He took Lottie’s arm. “I believe a bit of liquid refreshment would be just the thing right about now.”
When they reached the refreshment table, Lottie realized that Mr. Smith and Pamela had not followed them but were in conversation with three other people. Lottie could tell by Pamela’s stance that she was uncomfortable.
“Perhaps I should rescue Lady Pamela from that group,” Lottie said as she accepted a cup of lemonade from Mr. Westbrooke.
He glanced over at Mr. Smith. “I think she is doing all right. Smith can make anyone relax. He owns a very successful gambling club and can talk a miser out of his coins. I won’t tell you how successful he is with the ladies because that will only send you off in Lady Pamela’s direction. But be at ease, he would never do a
nything improper with an innocent young lady.” He took the empty glass from Lottie’s hand and placed it on the table. “Let’s take a stroll. You worry too much about your friend.”
They’d gone about half the room when two gentlemen approached them. Lottie immediately stiffened at the look on their faces. Nothing threatening, but a bit too . . . hungry was the only word that fit.
Mr. Westbrooke must have sensed it because he covered her hand on his arm and gave it a slight squeeze.
“Westbrooke, are you going to introduce us to the lady?”
Mr. Westbrooke hesitated slightly and then said, “Miss Danvers, may I present Lord Sterling and Mr. Clancy. Gentleman this is Miss Danvers.”
“I say, Miss Danvers, you do look familiar.” Lord Sterling took her hand and kissed the air above it and studied her a bit too closely for her comfort. “Do you spend much time in London?”
“No. Not at all.” She withdrew her hand from his and placed it behind her back. She knew she sounded breathless and wanted more than anything to race from the room and return home. She turned to Mr. Westbrooke. “I think I would enjoy a cup of lemonade.”
He gave no indication that they had just had a glass but instead nodded to the two men. “If you will excuse us.”
“Wait just a minute, Westbrooke. We’re not going to let you hog this beauty all night.” Lord Sterling looked in her direction. “May I request a dance, Miss Danvers.”
“And I as well.” Mr. Clancy smiled brightly, and she broke into a sweat. Oh, God, what was she to do now? Lord Sterling thought she looked familiar and she knew why. If she spent any time with him, he would surely make the connection.
“I’m sorry, my lord, but I am feeling quite lightheaded. I think it’s the heat in here.” She turned and gave Mr. Westbrooke a pleading look.
He returned a warm smile then turned toward the two men. “Some other time, Sterling. I think I will escort Miss Danvers outside for a bit of air.”
“Yes. A bit of air is probably best for the young lady. We will accompany you,” Mr. Clancy said.
There was nothing to be done for it. If she insisted they not join her, it would cause too much attention and that was the last thing she wanted. “Very well.”
The four of them made their way to the French doors that led to a gravel pathway. Lottie turned to see Pamela dancing with another gentleman. She didn’t look at all distressed, so Lottie assumed she didn’t have to worry about her friend. What she did notice was that Mr. Smith didn’t look pleased at all as he watched Pamela and her partner.
Lottie only had to worry about herself and this man who thought she looked familiar.
5
Carter was having a heck of a time figuring out Miss Danvers. She froze when Sterling and Clancy approached them and even asked for another glass of lemonade just so she could get away. He would love to believe that was because she only wanted to spend time with him, but his inbred modesty would not allow that.
It was clear the two men made her nervous. Just as he still hadn’t figured out why she’d been upset when he mentioned his brother and father, he tried to pin down when she became distressed this time. It was when he introduced Lord Sterling. Again, it was the nobility issue, he was certain.
There was something about the upper class that caused her to retreat into herself or attempt to escape. The four of them strolled out the door and the graveled pathway. Sterling kept up a constant chatter with Clancy popping in a word or two.
Carter was too aware of Miss Danvers for inane conversation.
“Miss Danvers, I must say once again that you are very familiar. Do you have family in London that you might have visited?” Sterling continued to stare at her until Carter wanted to plant the man a facer.
“No. No one. I never go to London.”
Of course, Carter knew that to be a blatant lie since they’d just returned from Berkshire’s wedding. But he was not about to dispute her claim when she obviously did not want to admit to it.
“I’m finding the air quite chilly.” Miss Danvers was, indeed, shivering so they all headed back to the ballroom.
“Ah, now I get to claim my dance.” Before Carter could stop him, Sterling took Miss Danvers’ arm and led her to the dance floor. The minstrels began a country dance, which separated the couples into two lines.