Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

AUGUSTA

A s I whirl about on some duke, earl, baron, or viscount's arm, my gaze never strays far from Portswell. He stands at the edge of the dance floor, simply glowering at me with each turn about the room I take. If the poor man is jealous, then he only has himself to blame.

Not once did he offer to dance with me or find a place on my card. No. He's more concerned with who I'm entertaining. Besides, we're in public. It's not as if I can do anything untoward here. Not with everyone watching.

Unfortunately, I'm not well acquainted with the Duke of Whiteham's London house, and so finding a spot where I may hide away while I concoct my plan is proving difficult. Turning back to my partner, I do my best to give them a bright smile. The last thing I want is to have more suspicion cast upon me.

The dances seem to go forever, and every so often, I do wonder if I should have taken Portswell up on his advice to pace them out so as to not overexert myself. My backside aches as I move about, pretending to be in the best of health. But then, the stubborn man probably already knows that.

Another quick glance his way, and our eyes lock. His gaze sears me to the soul, robbing me of breath. How are we not the best match of the Ton? How can he not see what is clearly right in front of his face?

All too soon, the number ends, and I'm led back to my little cadre of supporters. Off to the side, Miss Campbell beams at me and claps her hands in delight.

"Oh, but your feet look as if they never touch the floor. How are you so well accomplished? I've tried to master the steps but still feel like a clumsy fool whenever I take even a small step."

"Come now," Norhaven booms behind us, causing Miss Campbell to jolt forward. "I have seen you dance and find you neither clumsy nor inept."

A light flush creeps up her neck as we curtsy to the newcomer. "Your praise is most appreciated, Your Grace. If only it were enough to snag the sights of a willing suitor."

I study the duke as he clears his throat and loosens his cravat. "Take heart, Miss Campbell. Once the current ladies of the season are spoken for, I'm sure another will come to claim you."

Her face falls, but it is so imperceptible, I might miss it if I were not watching. Poor thing. I know what it's like to be besotted with one who will not yield. Doing my best to change the subject, I lift my shoulders and look out onto the floor where Lord Harhall makes his way forward.

"I do say I am rather intrigued by Lord Harhall. He seems quite the gentleman. Portswell takes some unknown umbrage with him but refuses to tell me what it is. Perhaps you can enlighten me, Your Grace?"

Norhaven's blue eyes quickly slide over to Portswell. "If Portswell is against a match between the two of you, he must have his reasons. I've never known this man to be unreasonable."

"Fie," I cry out, a laugh rippling along the word. "I dare say most men seem to have a penchant for being unreasonable. What say you, Miss Campbell?"

The look Norhaven cuts her is unable to be missed. There's such heat in their glances, such unspoken words. Eventually, the omega bows and gives a shy smile.

"I fear I cannot say what a man's penchant is. I believe men and women alike have the ability to not see reason."

"Well said," Portswell says, nodding in agreement.

But of course he would. Sullen, I turn from the group and seek out my next partner. Without fail, he approaches and bows, once more going for my hand. This time, his lips descend even lower. It's not quite a kiss, but the heat of his breath stings me through the gloves.

"Lord Harhall," Portswell grinds out. "Take care with my charge. I will do all I can to ensure this dance is without scandal."

The man lays a hand over his heart and laughs. "What think you, Miss Hunt? Do you think me capable of causing a scandal?"

"That is not for her to answer," Portswell grinds out, his tone laced with a warning growl.

"As a woman who can speak for herself," I interject, ignoring the glare my duke sends over. "I have no knowledge of you in this manner. Are you indeed scandalous? I fear I must find out."

"A plucky spirit," he grins, extending his arm. "I do so love interacting with a woman with spirit."

"Be sure she returns to us just the same as when you've extracted her from my side." This time, there's no denying the tenor of his voice as he sneers at the man.

I cannot resist the urge to tease the man. "Careful, Portswell. You do not wish others here to think you are giving him the cut. With a man of your honor and integrity, that would be a slight unforgivable. Would it not?" If he notices my emphasis on the words honor and integrity, he does not show it.

Not that he would. He is, after all, a vision chiseled in stone. Doing my best to put on a carefree air, I walk out to the floor with Lord Harhall. After we all partner up for the quadrille, the music swells as we step in time.

"Do I dare hope you might hold some affection for me?" Lord Harhall murmurs by my side as we do the intricate steps. "Or is your championing of me in pursuit of another?"

I do my best to hide my giggle as we turn around before standing off to the side for the others to take their turn.

"I have been warned against you, you know. But none will tell me why."

He gives me a dashing smile that would be sure to turn anyone's head if their heart were not already spoken for. Unfortunately, I can also see the darkness lurking deep in his eyes. No matter how large he smiles, it looms there like a storm on the horizon.

"You mustn't believe everything you hear, Miss. London deals in secrets, lies, and false aspersions." Pausing, we take up again with the group and keep our conversation light until we are off to ourselves once more.

"Though I know nearly nothing about you, I feel that you are a man who enjoys a spot of fun. Do I assume correctly?"

His throaty chuckle gathers the attention of several people, including my guardian. "Do you mean to play a prank on the stuffy Duke of Portswell?"

"Why, one and the same. It seems as if we are of one mind."

"In some manner. I do so wish you'd be willing to turn your devious attention toward me. But, alas, a gentleman knows when he is bested. How may I be of service?"

I resist the urge to roll my eyes at his proclamations. "Are you well acquainted with this residence?"

"Whiteham and I are fast friends. I know this location as I do the back of my hand. What do you need to know?"

We join back up with the group and dance, my irritation rising to the surface. The dance is almost done, and I have no means to fully communicate what I wish. As we bow, I look up at him, noting how Portswell hovers on the fringe, waiting for me to return.

"I will make leave to freshen up. Perhaps we can meet then?"

"Oh, I do love a good intrigue. But take care, Miss Hunt. It is far too easy to get caught up in the wrong company."

"Do you proclaim to be such company?"

Before he can answer, Portswell comes over to us and cups my elbow, yanking me away from my new ally. "The dance has been concluded, Lord Harhall. Your presence is no longer necessary."

He gives the duke a wicked grin as he leans forward. "With such a lady in attendance, I fear my presence will always be necessary. I concede for the moment, but only for the moment. She has, in fact, dances still free on her card. That is, if I'm not mistaken."

Without saying a word, Portswell grabs my card and pencils his name down for the next open spot. "Seems as if she's quite occupied. But I thank you for your concern. I must insist she rest for a spell before taking to the dance floor again."

"What a brilliant idea," Lord Harhall sneers, no doubt goading the duke. "Shall I fetch the lady some punch? I fear our excursions on the dance floor have left her quite parched."

Portswell takes a step forward but is thwarted by Norhaven sliding in between them. "Now, gentlemen. Whatever differences you may have, I suggest you battle them out in parliament. Now is not the time nor the occasion." He flashes a bright smile to all those milling around, hopefully putting them at ease.

The duke harrumphs and straightens his jacket. "‘Tis only fair to keep private business private. But understand this. Lady Hunt is under my guardianship and will remain so until Lord Hardon returns. Once he is back, he will decide who is desirable for his sister."

The baron crosses his arms, seemingly bored with the conversation. "And I trust you'll make it your business to inform him I'm undesirable? You cannot possibly allow another man to think for themself?"

Norhaven rests a hand on Lord Harhall's shoulder and urges him to back away. "No good will come from this line of conversation. I believe it's best to allow this woman peace while you prey on some other upstart."

His gaze slices over to Norhaven, his entire demeanor shifting. In that scant moment, he goes from personable to predator. Despite keeping control of my emotions, a shudder goes down my spine, making me shiver in the icy blast of his expression.

"You would do well to keep your opinions of my purpose to yourself. You never know who may hear tale and form the wrong conclusions." Turning from the others, he bows in front of me and winks. "You were a magnificent partner, Lady Hunt. I look forward to a repeat performance at some other venue. Hopefully without your watch dogs to guard you."

Before the dukes can so much as move a muscle, he slips into the gathering crowd. My heart pounds in my chest as they eventually disperse, their entertainment now lacking. What have I gotten myself into?

Miss Campbell stands next to me, a glass in her hands. With shaky fingers, I take it from her and take a sip. The slight burn calms my nerves as I watch Portswell and Norhaven converse. Perhaps this idea is a bit foolhardy, even for me. But as I watch his fingers flex, my core clenches with abject need.

He's the only one to truly see me, to truly understand me. If I don't make this happen, then I fear I will never have the one person who can make the buzzing in my brain stop. I'd rather it be at his punishing hand than the strangers of Bedlam.

Besides, as my brother's best friend, who better to walk me down the aisle and take me in hand? Truly, I can think of no other. Certainly not Lord Harhall. There's something in his eyes, a darkness I cannot understand or fathom. Though he seems jovial enough, I fear he might turn on me at the worst possible second.

Still… he's the only option I have. Sipping on the drink, I watch as the dancers whirl about for a few numbers until I catch Lord Harhall's glance. It is time.

I give Lady Cambell my glass and place the back of my hand on top of my forehead. "You were correct, Portswell. All this dancing has me quite fatigued. Miss Campbell and I should freshen up."

Taking the bait, he shakes his head and brings up his shoulders. "Your aunt will attend you, or you will not leave this spot."

I do my best to hide the small smile as I look over at my aged guardian. Even now, dark bags line her eyes. I need but have her sit for a moment, and she'll drift off.

"As you wish, Your Grace."