Page 60 of How to Best a Marquess

Isabelle licked her lips as she watched Hugh greet a group of gentlemen. Of course, she would be in attendance. Lady Scotchfield was a popular hostess. Jealousy felt like the stab of a knife in her chest. The warm ballroom grew even hotter.

Olivia’s eyes lit, and she tapped Ellie on the wrist with her fan to gain her attention. “Gentlemen approach.”

Ellie tore her gaze away from Hugh’s broad shoulders to see two men. One was Lord Dumfries, the eldest son of an earl, and the other Lord Osbourne, a viscount known for his debauchery.

The men bowed before them, and Ellie and Olivia curtsied. Lord Dumfries turned his attention to Olivia. “You look lovely this evening, Lady Olivia. May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

Olivia beamed, took his arm, and followed him onto the dance floor. Ellie frowned at her sister’s retreating figure, then turned to Osbourne. He was tall and thin with sandy hair and brown eyes. Many would consider him handsome. He studied her like she were a filly for purchase at Tattersall’s.

Ellie was unmoved.

“You have the look of a scorned lover,” he said.

“Pardon?”

“I saw you across the room. I have enough experience to recognize a scorned woman when I see her. I’ve also sought an introduction, and I knew young Dumfries would be agreeable to dancing with your lovely sister.”

Ellie snapped open her fan. “Should I be flattered?”

“You should. If the man with whom you are angry is present, what better way to either incite his jealousy or to forget him than to dance with another?”

She should be insulted, but his honesty was refreshing. Here was a man who would say and do what he meant, even if it was entirely selfish.

Her fan stilled and she gifted him with a smile. “I’d be delighted to dance.”

“For which purpose? Jealousy, or to simply forget for the evening?”

Her answer was unhesitant. “To forget.”