Free The Curious Rogue by Joan Vincent Page B

dismissed the subject.
    “I told Elizabeth you were a bloody good sport,” Sir Henry chuckled. “Haven’t laughed so much in years,” he admitted. “Don’t judge the girl too harshly. She tends to fly into the boughs but is a good sort. Bit down of late, worried about her brother and all. Brought her to London to cheer her.”
    “Poor Elizabeth.” Lady Waddington sat beside Lady Juliane. “The most shocking incident happened to her two months past. A villain forced his way into the coach which was bringing the dear girl to my brother. Well, of course, this nearly frightened her to death. Fortunately no harm came to her, but she has been most unsettled ever since.”
    She sighed heavily. “It is most natural for one with her delicate sensibilities.”
    Tretain, saw Cavilon surreptitiously scan the ballroom, and noticed his mouth twitch as if fighting off laughter. He asked, “Where did this unfortunate incident occur?”
    “I do believe I shall try to find Miss Jeffries,” Cavilon said before answer could be given. Excusing himself with a flutter of his lace, he gyrated away.
    The simple gown Elizabeth wore was easily noticeable among the more elaborate dresses of the other women present. Taking two goblets of champagne from a passing footman, Cavilon headed towards her.
    When he was but a few paces from his quarry, Elizabeth saw him. Her jaw clenched determinedly, and she walked hurriedly away, disappearing in the crush of dancers pausing between sets.
    “La, I just knew you ladies were hoping for some refreshment,” Cavilon remarked, handing the champagne to two very startled dowagers. “My compliments, my dears,” he drawled, bowing exaggeratedly, and followed Miss Jeffries.
    Elizabeth, using the skills she had garnered and honed to perfection in evading the suitors set upon her by Sir Henry and Lady Madeline, succeeded in evading the comte.
    Hampered because he did not wish to be seen obviously pursuing the lady, Cavilon paused to consider a course of action. Deep in thought, he tapped his cheek impatiently. A sudden inspiration dawned. A smile came as he located Miss Jeffries being led into a country set by Tretain.
    “Why, my lord Cavilon, isn’t this just the loveliest ball yet this season?” A heavy hand halted him as he was about to walk towards the pair. “Lady Tretain has such... extraordinary taste. Imagine, a May fair,” Lady Reed gushed effusively. “I was just telling my Barbara...”
    “Ah, Miss Reed. ” Cavilon bowed with a flourish. “Do you think, Lady Reed, that I might lead your delightful daughter in this set?” he asked, seeking to escape the mother as quickly as possible.
    “Oh, my,” her ladyship trilled. “My, yes. Off you go,” she twittered. Watching them walk away, she preened proudly. “And they said no one could take Comtede Cavilon’s interest.”
    Miss Reed, however, did not share her mother’s delight at this singular honour. Her natural temerity was not aided by the comte ’s impenetrable manner. He led her through the entire set without a single word. With the last chord of the song fading, she eagerly awaited being returned to her mama and started when, instead, the comte led her across the ballroom. “Let me introduce you to our host Miss Reed.
    “Dear Tretain.” Cavilon strove to regain his usual nasal drawl. “May I present Miss Reed? Miss Reed, the Earl of Tretain. I know you have been waiting the opportunity of dancing with Miss Reed, my lord. So happy to oblige you.” Cavilon deftly laid the young miss’s hand in the earl’s and led Miss Jeffries away before a word was said by anyone.
    Tretain, recovering from his surprise, turned to Miss Reed and began at once to put her at ease.
    “You will honour me with this dance,” Cavilon told Elizabeth, barely glancing at her as they joined the assembling dancers.
    “As you wish,” she answered, acknowledging this minor defeat graciously, while noting the danger of pausing in the centre of a