Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

“Is Miss Trimble here? I cannot see her.”

When Lord Archibald shrugged, Tobias gestured across the room. “She’s dancing.”

Blythe stretch up on her toes, but her view was blocked by a party of taller guests. “I cannot see who with.”

Archibald stirred himself to check. “She’s partnered by Lord Shaw at the present.”

Blythe was stunned. If Lord Archibald had any real feelings for Emma he would never allow her to dance with Lord Shaw or he would be watching over her like a hawk.

At her side, Tobias stirred restlessly. Rather than give Archibald a piece of her mind before witnesses, she smiled tightly. “I will catch up with Miss Trimble when she has a free moment. Excuse us.”

She’d listen for the music to stop and catch her before Shaw could lead her astray.

“Lady Venables,” Lord Archibald asked suddenly. “May I have the pleasure of securing the supper dance on your card?”

Tobias cupped her elbow in a firm grip. That was his dance, of course, but Blythe was rather shocked by Archibald’s request. She’d hoped he’d claim Emma for that set. “Forgive me, my lord, but that dance has already been claimed by another gentleman.”

His gaze flittered around the room and when it settled on Tobias, his eyes narrowed. “Ah, then perhaps the one directly before the supper dance,” he murmured.

Blythe agreed, but she was uneasy. Lord Archibald’s behavior was just a little disconcerting. She couldn’t shake off the sense that something had changed since last they’d met.

He bowed to her. “Do not forget our dance later, my lady. I am looking forward to our time together.” His glance switched to Tobias, an unpleasant smile curled his lips.

She set her hand to Tobias’ offered arm and moved away. What on earth had that last smile been about? Why would Lord Archibald behave so strangely with Tobias after just two short meetings?

When they reached Mercy, Tobias spoke with his brother, and then he moved to the rear of the group, out of the way and distant from any conversation. Blythe frowned. Tha

t was not the way to enter society and stake a place among the people here. His reticence would be remembered.

Someone tugged on her sleeve. She turned, startled to find that, while she’d been worrying about Tobias making a good impression, the music had stopped and Emma Trimble had found her first.

Emma grinned. “You look wonderful.”

Blythe caught her friend’s hands and squeezed. “As do you. Emma dear, do you remember Mr. Randall.”

Tobias came forward at her urging, an eager smile, one she immediately distrusted, on his face.

“Of course,” Emma struck out her hand. “We have a dance later in the evening.”

Tobias took up her hand and kissed the air above it. “After supper, correct?”

Emma’s face creased into a delighted smile. “Thank you, sir. I shall look forward to it very much.”

An awkward silence followed as Emma continued to stare. After a moment, Tobias excused himself, and disappeared into the crowd. Emma’s gaze followed him.

Blythe coughed. “When are you dancing with Lord Archibald?”

Emma’s smile disappeared, replaced by a glum frown. “He’s not asked. He’s been distracted since I saw you last. We’ve barely spoken.”

“Oh, Emma. I am so sorry.” Blythe laid a hand to her throat. This wasn’t going well at all.

“I dislike admitting this, but I do feel Mr. Randall’s attention the other day was rather well timed. It seems I should resign myself to the fact that Archie sees me as a sister, even if we are third cousins.”

“Don’t give up so soon. I still believe you are the right woman for him.”

“I’m no longer so sure he is the right man for me.” Emma peered about. “Where do you think Mr. Randall has gone?”

Blythe wondered that, too, but only so he might stay away from Emma. He had made too big an impression on the young woman and Blythe wouldn’t like to have Emma’s hopes dashed. Tobias wasn’t the man for her.