“I am Lord Michael Owen. Lord Evan suggested I come over and make your acquaintance.”
“Oh he did, did he?” Ally wrung her hands, sweltering in the gloves. But then she smiled. Two could play this game. “I’m ever so pleased to meet you,” she said.
“I’m afraid Xavier did not tell me how beautiful you were.”
“Goodness, my lord, you flatter me.” If only she had a fan to flutter over her face, the image would be complete.
“Would you care to share a dance, my lady?”
Ally smiled, coquettishly she hoped. “I would be absolutely delighted.”
Lord Michael was a good dancer. Ally hadn’t danced a lot, but he led her expertly, and she did not miss a step. Her heart fluttered when Mr. Landon approached Lord Michael from behind and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Mind if I cut in, my lord?”
Lord Michael cleared his throat. “Not at all, Landon.”
From Lord Michael’s expression, Ally was certain he did mind, but what could he do? It would be bad form not to allow it. And although she had enjoyed dancing with Lord Michael, Mr. Landon was her ultimate quarry this evening.
Mr. Landon took her in his arms, squeezing her a bit tightly. “My lady, you look absolutely stunning.”
“I thank you, kind sir.”
“I can’t recall ever seeing you look lovelier.” He winked. “With your charms so elegantly on display, I’m surprised that every eligible man here hasn’t danced with you yet.”
Ally’s cheeks warmed, but she was determined to play her part. “I haven’t been here long, Mr. Landon. There is all the time in the world for me to dance with many men.”
“I hope you will save several dances for me, my lady.” He led her in a complex twirl, but she followed along with no problem.
She let boldness overtake her. “It would be my pleasure to dance every dance with you, sir.”
“In that case, perhaps you would consider accompanying me to the terrace later? This is a beautiful manor, and it would be my pleasure to show you all it has to offer.” His eyes gleamed with mischief.
Ally’s nerves skittered. Her breathing became rapid, but she willed herself to calm. This was perfect, exactly what she’d wanted. Her nerves would not stop her. “Indeed, I would be delighted. Shall I meet you there later?”
“Yes, that would be more discreet, wouldn’t it?” Mr. Landon smiled down at her. “Five minutes before the clock strikes twelve, slip out the back doors to the terrace, I will meet you there. And”—he lowered his voice—“I mean to have a taste of those beautiful breasts tonight.”
Ally trembled. Yes, she would go through with this. After all, had this not been her plan all along? So why was she having second thoughts? All was working perfectly. She had an hour to find someone who could catch her in the act. But whom could she ask? She knew no one here, only Evan and her new acquaintance, Viscount Brooks. Surely he wouldn’t agree to catch her. But what if she asked him to meet her five minutes later on the terrace? She would be with Mr. Landon, being compromised, and Brooks would find them.
Yes, that would work. She mentally applauded her genius.
The dance ended, and Mr. Landon brushed his lips lightly over her gloved hand. “Until later, my beautiful lady.” He smiled.
Ally swallowed. She hoped she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew. She looked around for Viscount Brooks, but before she could find him, another young gentleman asked for a dance, and then another. Goodness, had Evan instructed every man here to dance with her? This was becoming ridiculous. Where was Evan, anyway? She had barely seen him all evening. After he’d led her to a table, Lord Michael had swiftly escorted her away.
Did Evan have his eye on someone? After all, he had been ready to marry her cousin Rose only months ago, despite not being in love with her. And he had insisted that she, Ally, marry him after their escapades while they were stranded.
Perhaps he was ready to get married, and he didn’t really care who he married. The thought struck Ally hard. Kind of like a punch in her gut. Though she was absolutely sure she would marry Mr. Landon, she didn’t want Evan marrying anyone.
Be rational, Ally. You’re not being fair.
Her loving stepbrother hadn’t even asked her for a dance. It wasn’t polite to ignore one’s own family members at a ball. Lily and Rose’s brother, Thomas, always danced with each of them whenever the three were out and about.
She glanced at the large grandfather clock across the room. A half hour remained before her date to meet Mr. Landon. She had to find Viscount Brooks and arrange to meet him slightly thereafter. But first, she would find out why Evan was being so impolite.
She scanned the room. Yes, there he was, standing by the refreshment table, speaking to two other gentlemen. She hesitated to approach him. He’d most likely force the two other men to dance with her. But this had gone far enough. She marched swiftly toward the group.
She infiltrated the group quickly and without pretense. “Excuse me, my lord.” She tugged on Evan’s sleeve. “Might I have a word with you?”