Free Time for a Duke by Ruth J. Hartman Page A

opened the large ornate doors, Charles escorted Izzy inside. She stood motionless, uncertain what to do next. When she glanced up at Charles, she relaxed as he squeezed her hand and led her further into the foyer. She'd have to follow his lead, because without him, she'd be a quivering mass of gelatin.
    Her slippers padded on the dark green floor runner. Christmas wreaths and garlands of holly decorated the walls. When they rounded the corner to the entrance of the ballroom, Izzy's breath caught. High vaulted ceilings sported several crystal chandeliers, and the marble floor had been buffed to a shine.
    She glanced around the huge room and noticed tables with refreshments and chairs placed along the walls. When she turned her head back toward Charles, she realized he must have been watching for her reaction. He grinned, giving her hand a gentle pat.
    "Is it to your liking, Lady Isabella?"
    "Yes, your grace. It's quite impressive."
    "Excellent. Shall we make some introductions?"
    Izzy swallowed down a lump in her throat. "Certainly, your grace." As she and Charles headed toward the herd of curious onlookers, her stomach gurgled. Her legs tingled like the day she'd been locked in Charles' closet, and she mentally scolded herself. Not now. Please not now. I don ' t want to embarrass Charles.
    Charles leaned close, whispering so only she could hear. "Remember, Isabella, try to only speak when spoken to, and in as few words as possible. Hopefully it will make it easier for you."
    Izzy nodded. Ready or not, ladies and lords of the ton , here I come.
    ****
    Charles kept his hand over Isabella's, which rested on his forearm. He felt her trembling. As he angled his head down in the vicinity of her ear, he whispered, "Fear not, Isabella, things will be fine. Remember, I am a duke. Dukes garner respect from the ton ."
    Isabella's lips curved upward, making Charles shiver, but for quite different reasons. Yes, he loved showing her off to the ton , but would rather be alone with her, as in the carriage on their way to the ball.
    "Let's introduce you to Lord and Lady Kringle, as they are our hosts for the ball."
    "All right, Charles — I mean, your grace."
    Charles felt his own lips curve. "Well done, Lady Isabella." He gave her fingers a squeeze as they approached Lord and Lady Kringle. While he kept a steadying hold on Isabella's hand, he guided her toward the couple.
    "Lord and Lady Kringle, may I present Lady Isabella Hodgkin."
    Lady Kringle tilted her head. "How lovely to meet you, Lady Isabella."
    Isabella performed a shallow curtsy. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Kringle."
    Lord Kringle raised his bushy eyebrows. "You are most welcome in our home, Lady Isabella." Switching his gaze from Isabella to Charles, he lowered his voice. "Your grace, do I detect a certain…" The lord seemed to think better of his words and cast his gaze somewhere in the vicinity of Charles left ear.
    "My lord, you do indeed detect an accent far from our own. Lady Isabella is from America." He held up a finger before the other man could react. "She is visiting relatives. Surely you're familiar with Lord Edward Hodgkin, Viscount of Stonebrooke Manor?" Charles held his breath. He knew the lord would not contradict him in public. How he chose to speculate in private was another matter. Would he pass along Charles' version of the truth?
    Lord Kringle blinked and then nodded. "Of course, your grace, of course. I've had the pleasure of making Lord Edward Hodgkin's acquaintance on many occasions. Fine fellow. Good family."
    Charles bit his lip to hold in a snort. Being a duke did have its advantages. He could say the sky was purple and lord and ladies would flock to admire it.
    Lady Kringle nodded at Charles and Isabella. "Please enjoy your evening at the ball."
    Isabella let out a deep breath after politely thanking Lady Kringle.
    As they walked away, Charles leaned close to Isabella. "You were wonderful. I knew you could do it."
    She whispered back, "Thank you. But