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And she was scurrying toward Cameron and Rose.
Good! He could dance with her after all. He adjusted his gloves and walked toward his sister and brother-in-law.
Tricia was already speaking to them when he arrived.
“Good evening, Rose, Thornton,” Thomas said.
“Ashford,” Cameron said. “Perhaps you could do me a favor.”
“If I can, of course.”
“You’ve been dancing nonstop for the last hour and a half. I’m sure you must need a breath of fresh air. My sister would like a walk among the rose garden to get some fresh air as well. Unfortunately, I promised my lovely wife the next dance. Would you mind escorting her?”
Thomas was startled, but he held his expression stoic. If Cameron only knew what had transpired between him and Tricia only a short while ago, he would force him into marriage with his sister instead of asking him to escort her on a stroll.
Or perhaps not. Cameron, though an earl and heir to a marquessate, was not highborn. He might understand.
At any rate, Thomas did not think escorting Tricia would be proper.
“I’m not sure that would be appropriate, Thornton,” Thomas said. “After all, your sister is on the marriage market, and I’m the most eligible bachelor here.”
“Don’t be silly, Thomas,” Rose said, laughing. “You’re my brother. Of course, Cam and I both trust you.”
Tricia’s cheeks were a lovely rosy pink.
Thomas couldn’t risk Rose and Cameron finding out what they had been up to earlier. “Very well, then.” He took Tricia’s hand. “It would be my honor, Lady Patricia, to escort you. Your brother is quite right. I believe I’ve danced with every young lady here in the last hour. I could certainly use some fresh air. Perhaps a refreshment as well. Would you care for a glass of champagne?”
Tricia’s lips trembled. “Of course, my lord. That would be lovely.”
“Shall we, then?” Thomas held out his arm, and Tricia slipped her gloved hand into it.
“Thank you, Ashford,” Cameron said. “I owe you one.”
Oh, he has no idea, Thomas thought as he grabbed two flutes of champagne and then led Tricia out of the ballroom.
“My apologies,” Thomas said once they were out of the guests’ earshot. “I felt it would look worse if I refused your brother’s request.”
Tricia looked away. “It’s all ridiculous, really. I only want a breath of fresh air, but the servant standing at the entrance wouldn’t let me out without my brother’s permission.”
“It’s the way of things, I’m afraid,” Thomas said. “You’re a young lady on the marriage mart this season, and to be walking about unescorted would not look good.”
“But I suppose kissing you upstairs and begging you to take me to your bed would look good?”
“Lower your voice,” Thomas admonished. “If anyone found out…”
“I know very well the consequences, Thomas. For both of us.”
When they reached the entrance of the estate, Thomas simply nodded to the two servants, and they opened the doors, allowing him and Tricia to go through.
“For all they know, you’re taking me out here to ruin me,” Tricia said softly though sarcastically.
“That is not their concern,” Thomas said. “I’m the head of the estate, and they dare not say a word to me about anything.”
Tricia rolled her eyes, and God, she looked beautiful. He was having very impure thoughts about her.
“Truly, I shall be fine,” Tricia said. “You needn’t escort me anywhere. I only wish a breath of fresh air.”
“You disappeared from the ballroom for quite some time,” Thomas said. “Is everything all right?”
