The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

“Lady Stanhope has very little to offer any man in the room. Most would not consider the fortune she inherited worth the risk. Oh my goodness,” Mary Patterson exclaimed. “She is dancing with the duke now.”

Jack turned his attention back the dance floor to see the Duke of Worthington bow over Lady Stanhope’s hand as the music started. The older man appeared entranced by her, staring down at her with a love-struck smile on his face. This would never do. The duke had been a friend of his father and as such, needed protecting from the woman. He had to find a way to stop this “friendship” from going further.

While he wanted to march over to them and interrupt their dance, he knew the duke would never stand for such behavior and would most likely eject Jack from his home. Instead, he planned to be on the edge of the dance floor when their dance finished. He moved past the gossiping women to the edge of the dance floor. The dancers were swirling by in a sea of white and ivory silk, accentuated by the jewel tones of the married women. As the country-dance played, he caught Lady Stanhope’s eye a few times and noted how she blushed. He was surprised the woman still flushed when a man watched her. She hadn’t seemed to redden for the duke.

And that was all the encouragement he needed. He smiled as he watched her dance, knowing she felt that same desire swirling about them.

Seduction was the plan for Lady Stanhope.

In fact, that would be the safest way to protect the duke.

The music ended and the duke started to escort Lady Stanhope off the floor. Jack moved forward to intercept him. “Lady Stanhope, I do believe this is our dance.”

The Duke of Worthington stared at him with disdain. “Indeed, Raynerson? Tessa, do you wish to dance with this rogue?”

Lady Stanhope smiled up at the duke. “I did promise him a dance, Your Grace.”

“Very well, then,” he said with a scowl. He removed her arm from his and started to move away. “Have a care with her, Raynerson,” he muttered as he walked by Jack.

Jack held out his arm to Lady Stanhope. “Shall we?”

She nodded and took his arm. “Why do I feel you deliberately chose now for our second, and last dance?”

“I believe you worry about far too much, Lady Stanhope. I have decided to leave early tonight but wanted one last dance before I departed. There is nothing more to it than that.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

“If you say so,” she replied before lining up next to him for the quadrille.

As the music started, he didn’t speak but enjoyed the music and company. Once they returned to their starting position, he danced around her and said, “Might I call on you tomorrow?”

Her cheeks turned bright red. “I see no reason for you to do so.”

The dance moved them apart again before he could reply. And this was why gentlemen preferred the waltz. It gave much more time for conversation than this quick reel, which constantly moved the partners away from each other. As she moved closer to him, he finally replied, “I see many reasons to call on you.”

“Call if you must but I make no promise of being at home,” she answered in a flirtatious tone.

“Oh, you shall be at home for me,” he said in a low husky voice in her ear.

CHAPTER 4

Tessa could barely catch her breath as Raynerson bowed and left her at the edge of the dancefloor. Why had this man suddenly taken an interest in her? It made no sense. More importantly, why did she suddenly have an interest in him?

Perhaps there was one person who might be able to learn more about the intriguing man. Seeing her sister in deep conversation with her friends, Tessa strolled over to them. “Louisa, may I have a moment?”

Louisa rolled her eyes but then made her excuses to her friends. “Let me guess, you have decided to leave already.”

“No.” Tessa linked arms with her sister. “Take a turn about the room with me.”

“Very well.”

Once they were away from the crowd, Tessa could finally speak without being overheard. “I need your assistance with a very private matter.”

Louisa slid a glance at her. “Oh? And would that private matter concern a certain dancing partner?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “Would you please speak with Lord Blakely about Mr. Raynerson. I am not sure I trust the man. Why would he take an interest in me when I have been out for years? It makes no sense.”

“Well, much of that time you were in mourning. But must I speak with him?”

“Lord Blakely?”