Page 44 of A Devious Secret

Chapter Seven

Stephen stood in the back of the stuffy ballroom and adjusted his white cravat. He vaguely heard the patrons being announced as he attempted to determine why the blazes he had agreed to come to this ball. But he already knew the answer. Lady Hawkinge. He was drawn to her and it was unlike anything that he had ever experienced before.

He had been interested in Evie, cared for her even, but he had never been so beguiled as he was by Lady Hawkinge. Which was proving to be a problem for him, considering he had repeatedly decided that he would not show her any favor. Yet, he couldn’t seem to help himself.

He needed to regain his senses before he made a fool of himself again. Even if Lady Hawkinge wasn’t mourning her late husband, he was still far beneath her. He owned a shipyard and wasn’t a member of the peerage. He didn’t belong amongst theton, but his sister kept ensuring he received invitations to social events. It was maddening, but he knew his sister had good intentions.

“Botheration,” he muttered under his breath. He didn’t want to be here, but he couldn’t very well leave now. Hehad asked Lady Hawkinge to save him a dance. What if she was anticipating the dance as much as he was? Although, he sincerely doubted that. She would have a line of suitors if she were so inclined.

His sister was announced, and he turned his attention towards the door. Hugh was leading Marielle into the ballroom, but they appeared to only have eyes for one another. If he waited for them to find him, he would be waiting all night.

“Excuse me,” Stephen said as he brushed past a couple that were standing in front of him. He crossed the room and came to a stop in front of Marielle.

Marielle smiled up at him. “You came.”

“I did.” Stephen shifted uncomfortably in his stance. “It is deucedly warm in here.”

Hugh chuckled. “It always is, but you will get used to it.”

“I doubt it.” Stephen perused his sister’s ballgown. “You look lovely. I see that you acquired a new gown.”

“I did, but apparently you purchased a new hat for me, as well,” Marielle said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Stephen winced. “I did.”

“You do realize that I do not favor pink,” Marielle remarked.

“I hadn’t realized that when I selected the hat.”

Marielle lifted her brow. “Pray tell, why did you purchase me a hat?”

“Doesn’t a woman always need more hats?” he attempted.

“They do, but I am perfectly capable of selecting my own hats,” Marielle replied. “Which poses the question- why did you select the same milliner’s shop that Gemma was frequenting?”

“Oh, yes…” Stephen cleared his throat. “I just happened upon the hat shop and Lady Hawkinge was already inside.”

Marielle placed a hand on her hip. “Do try again, Brother.”

Stephen turned towards Hugh and said, “I do hope she doesn’t interrogate you like this.”

“She has never had a need,” Hugh remarked, “but it would be much better for you if you just tell her the truth.”

Stephen didn’t want to confess that he held Lady Hawkinge in some regard, at least, not yet. But he needed to say something that would appease his sister’s curiosity. While he was thinking of something to say, Lady Hawkinge was announced, along with Lord and Lady Hawthorne.

He shifted his gaze towards the door and saw Lady Hawkinge walk further into the room. She was dressed in a gold-colored ballgown with puffy sleeves. Her hair was piled high atop her head and small curls framed her face. She looked exquisite, but he could see that he was not alone in his opinion. All eyes seemed to be on her as she approached Marielle and Hugh.

Lady Hawkinge came to a stop next to Marielle and he managed to catch her eye. She smiled, and he was lost all over again.

Marielle nudged him with her elbow and murmured, “You are staring.”

Stephen blinked. “My apologies,” he rushed out, embarrassed that he had been caught staring. “I’m afraid I was caught woolgathering.”

“There is no shame in that,” Lady Hawkinge graciously replied.

He wasted no time in bowing. “You are looking lovely this evening, my lady,” he said.

Lady Hawkinge glanced down at her gown. “My aunt just had this ballgown commissioned for me.”