Chapter Nine

“I m so glad I was able to persuade your father to acquire this spacious house in Belgrave Square two years ago. The townhouse in St. James’s didn’t even have a ballroom.”

Georgina fastened Louisa’s diamond necklace, then did the same for Georgy.

A knock came on the bedchamber door, and Louisa opened it to find her brother Edward dressed in his naval uniform. “Oh, how very smart you look, Lieutenant Russell. Thank you for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss my sisters’ debutante ball. I see Jack is here, but do you know if Charles is coming?”

“Jack will be returning to Woburn tomorrow. But Charles arrived from Oxford last night. He passed his examinations with flying colors,” his mother said proudly.

“That means he’ll soon be wearing a uniform. Lord knows why he prefers the army.”

“Cavalry, I warrant. He’s mad about horses,” Lu explained.

“Well, at least we agree he’s mad,” Georgy quipped. “I expect your friend Teddy Holland will be here tonight, Edward?”

“Yes, it will be like an Oxford reunion. George Grey will be here, and James Hamilton.”

“We saw Abercorn at the theater recently. When I sent his invitation, I included one for his brother, Claud.” Georgina glanced in the mirror and tucked in an errant curl.

Louisa’s heart began to pound . Oh Mother, I wish you hadn’t invited Abercorn.

“Our guests will be arriving any moment. Your father has already gone downstairs to greet them.” She left and came back again. “Before I forget, your subscriptions for Almack’s arrived today, so don’t forget to be gracious to Sarah Jersey and Emily Cowper.”

“I hope Wriothesley is late,” Georgy told Edward. “I’d much rather you promenaded us around the ballroom to thank everyone for coming. The Reverend Bloody Russell is sure to put a damper on everyone’s fun.”

Edward winked. “The rectory at Chenies is quite a distance from London. He could very well be late arriving.”

“Shame on the pair of you,” Lu declared, trying not to laugh. “Perhaps we can persuade him to leave off his clerical collar.”

“I need a drink,” Edward declared. “I’ll meet you in the ballroom.”

“Lu, did you know that Lady Cowper has been Lord Palmerston’s mistress for years?” Georgy was fixated on the ton’s indiscretions.

“Where on earth do you hear all these salacious rumors?”

“I listen in when Mother and Lady Holland are talking. No one is spared. They gossip about everyone.” Georgy looked in the mirror. “Your dress is prettier than mine.” Louisa’s ball gown was blush pink, with tiny rosebuds around its décolleté neckline. The bodice was gathered in tiny pleats. Georgy, as usual, had chosen blue.

“You look lovely,” Lu reassured her. “Remember that gentlemen prefer blue.”

“Males have no interest in how a female dresses whatsoever . . . only in the way she undresses.” Georgy laughed. “Are you ready to parade your charms on the marriage market?”

Louisa shuddered. “I shall never be ready for that, I’m afraid.”

“Don’t be such a prude, Lu. Let me at ’em!”

With a sister on each arm, First Lieutenant Edward Russell slowly circled the ballroom. Georgy and Louisa greeted their guests and thanked them for coming. Two hundred invitations had been sent out, and by the looks of the crowd, most had accepted.

When they encountered Lord and Lady Cowper, the sisters curtsied. “Thank you for our subscription to Almack’s, my lady,” Lu murmured. She took a surreptitious glance at the earl.

“Lady Louisa, it is my distinct pleasure to approve you and your sister for membership.”

When they moved on, Georgy said, “One look at Peter Cowper tells you why Emily prefers Palmerston’s bed.”

In answer, Louisa merely rolled her eyes.

Edward stopped before Wriothesley and his wife Eliza, who had finally arrived.

“Georgy—Louisa, I apologize profusely for being late. The carriages are backed up to Kensington Road. I had no idea there would be such a crush.”

“Don’t worry about being late, Reverend. I stepped in and took over your duties.”

Louisa stood on tiptoe to kiss her brother’s cheek. “Take no notice of him, Wrioth. Edward was dying to show off his new uniform. You look lovely, Eliza. Thank you both for coming.”

Georgy looked pointedly at her eldest brother’s clerical collar. “I’m sure Father would be happy to lend you one of his neck cloths.”

“That remark was unworthy of you, Georgy,” Wriothesley scolded. Both Louisa and Edward had the decency to flush.

It took the best part of an hour for the sisters to greet everyone in the ballroom. Then came the ritual first dance. The Earl of Bedford partnered his eldest daughter, while Lord John did the honors with Lady Louisa.

“I predict a most successful season, Lu. There’s a plethora of bachelors here to partner you.”

“I’d much rather dance alone. I don’t enjoy following a man’s lead.”

Johnny smiled at her. “Someday you’ll meet your match and all that will change.”

He saw Abercorn across the room. “Perhaps sooner than you think.”

Lu deftly changed the subject. “Congratulations on your appointment as paymaster of the forces, Johnny.”

“Being a personal friend of the prime minister has its rewards.”

“You know damn well you got the appointment on your own merits. Politics is your great passion. I warrant that’s why you never married.”

“Is that a fact? It just so happens I have my eye on a very pretty widow. And since you brought up the subject of marriage, I know it is anathema to you, but your parents have high hopes for you. Don’t reject out of hand all the proposals you’ll receive.”

“Johnny, are you in love?” she asked eagerly.

“Why do you ask?”

“I once thought I was in love with Edwin Landseer,” she confessed. “But it turned out to be a silly infatuation.”

Johnny frowned. “He didn’t make advances toward you, did he?”

“Good heavens, no! Lanny has always behaved like a perfect gentleman.” For which I shall be eternally grateful. It was wicked of me to suspect he was having an affair with Mother.

The Duke of Bedford and Lord John switched partners, so that Lady Louisa could be partnered by her father in the first dance of the ball. She saw his mouth tighten and knew his leg was paining him.

Her father stopped before James Hamilton. “Abercorn, I relinquish my daughter into your safekeeping.”

Louisa was speechless as the dark Irish devil took her hand in his and slipped his other arm around her. “You look extremely beautiful tonight.”

She knew she should accept the compliment graciously or at least smile, but she could not bring herself to respond in any way. In a separate part of her mind, she acknowledged that he was an accomplished dancer and in spite of herself she was swept back to the night of the kissing dance. She stiffened with resistance.

“Lady Louisa, you are radiating hostility toward me, yet I can think of no reason why you should be bristling with animosity. Would you care to enlighten me?”

She raised her lashes and glared into his dark eyes. “The afternoon of the Woburn hunt I saw you at the lake with my sister.”

James was taken aback. He had no idea anyone, let alone Louisa, had witnessed his encounter with Georgy. “When I returned from the hunt I went for a swim in the lake. I came upon your sister by accident. We were both acutely embarrassed.”

“You didn’t exact a price for returning her necklace?” she demanded.

“If that’s what you think—if that’s what you truly think of me, we can never be friends.” The first dance ended. James bowed politely and walked away. Teddy Fox was at her elbow, ready to partner her in the next dance. Her thoughts filled with Abercorn, she allowed Teddy to take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor.

With all the men away on the hunt that day, perhaps Georgy went to the lake to swim. She doffs her clothes at the drop of a hat. Is it possible their meeting was accidental and not a sexual encounter?

“You’re completely ignoring me,” Teddy complained.

“I’m sorry . . . I was concentrating on the dance steps.”

“Is anyone courting you, Louisa?”

“Of course not.” She finally focused her attention on him. “Why do you ask?”

He grinned at her. “I want to be in the running. A political wife would be a distinct advantage in her husband’s career.”

“Your compliment overwhelms me, you silver-tongued devil,” she teased. “If wedding the daughter of the Duke of Bedford is vital to your career, I suggest you make an offer for Georgy.” The music ended and George Grey was waiting to partner her.

“You are the prettiest lady in London, Louisa. I would lay my heart at your feet, except that there are at least two others ready to do the same.”

“And who might they be, George?” she asked lightly.

“Teddy Fox and James Hamilton, of course.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “I have no intention of marrying until I’m at least thirty.”

George squeezed her hand. “Then perhaps I stand a chance.”

Between dances, Louisa sought out her sister. “Georgy, did Abercorn ask you for anything in exchange for returning your diamonds?”

“If only,” she said, licking her lips suggestively.

“Georgy, I’m serious!”

“If you must know, Abercorn totally disapproves of me. I don’t stand a chance with the handsome devil, Lu. I’m not prim and proper enough for his taste.”

He found you swimming naked and could not hide his disapproval. O Lord, James was telling the truth. I owe him an apology.

“Louisa, darling, you remember Henry Petty, Marquis of Lansdowne? He partnered me in the opening dance at my own debut ball. Prime Minister Grey has just named Henry president of the council.” Her mother gestured toward a young man who resembled the marquis. “This is his son, Tom, Lord Kerry.”

“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, my lord.”

“May I partner you in the next dance, Lady Louisa?”

She gave him a gracious smile, though her heart wasn’t in it. “I would be honored.”

When the dance turned out to be a cotillion where everyone changed partners, she hoped she would get a chance to again dance with Abercorn. After a few different partners, she found herself face-to-face with Hamilton. When the music began, he made no move to take her in his arms. “James,” she said breathlessly, “it seems I owe you an apology . . . an abject apology. Will you accept it?”

“When you beg so prettily, how can I possibly resist?” he teased.

“You devil! I wouldn’t beg you for anything, as well you know.”

“When you are angry, your green eyes glitter like emeralds.” Oh Lady Lu, someday you will beg me to make love to you. The anticipation is delicious.

The music stopped and another partner swept her into the dance. She noted that the young Earl of Edgecombe had no chin and a deep sigh of regret escaped her lips. The dance ended and Edgecombe delivered her to Lord John, who was conversing with Abercorn and her cousin, Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond. Johnny and Charlie had been friends since they were boys.

She focused her attention on her cousin. “Hello, Charlie. I haven’t seen you for ages. Perhaps I’ll visit the House of Lords while I’m in London.” The moment she said it, she regretted it. Abercorn was now in the Lords. The Irish devil will think I’m attracted to him. She stole a glance at him and saw the amusement in his eyes.

“In that case, I’ll do my duty and dance with the debutante,” Charlie declared.

“Your gallantry underwhelms me,” Louisa teased.

As the couple glided onto the dance floor, Johnny remarked to James, “She is so like her mother. Both Charlie and I adored Georgina when we were boys.”

Just then, Johnny’s eldest brother joined him. “Hello, Francis. I didn’t expect to see you here. This is James Hamilton, Marquis of Abercorn . . . James, meet my brother, Marquis of Tavistock.”

Francis nodded curtly. “Decided to see for myself how much money the woman is lavishing on her daughters’ debutante ball. There must be two hundred here.”

James was shocked. The woman he referred to was his stepmother and it was clear he begrudged the Duchess of Bedford spending the duke’s money on her daughters. The loving camaraderie of the Russell siblings did not extend to the heir.

“Surely launching both our sisters at one ball is rather frugal,” Johnny suggested.

“Stepsisters,” Francis corrected. “ Frugal isn’t in Georgina’s vocabulary.” His mouth tightened. “The day will come when she has a catastrophic awakening.” Having pronounced his dire prediction, Francis stalked off.

Johnny shook his head regretfully. “When Father became the Duke of Bedford, he found out that Woburn was two hundred and fifty thousand pounds in debt, thanks to his late brother’s profligate spending habits. He kept it from Georgina and from us, of course, but when Francis reached his majority and learned of the debt through the attorneys, he was outraged. He lives in fear of inheriting liabilities along with the assets.”

An alarm bell went off in Abercorn’s head. Georgina’s catastrophic awakening would come about when the Duke of Bedford died. By the sound of the vindictive heir, he intended to swoop in and disinherit the present duchess and her children. An overwhelming desire to protect Louisa from the avaricious swine rose up in James.

He saw his brother Claud laughing with Charles Russell, so he and Johnny went to join them. “Have you danced with the debutantes yet?” James asked Claud.

“I’ve danced with Georgy, but Louisa is too much in demand. There’s a long line of bachelors vying to partner her, I’m afraid.”

Charles gave James a rueful glance. He knew how his friend felt about Lu. “Sorry about that, but you can take solace in the fact none of them have taken her fancy.”

James winked. “None except me. She just isn’t ready to admit it yet.”

Claud thumped his brother’s shoulder. “Conceited devil.”

“When do the Scottish reels begin?” James inquired.

“Not until after midnight. The guests have to be two sheets to the wind before they are ready to shed their inhibitions and attempt the Highland fling.”

“That gives us time to sip the bubbly and taste some of that delicious Spey salmon,” Claud suggested.

“Good idea,” Johnny agreed. “If we go to the supper room early, we won’t be trampled by the crowd.”

They each picked up a glass of champagne. “Let’s drink to Lord John’s appointment as paymaster,” James suggested.

After the toast Charles asked, “Who else can we drink to?”

Claud, tongue firmly in cheek, said, “Let’s drink to Lord Palmerston. I understand Prime Minister Grey has made him secretary of state for foreign affairs.”

The Russell brothers laughed. It was not lost on them that the Hamilton brothers’ stepfather, the Earl of Aberdeen, had previously held the post.

“I think I will announce a kissing dance, ” Georgina informed her friend Beth.

Lady Holland laughed. “There’s no such thing. I made it up the night of Georgy’s birthday ball.”

Georgina laughed merrily. “It was the highlight of the evening. I shall announce one and see if it sets a new fashion.” She instructed the musicians and then held up her hands for silence. She announced the kissing dance to the guests and explained how it worked. Then she asked Lord Holland to partner her.

Louisa drew in a swift breath as memories of Abercorn’s kiss came flooding back to her. Not only had it been her first kiss, it had been her last. She glanced around the ballroom but did not see James Hamilton. Young Lord Edgecombe asked her to dance and she accepted only because she knew she would be constantly changing partners.

The floor was crowded because everyone wanted to participate. Anticipation and laughter filled the air each time the music stopped, then started again.

When the kissing dance finally ended, Louisa found herself dancing with Ned Turnour, the young Earl of Winterton. He grinned down at her. “I have captured the belle of the ball.” He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers.

Louisa waited for the magic to begin. After anticipating her second kiss, she felt only disappointment. Apart from that, she felt nothing. Her head did not spin, her pulse did not race, her heart did not pound, her breasts did not tingle, and her knees did not turn to water. She opened her eyes and saw by the look on his handsome face that Winterton had been aroused by the kiss, though she had been completely unmoved.

Abercorn returned to the ballroom just as the music ended, and less than three feet away he saw Louisa gazing up at her dancing partner. His eyes narrowed as he watched Winterton’s head dip and take possession of her lips. To James, Louisa’s kisses were no trifling matter. Without hesitation he stepped forward, took her hand, and drew her into his arms. He pressed her close and watched her lashes sweep down to brush her cheeks as his mouth captured hers in a sensual kiss, designed to steal her senses.

Lu instantly experienced myriad sensations. His familiar male scent stole to her, filling her head with delicious fancies. Her mouth softened and her nipples ruched as the hard muscles of his chest pressed against her breasts. She stood on tiptoe and her arms reached up around his neck. She clung to him with an innocent desire she could not control. When the kiss ended, a sigh escaped her lips before she opened her eyes. But when she raised her lashes and saw the look of possession in his dark eyes, it threatened her. She wanted to slap him, but instead she laughed to show him the kiss meant nothing to her but a mere trifle.

Young Earl Winterton stepped toward her, with a frown furrowing his brow.

“Did you want something, Winterton?” James demanded.

Ned stepped back. “No . . . No . . . Not a thing, Abercorn.”

Louisa watched Winterton retreat into the crowd. “You intimidated the poor devil.”

“Can I help it if he slunk off with his tail between his legs?”

“He’s not a hunting dog.”

“Oh, he was hunting all right and had scented his prey.”

“You are the last person I want to ride to my rescue.”

His eyes filled with amusement. “I shall be the first . . . and the last.”

“You arrogant Irish devil!”

He winked. “You’re half right.”

Louisa left him and went to find her sister. “Georgy, you look extremely pleased with yourself. Who got to kiss you?”

“It was William Cavendish, Lord Burlington. He’s heir to the Duke of Devonshire! Wouldn’t it be absolutely fabulous if he offered for me?”

“Don’t get your hopes up if you’ve only just met him, Georgy,” Lu cautioned.

“I warrant he’s the best catch here tonight—in fact, he’s the best catch in England. My kiss completely aroused him,” she whispered. “When he pressed his cock into my belly, I slipped my hand between our bodies and squeezed it.”

Louisa was at a loss for words. She wanted to caution her sister about being promiscuous but knew she would call her a prude. “Be careful, Georgy.”

“Don’t worry. I shall be discreet. I have more sense than to let anyone see the cunning tricks I get up to.”

Georgina Russell spoke with the musicians and raised her hands. “Choose your partners for the Duchess of Bedford strathspey, ladies and gentlemen.”

“Your beauty overwhelms me. May I partner you in the reel, Lady Louisa?” Adolphus Seymour, heir to the Duke of Somerset, gazed at her with adoration.

Louisa gave him a radiant smile. “It would be my pleasure, Lord Seymour.”

He raised her hand to his lips with reverence and led her onto the floor. The Scottish strathspey began with a slow, dignified tempo, but the rhythm picked up and went faster and faster as the reel progressed. The dancers picked up their heels and threw caution to the wind as they abandoned themselves to the music. The tune ended, leaving the dancers breathless but ready for more fun and laughter.

Louisa curtsied to her partner and turned with concern to her brother Jack, who had been dancing close by. She thought his eyes had a glazed look. “Are you all right, Jack?” She took his arm and led him from the floor. “Did you take your medicine?”

“I remembered to bring it from Woburn, but I forgot to take it today.”

“I’ll come up with you. Can you manage the stairs?” Louisa’s heart was in her mouth until they reached the top step. She opened his chamber door, sat him down in a chair, and found the betony syrup. She couldn’t find a spoon, so she held the bottle to his lips. “Jack, you’d better rest for a while until you’re feeling better.”

Louisa closed the door softly and made her way along the hall. When she passed the bedchamber she shared with Georgy, she heard something move inside. Assuming it was her sister, she opened the door. In the dimness she saw the outline of a male and as her eyes adjusted to the shadowy light, she saw her sister crouching before him on her hands and knees. She could not see what Georgy was doing, but it must have been some sort of sex act. Lu closed the door quickly, deeply shocked at her sister’s reckless behavior. She didn’t see me—she had her back to the door. Whoever he is didn’t see me either. He was too busy moaning with pleasure. Louisa didn’t know what to do. She was loath to cause a scene, but in all conscience she wanted to put a stop to whatever was going on. Finally she rapped sharply on the bedroom door and hurried back to the ballroom.

Louisa kept watch for her sister’s return. Georgy entered the ballroom alone, so Lu did not learn her partner’s identity. It wasn’t long before she discovered it, however.

Georgy, looking like the cat that had swallowed the cream, confided to her sister, “I have engaged the attention of the most sought-after bachelor in London. William Cavendish is hot for me!”

“Please be careful. He may promise anything to get what he wants.”

“What he wants is me !” Georgy tossed her head and walked away.

The next strathspey was the “Duchess of Richmond.” Neil Gow, the famous Scottish fiddler, had composed it especially for Lady Charlotte Gordon when she was a girl. Louisa stood with her brother Charles, as they watched both their mother and her sister Charlotte dance the strathspey with amazing gusto.

“I took Jack upstairs,” Louisa confided. “He looked a bit glassy-eyed.”

“When the reel ends, I’ll go up and check on him.”

The “Gey Gordons” was announced and everyone began choosing a partner. William Cavendish bowed before Louisa. “It is high time I partnered the beauty of the family.”

She stared at him, aghast, and made the first excuse she could think of. “I am so sorry, Lord Burlington. I promised the next reel to Abercorn.” She looked around in a panic. “Ah, there he is with my father. Please excuse me.”

She hurried to Hamilton’s side. “Would you partner me in the ‘Gey Gordons,’ James?”

“It would be my pleasure, Louisa.” As he led her onto the floor, a teasing light came into his eyes. “You must have an ulterior motive, Lady Lu.”

She raised her chin and looked him directly in the eye. “Oh, I do. I want to see how well you acquit yourself in a Scottish reel.”

“We were dancing reels and jigs in Ireland long before the Scots laid claim to them.”

“Name me one,” she challenged.

“ ‘Fig for a Kiss’ is a popular one. Then there’s my favorite, ‘The Ladies’ Pantaloons.’ ”

Louisa tried not to laugh, but she didn’t succeed. “You are a vulgar devil.”

He grinned. “And then some.”