Free Gayle Buck by Hearts Betrayed Page B

sparkled through unshed tears. “You are cruel and unfeeling. I despise what you have become, my lord!” she said in a low voice.
    “What I have become is solely owing to your gracious influence, mademoiselle. If you come to despise me even half as deeply as I hold you in contempt, then I shall be well content,” Lord Randol said harshly.
    Michele turned from him and stumbled blindly away. Her control was very nearly shattered to pieces. It hurt to breathe as she forced back the uneven sobs that threatened to escape her. She blundered into someone and rocked from the impact. “Pardon?"
    Hands steadied her. “Mademoiselle du Bois! Are you quite all right?”
    Michele focused on the concerned countenance before her. She made an attempt to smile. “Of a certainty, Captain Hughes. I ... I was overcome for a moment by the heat, I think.”
    Captain Hughes shrewdly regarded her, then cast a glance after the retreating figure of the viscount. “What you are in need of is an ice, mademoiselle. Allow me to find you a chair, and I shall procure one for you.” Waving aside Michele’s incoherent protest, he firmly guided her to an empty chair at the edge of the dance floor. “I shall be back in a trice,” he said, leaving her with a smile of reassurance. He was as good as his word, and quickly returned, an ice in either hand. Michele accepted one in a rather subdued manner. Captain Hughes sat down on the chair beside her. He was apparently content simply to watch the whirling company on the dance floor without feeling it incumbent on him to converse.
    Michele was grateful for the gentleman’s discreet handling of what could have disintegrated into an embarrassing scene. Within a few minutes she was able to collect herself, and she touched Captain Hughes on the sleeve. He turned an inquiring gaze on her. “Thank you, sir,” she said.
    He nodded. “Happy to oblige. If you wish it, I will escort you over to Lady Basinberry.”
    Michele shook her head. “I would much rather sit quietly with you a few moments longer, Captain,” she said.
    “Of course. I am completely at your service, mademoiselle,” said Captain Hughes promptly. He settled himself in his chair with every evidence of ease. He made an inquiry about Brussels, and for the next ten minutes he and Michele enjoyed an easy conversation.
    By the time Captain Hughes escorted her to Lady Basinberry’s side, Michele felt that she knew a good deal more about him. He had shown himself to be a kind, thoughtful gentleman of warmth and good sense. She thought that Lydia was fortunate indeed in her choice. Captain Hughes bowed and tactfully slipped away after exchanging a few words with Lady Basinberry and her friends.
    Michele disengaged herself from the conversation to claim a nearby chair. Sir Lionel appeared almost instantly before her and he gestured toward the dance floor. “I believe it is the country set that I was promised, mademoiselle,” he said.
    Michele’s heart sank. She really did not feel at all in the mood for another dance. And especially not with Sir Lionel, who had already proved himself so importunate. “As an old acquaintance, I know that you will not take it amiss when I confide that I prefer to sit out this set,” she said with a smile.
    He shook his head. “Come, Michele. You must honor your promises, you know,” Sir Lionel said, his voice teasing. He waited, his hand out to her.
    Michele shrugged gracefully and stood up, placing her hand in his outstretched palm. “Very well, sir. But I warn you that I am not very good company at the moment.’’
    Sir Lionel piloted her into a forming set. When he replied, his voice had lost some of its warmth. “You have no need to explain. As everyone else, I saw that waltz with his lordship. But perhaps I alone was able to divine something of your feelings.” He went on with suppressed violence, “Ah, Michele, how I wish you had not met him again!”
    Michele’s eyes flew to his face, but the