Chillingworth looked to where, the dance having ended, Alathea was strolling on Falworth's arm. Both he and Gabriel stepped out to intercept her. "I'll think about it," Chillingworth replied.
Alathea could not believe how easily Gabriel tracked her through the crowd; she and Lord Falworth had barely begun to stroll before he loomed from the throng. She was, consequently, especially delighted to see Chillingworth by his side.
"My lord." She gave Chillingworth her hand and smiled with real appreciation as he bowed. "I hope you note I took your comments to heart. I could do nothing about the number of guests, but there are many waltzes scheduled tonight."
Chillingworth sighed. "What manner of torture is that, my dear? I assume that, as usual, you have no waltzes free."
Alathea did not miss his sidelong glance at Gabriel. "Unfortunately not."
"However," Chillingworth continued, "unless my ears deceive me, that's a country dance starting up. Might I beg the pleasure of your company?"
Alathea smiled. "I would be delighted."
The dance was one that left them paired throughout. Chillingworth conversed easily on general topics. Alathea answered lightly, off the top of her head, her thoughts, as always, sliding back to Gabriel. She'd lost sight of him when the dance got under way; he was no longer where they'd left him. She wondered where he was, and what he was doing.
At the conclusion of the dance, she laid her hand on Chillingworth's sleeve. He led her from the floor, straight to Gabriel, who was waiting at the other end of the ballroom from where they'd parted.
Alathea resisted an urge to raise her eyes to the skies. Drawing her hand from Chillingworth's arm, she positioned herself between them, ready to jab an elbow into either of their ribs should they infringe her conversational standards.
Somewhat to her surprise, neither did. Chillingworth seemed careful, watchful. Gabriel was his usual arrogant self, the reality uncloaked given it was only Chillingworth, whom he patently regarded as an equal, with them. Then Amanda, escorted by Lord Rankin, joined them. A minute later, Amelia glided up on Lord Arkdale's arm.
"This is such a lovely ball, Lady Alathea." Amanda beamed her delight. "I'm enjoying myself hugely." The minx batted her long lashes at Rankin, who, all unknowingly, glowed.
"It's a crush-a positive crush," Amelia chimed in. "There are so many here." She smiled at Lord Arkdale. "Why, I've never had the chance to chat with Freddie here, before."
"I hope," Alathea cut in, preempting Gabriel, "that you're wise enough to take full advantage of the possibilities offered."
"Oh, indeed," Amanda assured her. "Our dance cards are full. We've danced every dance with a different gentleman."
"And spent every interval with still different gentlemen," Amelia added. Both girls softened the news of their deliberate inconstancy with a ravishing smile at their escorts. Neither gentleman was sure whether to preen or not.
"Incidentally, Gabriel, we haven't sighted Lucifer."
Amanda fixed her angelic blue eyes on her cousin's face. "Is he here?"
"He was."
"He must have discovered something terribly interesting. Or someone," Amelia ingenuously announced.
"I saw Lady Scarsdale, and Mrs. Sweeney, too. She was wearing vermillion-a hideous shade. I don't think Lucifer would be with her, do you?"
"Perhaps he's with Lady Todd. I know she's here…"
The twins continued artlessly speculating on Lucifer's current obsession. Their escorts were totally bemused. Gabriel was not, but neither was he willing to deflect their attention. Alathea bit her lip, and let the twins have their revenge.
Under cover of the girls' bright chatter, Chillingworth touched Alathea's arm. Turning, she encountered a slightly rueful expression in the earl's eyes,
"I fear I'm going to desert you, my dear, and leave you captive to this bevy of Cynsters."
Alathea smiled. "They are a riotous lot, but the twins, you see, are celebrating a family victory."
For an instant, Chillingworth's eyes held hers, then his gaze flicked to Gabriel, presently exchanging barbs with Amanda. Chillingworth looked questioningly at Alathea. "Cynster, too, I think?"
Alathea didn't know what to think-and even less what to reply.
Chillingworth relieved her of the problem by bowing. "Your servant, my dear. If you ever find yourself in need of help, know you have only to ask."
He then nodded elegantly and stepped away, disappearing into the crowd.