Mr. Harrow sneered and sipped his wine. “And what did you think of Lady Iliffe’s skill?”
“What fine partners you were. It was impossible to look away. The intensity and focus... I feel I cannot believe you when you say you have never waltzed before, Lady Iliffe.”
“She does not lie, Miss Lizzy.” That dark smiling charm was back in place, Mr. Harrow ignoring the pouting Lilly sitting across from him. “But knowing her, I was certain she would have little trouble with the steps... or the banter.”
Scoffing, Lilly ran hazel eyes over her rival. “You make it sound as if you were old acquaintances, Mr. Harrow.”
“No.” Mr. Harrow shook his head and pursed his lips as if deep in thought. “But I know Lady Iliffe quite well. Well enough to admit anything she says about me should be taken very seriously. She knows just what a devil I am.”
His acknowledgement of his ill intent made Arabella finally cut him a glance.
Grinning wickedly over his wine glass, Gregory looked at Lilly and Edmund. “And the neighborhood, no doubt, will be a much more pleasant place for the unworthy rabble now that she is here to curb me and champion fools.”
“You are such a tease, Mr. Harrow,” Mrs. Jenkins chuckled, smiling as if in on the joke.
Edmund thought to change the tone, addressing the unsmiling baroness. “Which dance did you prefer, Lady Iliffe?”
Arabella made a wry face. “The minuet had the interaction of more people and friendly conversation. It seemed a more sociable dance.”
“And our waltz?” Dark eyes glittered, Mr. Harrow petulant and playful.
Dry as dust, Arabella spoke the truth. “Would have been nicer had you spoken less.”
Gregory began to laugh. Grinning madly, he added for good measure, “Then it is a shame I bribed the Master of Ceremonies such a fortune to call it.”
Lizzy and Mrs. Jenkins began to giggle, Edmund appeared annoyed, and Lilly glared, downright murderous.
But it was the hint of amusement in emerald eyes that had Mr. Harrow’s undivided attention. “See, Lady Iliffe, I may be a tyrant, but I do make some effort now and then.”
Cocking a brow, she challenged, “Effort to what exactly?”
“My initial intentions were good.”
It was her turn to snicker, she could not stop herself. “I think you have never been taught what that phrase means. Your goal was to wreak havoc.”
Under the table, he bumped her foot, hooking her ankle to drag it closer. “That was not my goal... merely an unfortunate side effect of my temper.”
“Did you quarrel with Lady Iliffe as you danced?” Edmund asked, frowning to hear the lady was unhappy.
For a moment, Gregory’s eyes only for Arabella, he answered, “And I lost.” Glancing across the table towards Lilly, he gave a small nod. “It might have been better had I asked you to dance and trusted the baroness to your brother.”
When not another word or offer was made, Mrs. Jenkins spoke on behalf of her daughter. “Once the refreshments have concluded, there are still several dances, Mr. Harrow.”
“Your noblewoman tells you I’m to be censured and you still find me acceptable as a partner to your daughter? You must be a saint, Mrs. Jenkins.”
Unsure what to say at such a remark, unsure if Mr. Harrow was teasing, Lilly’s mama smiled.
“Then again we all deserve a chance at redemption, do we not? And I did promise Lady Iliffe that I would try to be virtuous.” The shining leather of Gregory’s boots caressed the stocking encased ankle of his prey under the table. Arabella attempted to disengage, but he followed her retreat until contact was reestablished, yanking her foot closer. “So I must be given another chance must I not?”
Lilly lowered her lashes provocatively. “Who shall be your redeemer?”
“Well, you certainly have the look of an angel.” With a smile that faded to boredom, Gregory added, “The very appearance of goodness.”
Blushing prettily, Lilly smiled, demure and pleased by the compliment. “You are too kind, sir.”
“I am.” He took a long drink of wine and did not say another word.
Chapter 13