The Bookseller and the Earl (The Merry Misfits of Bath 1)

She looked so desolate that he wanted to pull her into his arms, settle her on his lap and tell her whatever problem concerned her, he would fix.

“I mix up things in my mind. When the dancers are to move in one direction, I can be counted on to go the opposite. It has made more than one partner frustrated, as well as the other dancers in our circle.”

“I see.” He tried not to smile but her earnest expression reminded him of a small child trying to explain herself out of trouble. “Go on.”

“That is all. Actually, ‘tis one of the reasons I left London almost a year ago and settled in Bath. I was not very successful.”

Grayson shook his head. “I do not agree with you, Addie. You moved from your family home to live in another town and opened a bookstore that you run very well. How do you figure you are not successful?”

“You are missing the point. I am unsuccessful in a ballroom. I am a social tragedy.”

He could hold it in no longer, he laughed, only to immediately regret it at the slight blush on Addie’s face, and the stiffening of her shoulders. “‘Tis not funny.”

He gave in to his compulsion and reached across the space separating them and pulled her to his side. Not on his lap as he would have preferred since he felt that was a bit improper.

“If dance steps confuse you, then we shall not dance anything but a waltz.”

“That would be scandalous if we danced a waltz more than once.”

“Then we shall dance only one waltz and spend the rest of the time socializing.”

Addie shook her head, the misery on her face continuing. “No. You will be required to dance with the other young ladies because it’s expected. Plus, you are a prime candidate for the marriage-minded mamas.”

He blanched at the thought of all the young ladies and their mothers who will be making a final attempt at an engagement before the next Season began. “Then I shall do my duty and dance with a young lady or two. But . . .” he took her chin in his fingers, tilting her head “you will dance a country dance or two with me. I will keep you going in the right direction.”

Before she could answer, the carriage drew to a rolling stop in front of the Stevenson home. There was a short queue, and they had barely gathered their things—Addie quickly moving to the other side of the carriage—before the door was opened by a footman. “Good evening.”

He extended his hand, but before Addie could reach for it, Grayson jumped out, forcing the footman to move aside. Then he reached out for Addie’s hand.

She accepted and he placed her hand on his arm, and they made their way up to the Stevenson home. Grayson noticed the tightening of Addie’s hand on his arm.

He was quite annoyed at the dimwitted gentleman of the ton when Addie told him about her failure on the marriage mart. Despite her lack of grace, how could such a pretty woman, with charm and wit not have dozens of offers for her hand? The men in London were dolts to be sure. On the other hand, them passing Addie by left him in a position to consider her for a wife. Yes. He had finally realized that having a wife and mother to champion Michael was the best thing he could do. Aunt Mary was correct, it had just taken him a little while to admit it. And if he were to consider taking the one step, he swore he would never take again, Miss Adeline Mallory was the one.

Of course, he had no idea how she would take to his proposal, but he hoped she would see the rightness of it. Despite her independence, she needed a man. All women did. She could even sell the bookstore and spend her time managing his estates and helping with Michael.

As a smart woman, she would be more than open to having a marriage of two like-minded people who would develop a warm, friendly relationship with no messy entanglements such as love. Perhaps he had underestimated her when he thought a loveless marriage would make her miserable. She was far too intelligent, he assured himself.

After handing their coats to the footman at the door, he and Addie arrived at the reception line. “Lord Berkshire! I cannot tell you how very happy we are that you accepted our invitation.” Lady Stevenson practically fell over trying to reach across her husband to grasp Grayson’s hand.

“My lady, it is indeed a pleasure to see you again.” Grayson turned to Addie. “I assume you are acquainted with Miss Mallory?”

Lady Stevenson’s face fell. “Oh, yes, indeed. How are you, Miss Mallory? I thought I heard you had moved to Bath?”

Before she could answer, Lady Stevenson turned back to Grayson. “My lord, my charming niece, Lady Diana is visiting with us.” She moved out of the reception line and took him by the arm. “I just know she would love to meet you.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but was quickly whisked away while Lady Stevenson recited all her niece’s qualities. He turned as he entered the ballroom to see Addie staring after him.

Chapter Ten

Addie watched Lady Stevenson drag Grayson away before Lord Stevenson had even addressed her. The soft smile he offered her helped a bit. “It appears we are just about finished with the receiving line, Miss Mallory. May I escort you into the ballroom?”

What was she to do? She’d been through this so many times before. Left on her own at social events. But she was not the same Miss Mallory who skulked away like a frightened bird or hid in corners behind ugly plants. She was a business owner. She lived on her own. She made important decisions every day.

She raised her chin and accepted Lord Stevenson’s arm. “Thank you, my lord.”

She could have sworn he mumbled, “well done” as he took her hand and placed it on his arm. Addie glided into the room, ordering herself to stop shaking. Taking a deep breath would help, but given her stays, that was unlikely. At this point, she would consider the evening a success if she didn’t faint.

Lady Stevenson had dragged Grayson over to a lovely woman, the one who must have been her niece.