Page 39 of The Lady’s Great Escape

Once inside she glanced around expecting people to point at some issue with her gown or the mess of her hair or as he had pointed out, not falling for the ruse of her not being with the man who was currently sneaking in through another door to the ballroom. But no one seemed to notice anything amiss. No one stared or pointed or laughed.

It seemed strange after what had happened just outside. She was still rattled when it was time to dance with Kit. Having his hands on her soothed her nerves.

“I was sure someone would see through our façade.”

“Oh, have no doubt anyone who noticed our return would instantly have known what happened. But they’ll not comment on it because they, themselves are either planning to do or have done the same thing.”

“So, you’re saying all of polite society makes a habit of meeting for trysts with their lovers in the garden during a ball?” Of course, it made sense. It was dark and away from everyone.

“Oh, yes. It’s quite done,” Kit said. “Or the library, or the study, or any other vacant room.”

Celia couldn’t help but see some other ladies in attendance with the same blush on their cheeks that she felt on her own.

“Hale and his duchess?” The Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe looked slightly ruffled.

“Definitely. I’m surprised they are still here. Normally Hale would have spirited home with Gia so they could be alone.”

Celia laughed. “It does make these events much more fun to speculate on such things.”

“It does. Though I would say it is you who has made the ball so much more fun for me.”

This wasn’t said in jest, but sincerity. She could see it glittering in his green eyes. He was paying her a compliment and telling her how he felt in the same comment.

She decided to play it off rather than to allow the moment to become too serious.

“I was thinking… Perhaps we can assist one another with our endeavors,” she said, effectively changing the subject.

“Endeavors?” He cocked his head as he led her through the dance.

“Yes. You want to find a wife and while debutantes generally all seem very alluring when in the presence of a potential suitor, I would be able to see what they are really like and find one that suits you.”

“And what could I offer in exchange?”

“You know these men. You know which would be suitable for my needs.”

His eyes went wide. “I assure you all will most likely have the necessary equipment. As to how well they would perform their duties—”

“I don’t mean their actual performances. I meant whether or not they are honorable.”

“You want a man honorable enough to be a lover but not a husband.”

“Yes. Exactly.” She realized she was asking for two characteristics in direct contrast to one another. But she’d already found a man who had both. How difficult could it be to find others?