She saw Daniel dancing with other women and refused to acknowledge that the sharp pain inside her was jealousy. These people had been part of his world for a long time and unlike her, he was comfortable in this setting. Occasionally, he caught her eye and tilted his head but he did not come near her again.
“Well, I declare the first social outing for the Duchess of Stratton a huge success,” Claire said when Eva returned from yet another dance.
Too tired to say anything, Eva just nodded and slipped into the seat beside her. How did these people dance for so many hours every night?
“There is hardly a man present who has not approached you, Eva.”
Eva’s feet throbbed as she looked around her. Surely it was well past midnight and time to go home? “And I must do this again soon?”
“Yes. Possibly tomorrow night, depending on what invitations Daniel has accepted.”
Eva groaned as she slumped into the uncomfortable chair. She would never survive the remainder of the season.
“My dear Berengaria.”
Both she and Claire stiffened as Gilbert Huxley approached. His smile was a mere curl of the lips and his smooth looks, to her mind, made him appear reptilian.
“Lord Huxley. Good evening.” Eva stood and took Claire’s arm as she did the same.
“I did not realize you knew the Duchess of Stratton, Lord Huxley.” Claire’s tone could have frozen the Thames.
“Berengaria and I are old friends, Miss Belmont, aren’t we, my dear?”
His words made their association sound intimate and Eva prayed no one else heard them.
“Lord Huxley is an acquaintance of my father’s, Claire.” His eyes narrowed as she clarified their relationship.
“I am friend to all the Winchcombs, Miss Belmont. An acquaintance of long standing, you understand. And to that point, Berengaria, how are you enjoying your first foray into our ranks?”
“As a duchess, I have, of course, been welcomed with open arms, which should not surprise you, Lord Huxley, considering who my husband is.”
Claire squeezed her arm in support but remained silent. Perhaps she sensed the tension between Eva and Lord Huxley.
“Yes, you have undergone quite the transition from country maid to duchess, Berengaria.”
Eva withstood his eyes raking over her body.
“And now we shall dance for old time’s sake.” He held his hand toward her and Eva fought the urge to slap it aside.
“I had thought to sit this one out, Lord Huxley. I fear my feet are not yet accustomed to such vigorous exercise.” Eva did not want Daniel to see her talking or dancing with Lord Huxley, especially when he had expressly told her not to in the carriage on the way here.
“It is merely a gentle waltz, my dear Berengaria - nothing overzealous, I assure you.” He smiled at her, although the gesture failed to reach his eyes.
If she refused him would he cause a scene? Eva could not afford that to happen with so many eyes upon her. Perhaps she could dance and return to Claire before Daniel noticed she was with Lord Huxley.
“Eva, if you - ”
“I’m going to dance with Lord Huxley, Claire. I shall return soon.”
How could she suddenly feel so alone surrounded by so many people? Lord Huxley swung her into his arms, his fingers gripping hers so hard, she wanted to wince. But Eva knew how to hide what she felt.
“I knew you would dance like an angel, my dear. I hope to have the honor of partnering you often.”
Eva tried to keep the correct distance as he pulled her closer. It was the second waltz she realized, the dance she had promised to Daniel. If only her husband had come sooner to claim her then Huxley would not have approached and she would now be in the duke’s arms.#p#分页标题#e#
“I have no wish to dance with you again, Lord Huxley, and would ask you to keep your distance in the future.”
He laughed in her face. “I think not, Berengaria. In fact, you and I will be spending a great deal of time together. Otherwise, I may have to tell your husband how you gave away his grandfather’s ring.”
“My father told you what I gave him?”
“Of course. We are partners, your father and I, and you are now our most prized investment. We have quite a few plans for you.”
Eva tripped and Huxley pulled her briefly into his chest before setting her back on her feet.
“I will not allow you to threaten me, Lord Huxley, my husband will hear of it if you do,” Eva bluffed.
“Now, Berengaria, we both know that you will tell your husband nothing or I will slice him into pieces and return them to you in a small box, and that goes for your youngest brother, too.”
“You will never touch them!”