps she owed him this? she wondered as she allowed him to lead her out the garden doors, but she felt miserable and kept her eyes lowered.
Torches were lit everywhere, and she pulled out of his grip and remained near the garden doors. “You may talk here … I am not going alone with you any further.”
He turned on her then, and his face was a mask of white fury. “Lady Barbara, I mean for you to carry my name. Do you actually say me nay?”
“I would make you miserable, sir,” she tried reasonably. “We certainly would not suit.”
He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “What new kick is this?’
“Please, Sir Edward, I have enjoyed our friendship, your escort on many occasions, but I am persuaded you would not be happy with me as your wife. I am not at all dutiful. In time, what you think intriguing would pall on you … and become tiresome.”
“Is that what is worrying you?” He laughed. “Nonsense. I want you, Babs. Haven’t I convinced you of that?”
“Stop … oh, do stop …” Babs was at a loss suddenly and wanted to escape. He wouldn’t listen. There was nothing else she could say without hurting him, and she had no wish to hurt him.
“No, darling, you would never pall on me, and in time you will learn to behave as you ought—”
She cut him off. “Behave as I ought? You see … you don’t know me. I am behaving as I ought. I cannot marry where my heart is not engaged … I am sorry, Sir Edward. I … I do not love you.”
Babs realized suddenly that Sir Edward did not take rejection well. He grabbed hold of her and shouted as he bent to force a kiss on her, “Then you will learn to love me … you will learn very well!”
“Let me go!” Babs cried, thoroughly distressed. “You are hurting me …”
“I suggest,” came a strong male voice, “you release the lady at once!”
Babs turned to find the duke standing there, clenching and unclenching his fist. His jaw worked with his controlled anger, and he looked his name, Wildfire. Instinctively and without realizing what she was doing, Babs broke free of Danton’s suddenly lax hold and ran the few steps to the duke.
He smiled reassuringly at her as he bent his arm for her hand. “My lady, allow me to escort you to your aunt, who has I know been quietly worried about your direction.”
“Nick!” Sir Edward called furiously. “This is none of your affair, and you would be advised to stay out of my way.”
“Ah, Ned, you know me better than that,” was all the response the duke gave him as he led Babs back into the ballroom.
“Will you tell me, little terror, why you went out there with him?”
She put up her chin. “You were most kind to extricate me …”
“So then indulge me by answering my question,” he insisted.
“I am a terrible, awful thing. I am ashamed to admit that I must have led him to believe … I did not know … but it is in part my fault …”
“Ah, and my Charles is quite
correct,” said the duke.
“Is he? What does Chuck have the good fortune to be correct about?”
“About you. He says you are a handful, and, my little terror, so you are, but here is your aunt, and I think she means to have a go at you.” So saying, he gave her a low bow and backed away, an amused glint in his eyes.
Babs turned to face her aunt.
Nine
THE LOBBY OF the House of Commons was in an uproar. Corn Laws were the subject of heated debate. The deplorable state of the economy had to be discussed, and, to a man, opinions were rife and loud.