Promising she would, Louisa excused herself. Mrs. Rutley was alone alongside a far wall, and she walked over to join her headmistress.
“So, are you having any success?” Mrs. Rutley asked. “I saw you speaking with Mr. Scarsdale. He appears to be smitten with you.”
Louisa grinned. “He was, and he’s promised to donate to my cause. Two others have, as well. By the end of the night, I may have more willing to help.”
“Then I wish you luck.” Mrs. Rutley glanced at the glass in Louisa’s hand. “And do be careful with the wine. I would suggest you drink that one slowly. Make it last the rest of the evening. You don’t have a head for wine.”
After promising she would, the women parted ways. Louisa stopped in front of the string quartet and sighed. The music was lovely, and the ballroom was such a romantic setting. Too bad only two men of marrying age were in attendance.
Well, three if one counted Mr. Scarsdale, which she did not. The problem was that the other two both had a young lady on their arms. That meant no romance for her this evening. Not if she hoped to catch the eye of a man without a hunched back or carrying a cane.
Her eyes fell on Lady Hannah Brayberry. A sweet young lady Louisa had met once before, Lady Hannah wore a dress the color of dried grass, a very unbecoming color for her in Louisa’s estimation. Beside her stood a gentleman that could only be her father.
Louisa had heard of Lord Brayberry. According to Jenny, he spent a great deal of time at the Rake Street gaming hell—he and his mistress. If she had not seen it for herself, Louisa would have chalked it up to pure rumor. Yet the previous summer, she had indeed seen the good earl helping a woman who was not his wife into his carriage.
How must his daughter feel knowing her father was disloyal to her mother? It had to be a terrible situation for anyone concerned. Perhaps she should go to cheer up the girl. Yes, that was the right thing to do.
Halfway across the ballroom, however, she came to an abrupt stop. That knight was here? Why on earth would Lord Walcott even consider inviting such a scoundrel to his party? Well, she would learn what sort of lies the man was telling that poor, innocent girl!
Louisa sneaked behind a large potted tree, straining to hear what the knight and Lady Hannah were discussing. What she heard made bile rise in her throat. Sir Aaron wasflirtingwith the poor unsuspecting Lady Hannah! And he dared to make a promise to call on her in exchange for her helping him secure her father as an investor in his club? At least with Mr. Scarsdale, her reasoning was sound—approaching him would help improve his confidence.
To her horror, Sir Aaron flashed Lady Hannah a smug grin.
With her blood boiling and her fists clenched, Louisa swallowed a growl and stormed away.
How dare he use his handsome looks to lure an innocent young lady such as Lady Hannah. And all so she could betray her father! A gentleman with such a chiseled jawline, deep-blue eyes, and overtly masculine voice was too much for any woman to resist.
Retreating to a far corner, Louisa continued her observation. Lord Brayberry returned and handed the knight a glass of wine. As he lifted the glass, the fabric on the sleeve of his coat tightened. Were his arms that muscled?
What would it be like to touch them?
Just the thought sent Louisa’s head spinning. Yet like raindrops filling a puddle, more filled her mind. Only a rogue would flaunt himself so callously in public! It was just as she had suspected upon encountering him at the tobacconist’s shop. Sir Aaron was no gentleman but rather an uncouth beast.
Angry at the man for causing such unwelcome thoughts, Louisa glanced at the massive fireplace on the opposite side of the room. As warm as she felt, she could have been standing beside it. And her throat was dry. She took a rather large, unladylike swallow of her wine in an attempt to stave off the heat. If she had any hope of gaining more donations, she would have to compose herself.
And that meant averting her eyes from temptation.
She caught sight of a gentleman with round cheeks and a robust laugh. Mr. Walter Fernside owned several of the buildings in the village proper, which he rented to the various shops. She had met Mr. Fernside the previous winter at the bakery, which he also ran. Like many of the townspeople, Mrs. Rutley had known the man for years.
“Good evening, Mr. Fernside,” she said, giving him a pleasant smile. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Miss Louisa Dunston. We met last year.” When he frowned, she added, “At the bakery?”
A light of recognition lit up his face. “Ah, yes, of course. You’re one of Mrs. Rutley’s students. I hope you’re not here to complain about my bread.” Before Louisa could reply, he gave a hearty chuckle. “I’m only joking.”
She gave a small laugh. “I’ve actually come to you for another reason. I’m sure you’ve heard that the theater is in dire straits. Well, I wish to seek your help.” She went on to explain her plan.
When she was done, Mr. Fernside gave a sad nod. “Sadly, I haven’t any money to donate. But I do have a wonderful story about how Mrs. Fernside and I met there.”
Louisa gave him a polite smile and listened as he told a wonderful tale of falling in love. Several times, he had her laughing outright, his telling was so humorous. Or perhaps she had consumed too much wine.
“By the time she was gone, I realized I hadn’t given her my name!” he said with a loud guffaw.
Louisa tittered and patted the man on the arm. “Well, it seems it all worked out since she’s now your wife. But thank you for sharing your story with me. I can see that what I’m doing is well worth the effort.”
Excusing herself once more, Louisa returned to Mrs. Rutley, keeping an eye out for Sir Aaron. When she could not catch sight of him, she sighed with relief. Good, he had left the party. Civility had returned.
“Lord Walcott has offered to loan you a book from his library,” the headmistress said. “I understand that he has a nice collection of books on the best business practices of the age.”
“Oh, I must thank him!” Louisa said. Then she caught sight of the earl speaking with several of his guests. “When he is not occupied, of course. Do you mind if I go now?”