She smiled at that. They might gossip, but they would bow and scrape before him. Victoria turned back to look at the dance floor, all of the couples bouncing about, some graceful, others straining through their paces.
The marriage mart was on full display.
Affairs were, no doubt, being arranged.
Tête-à-têtes transpired.
And lovers conspired to meet in the garden.
She wondered how many couples would wander out into the London air that night.
A smile tilted her lips as she contemplated convincing her husband to go out later, if he was in better sorts, beyond the terrace and into the gardens.
It was odd to see him so serious.
Yet she was glad that he showed her when he was not best pleased. That he did not pretend to be happy all the time with her as he so clearly had done over the years with the ton.
“Well, you are to be held accountable for a great deal, Your Grace,” a deep voice boomed.
She whipped to the sound of that voice and was astonished to be met with a man six foot three, broad shoulders as large as a stone wall in Devon, hard blue eyes, shining russet hair, and a smile which looked like it had undone many a lady’s dress.
“Lord Brookhaven,” she declared happily. “I have not seen you since you escorted that rather tipsy bishop back to his palace.”
Brookhaven flashed her a wicked grin. “Not one of his finer nights. And certainly not the sort I like to take home.”
“In all events,” she teased, “I was wondering when you might darken my door again.”
Brookhaven clasped his hand to his heart and closed his eyes. “How could you ever suggest that a man such as myself would darken it?”
She laughed. “You, too, like my husband, have a reputation. Are you going to kidnap me and take me abroad?”
“No, Your Grace,” he said, opening one eye. “And those are horrible rumors. Absolutely slanderous. I would not kidnap a lady against her will. Now, if she wished to go, I’d happily arrange her escape.” He opened his other eye and continued his tale. “You see, Lady Agatha Babbington longed to see far lands, and when I stopped her coach and offered her the opportunity to go exploring, she took my hand most willingly, and we had a grand time.”
He was so dramatic in his tale and outrageous that she could not scowl at him. Instead, she matched his current grin. “And where is Lady Babbington now?”
He cocked his head to the side and stroked his chin, giving a show of deep contemplation. “I do believe she’s in Baden Baden and is exceptionally happy.” He glanced about the room. “Far happier than she would have been if she’d stayed here in London with all these dreary faces.”
She laughed. “I see why you and my husband are friends. You are a matched set of madness.”
“Indeed we are,” he agreed heartily, “although he seems a little less mad since he’s met you.”
“I doubt that,” she replied, though she felt pleased that she might have brought her husband a bit of good feeling.
More whispers began about them. Brookhaven fairly vibrated with mischief. “Ah, the gossips. They really are enjoying this, aren’t they?”
“We’ve made quite a meal for them, haven’t we?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“My husband,” she said. “They thought I’d stay at home.”
“Ah.” He folded his arms across his chest. “And it doesn’t bother you, that bit with Lady Worthington?”
“No,” she said.
“You don’t mind your husband being a rake?” he challenged, eyeing the crowded ballroom.
She stared at him and his bravado.