“Yes, of course. I will have Papa make an announcement in tomorrow’s paper.” Good evening, Your Grace. And thank you.” Lady Beth curtsied and left as gracefully as she arrived. Thomas grimaced, convinced he would probably forever tell himself he did the right thing for Amesbury’s sake. But had he?
His eyes found Emma and Major Fontaine. They took the floor as the first strings of a waltz were played. He swore under his breath. Who could he dance with to get closer to them? Ahh…Myles’s sister, Marissa, had just arrived with her mother. The duke decided it was time to make his move.
Making his way around the crowd, he finally reached Marissa, took her hand, and bowed over it. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, Lady Marissa?”
Marissa eyed him suspiciously. Damn, she knew me too well. However, she took pity on him and placed her gloved hand on his arm and allowed him to lead her to the floor.
“And to whom do I owe this honor of a dance with you? Did my brother put you up to this?” She laughed, her eyes roaming the room. “Did he think no one would ask me to dance this evening? Does he have so little faith in my abilities to charm the gentlemen that he had to beg his friend, a duke no less, to take pity on me?”
Thomas found himself so enjoying Marissa’s witty company that he nearly forgot about Emma. But not completely, as he managed quite nicely to maneuver them so they danced side by side. The sight of the major’s hand on Emma had Thomas’s body coiling up so tight, he almost missed a step.
Marissa eyed him curiously. “Come now, Your Grace, what has you tense and frowning so?”
He leaned close so no one could hear. “Now what gave you the idea I was tense? And I hardly ever frown.”
“If you say so.” She laughed and followed his eyes to Emma. “She is quite beautiful. Who is she?”
“Miss Emma Hamilton, my ward.”
“Ahh, so that is the lady Myles speaks of so fondly.” She grinned, her emerald eyes alight. “So that vision of loveliness is the mysterious lady you and Myles went to America to collect? I have heard she has many suitors clamoring for her favor.” Marissa fluttered her lashes. “Are you one of those vying for her attention, Your Grace?”
He found himself chuckling. “You always did know how to read me.”
Marissa laughed. “It is not hard to read your interest, when you have barely taken your eyes off her. And if looks could kill, the poor soldier dancing with her would be dead and buried.” Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “So tell me, are you in love with her?”
“Marissa, you always were impertinent and forward with your words. God help the gentleman who captures your heart.”
“You and Myles can rest easy, as there is not one gentleman here that interests me.” She paused and glanced around. “Where is your brother?”
The mention of Sebastian caused his heart to skip a beat. “He has left for America to handle Hamilton Oil for me.”
There was no mistaking the disappointment on Marissa’s face. Suddenly it was as though the flame had been snuffed out of her exuberant self.
“I’m sorry, I had no idea,” Thomas mumbled, as more guilt hit him. He truly had not known Marissa was sweet on his brother. When had they spent time together?
“It is just a girlhood crush. I’m sure if he were in attendance this evening I wouldn’t even notice him.”
Her words contradicted her expression, and Thomas found himself pitying her. Did Myles know his sister had feelings for Sebastian? He could not, or he would have mentioned it. And if he had mentioned it, Thomas would have been damn sure his brother stayed in England. Now it was too late.
The waltz came to an end, and Thomas escorted a somber Marissa back to her mother. Begging his leave, he approached Emma. Bowing over her hand, never taking his eyes off her sky-blue ones, he asked, “May I have the pleasure of this next dance?”
Emma blushed, causing his heart to pound furiously against his ribs. “Would you mind terribly if we sat this one out? I’m parched and could use some punch.”
“Fine. May I escort you to the refreshment table?” He held out his elbow and waited for her to take his arm. Emma hesitated until he thought she would refuse…so it was a shock when she placed her small gloved hand there. He nearly melted from her touch. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Why, yes, I am. Are you, Your Grace?” she asked shyly.
Emma, shy. What game was she playing with him? “Yes, I am. I would like to introduce you to Marissa, Myles’s sister, my waltz partner. I believe you would get along splendidly.” He recognized they were alike in many ways.