Page 27 of A Match for Princess Pompous
Odette caught Jack’s eye. He smiled warmly, a gesture she returned. He crossed to where she stood and offered a bow. “Miss Armistead.” Did everyone else hear the tenderness in his voice as he spoke her name?
“Mr. Hewitt.” She spoke with the same tenderness.
“Is it too much to hope that you might have saved a set for me?”
She dipped her head regally. “I believe I might be able to find one.”
Mrs. Northrop inserted herself once more. “Her Grace wished specifically for you to dance with her cousin as well as Lord Keslington, a close friend of the duke’s. And I meant to introduce you this evening to the Earl of Manningford.”
Why was Mrs. Northrop arranging for her to dance with these gentlemen when she knew full well where Odette’s affection lay?
Mrs. Hewitt’s attention was now fixed not on Mrs. Northrop, but on Odette. She watched her with interest. “You are beginning to catch the notice of some very well-connected gentlemen.”
“It would seem so,” Odette said, attempting to sound at least not displeased by the turn of events.
“She began the Season with a little difficulty,” Mrs. Northrop said. “Now that she has found a more sure footing, I am certain she will be a rousing success.”
Mrs. Hewitt made a sound of pondering.
Mrs. Northrop indicated with a slight wave of her hand that the Hewitts’ turn to greet the duke and duchess had arrived. Jack left Odette’s side to join his parents as they offered their bows and curtsies.
Odette whispered to Mrs. Northrop, “Have you truly arranged for me to dance with those gentlemen you mentioned?”
“Certainly.”
Frustration expanded in her chest, causing an uncomfortable tightness around her lungs. “I thought you were going to help Jack’s and my cause, not pursue . . . general matchmaking.”
Mrs. Northrop arched a single raven eyebrow. “I am not one to rescind my promises, Miss Armistead. You, however, are welcome to doubt me.”
There was nothing truly critical in the comment, yet Odette felt a little chastised. Did she trust Mrs. Northrop? Did she have any choice but to trust her?
The Hewitts had finished their greetings to the host and hostess. Mother and Father stepped forward to begin theirs. Odette stood beside them, waiting to be acknowledged as was customary.
“Miss Armistead,” the duchess said after a moment. “A pleasure.”
“Your Grace.” She gave the expected curtsy.
“I hope you will call during my next at-home,” the duchess said. “I have not had the opportunity to come to know you this Season.”
“I would very much enjoy that.” How she managed the sentence whole despite her shock, she didn’t know. Princess Pompous had not exactly been a highly sought-after companion. To be issued a personal invitation to call upon a duchess was not an insignificant thing.
“Mrs. Northrop.” The duchess held out her hands in greeting to the matchmaker, a very personal greeting for such a formal occasion. Were the two ladies more closely acquainted than Odette had realized? “My sister is still singing your praises. I would not be surprised if her first grandchild is named for you.”
Mrs. Northrop gave a single nod. “For the little one’s sake, let us hope her grandchild is a girl. Adelaide would be a difficult name to bear all his life.”
The duchess laughed. “I could not be happier to see you here. If we are unable to spend time together this evening, do call upon me. I have hardly seen you this Season.”
“Of course.” Mrs. Northrop’s smile spoke of friendship. With a duchess. One who wished for her particular company.
Their host and hostess turned to the next guests in line, freeing Odette and her family to move into the ballroom. Jack had remained behind after his parents had moved along. He offered Odette his arm.
She looked to Mrs. Northrop, but the matchmaker was speaking with a matron Odette had seen at nearly every social gathering of significance this Season.
“I do believe we are permitted to walk in together,” Jack said, his arm still forward in anticipation.
Odette accepted it with a flip of her heart. “I cannot remember the last time we walked this way.”
He smiled at her. “You walked on my arm to the supper dance at the Salsteads’ ball a few days ago.”
