Griff glanced over to where Lady Tressingham stood holding court among a group of her society friends. “Our understanding is that your mother hates me.”
Alyssa giggled. “She doesn’t hate you, Griffin. She just dislikes you—a lot.”
“I like the sound of that,” he murmured.
“What? The fact that my mother doesn’t hate you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I like the sound of my Christian name on your lips. And I like the sound of your laughter, Alyssa.”
“So do I.” She smiled. “I like the sound of my Christian name on your lips.”
“That’s good,” he teased, “because I’ve called you by your Christian name since we were introduced, my lady.”
“I like it better when you don’t put the title of lady in front of it, my lord.”
Griff gently tightened his grip on Alyssa’s upper arms. “Did I remember to tell you that you look beautiful tonight?”
“No, but I thank you all the same.”
“You’re welcome,” he said. “And I apologize for failing to tell you sooner.”
“There is no need for you to apologize, Griffin. Compliments are never late.”
Griffin didn’t have to see her face to know Alyssa was smiling. He reached down and lifted the dance card hanging from a silver cord looped around her wrist. Opening the card, he squinted at the names penciled in beside the list of scheduled dances. “I don’t see a partner for the next dance.”
“No,” she replied, “I’m free.”
“That’s not entirely true,” he reminded her. “I believe we established that fact this afternoon.”
“I’m free for the next dance.” Her voice became low and husky. “If you need a partner…”
Griff stepped up beside her and offered Alyssa his arm. “I would very much like to dance with you, my lady, but there is someone I would like you to meet first.”
Alyssa tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “I’ve already met our hostess.”
“Have you met Lord and Lady Weymouth yet?”
“No, I…” She shook her head. “Lord and Lady Weymouth… You mean…”
He nodded. “My mother and father. They braved the crush here tonight in order to meet you.”
Alyssa inhaled sharply, then smoothed the front of her ball gown and touched her hair. She glanced around for a mirror and, failing to find one, turned to Griffin instead. “Do I look all right?”
Griffin laughed. “Fishing for more compliments, my lady?”
“Just reassurance,” she answered honestly.
“Then rest assured that you look as beautiful now as you did a few moments ago.” He looked down at her. “You’ve nothing to worry about.”
“It isn’t every day that one meets one’s future in-laws.”
“Thank God!” Griffin breathed. “Once is enough.” He made a face at her.
Alyssa laughed.
“Just be yourself,” he advised, “and my parents will adore you.”
“What about you?” Alyssa couldn’t believe she’d spoken her thoughts aloud.