Page 37 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

‘Good day, ladies,’ Ralston said.

The women all turned, wide-eyed at the appearance of the Earl. One fanned herself. Another fluttered her lashes. All three smiled at Ralston. When they turned to look at Nora, she could almost feel the collective scrutiny settle upon her shoulders.

‘Lady Weber, Lady Modal, Lady Smithson,’ he said smoothly. ‘May I introduce my wife, Lady Ralston?’

‘We’ve been most eager to meet you,’ Lady Weber said, her dark eyes inquisitive. She was a pretty brunette.

‘She is a scientist,’ Ralston added, without preamble.

Nora turned to him, surprised. She wasn’t ashamed of her profession, but she would not have said it so boldly and swiftly. What was he thinking? She braced herself for disapproval.

But Ralston, ever composed, continued. ‘She captivated me when I first saw her collecting seashells on a beach in Cornwall.’

Nora blinked. That wasn’t their agreed story. Hadn’t they agreed to dancing at the Duchess’s ball and then spending time together properly chaperoned? He was diverting from their agreed script.

But he looked so earnest, so sure. And undeniably handsome in his navy coat and dark hair. The ladies responded just as he must have predicted with sighs, wide eyes and murmurs of delight. There were more fluttering fans.

‘You must visit and see her collection,’ Ralston continued. ‘Who doesn’t love the sea and colourful shells? It was love at first sight on that beach.’ He turned to look at Nora with such devotion, his lips curving in a bemused smile, that her heart tripped a beat. A traitorous part of her wanted to believe him. To have a man accept her for herself, her intelligence, even her peccadillos, and to still adore her.

Goodness, what would it be like?

Lady Modal, a fragile blonde, sighed. ‘Oh, I do enjoy a love story.’

Lady Smithson, a tall brunette with crooked teeth, squealed. ‘And I adore anything from the sea.’

Lady Weber, elegant and poised, nodded. ‘Lady Ralston, I would very much like to see your collection.’

A fourth lady, who must have overheard and appeared, agreed. ‘Me, too!’

Nora was surprised at their enthusiasm. She suspected it had much more to do with Ralston’s support than her collection of shells. ‘I’d be happy to show you all. Perhaps I’ll host a science salon.’

Nora blinked. Had she said that aloud? She glanced up at Ralston, but he didn’t seem concerned.

‘A science salon,’ Lady Modal repeated, dropping her voice. ‘I for one would welcome something new. This is our fourth garden party this month.’

At the chorus of agreement, Ralston interjected, his voice smooth. ‘Forgive me, ladies, but I must fetch my wife a glass of lemonade. I shall return her to you shortly.’

As they walked to the refreshment table, Nora looked up at him.

‘Love at first sight?’ she murmured.

He smiled sidelong. ‘Why not? Let them believe it.’

And they would. She saw how easily he persuaded and charmed people. For the first time, she could see him as a persuasive politician arguing his case on the House floor. A politician through and through—and yet, for a moment, she wanted to believe him. That perhaps some part of him had meant it.

Later, as the party continued and he mingled with the gentlemen, she returned to the women and was surprised to find herself welcomed with genuine curiosity. She listened to the ladies all the while sneaking glances at Ralston from beneath lowered lashes. He had an easy familiarity with the men. When he spoke, they maintained eye contact and listened.

She grudgingly acknowledged he hadn’t abandoned her to the women but had ensured she was accepted and felt a level of comfort before leaving her to join his friends.

Then she noticed a fair-haired man approach Ralston with a somber expression. Ralston’s brow furrowed. His stance stiffened. She suspected he was neither a friend nor that it was a pleasant conversation. She waited until the man departed before approaching him.

‘Who was that?’ she asked when they were alone again.

Ralston’s jaw hardened. ‘Lord Weber,’ he said tersely. ‘A political adversary. He opposes my current bill.’

Nora was grateful he felt comfortable enough to share this information and to know Weber could affect his career. Looking up at his handsome features, she appreciated his sharing, but it caused other concerns, as well. Nora’s stomach dipped. It explained the icy demeanor between the men. It also caused a dilemma of her own. ‘Oh. I hope I do not cause additional stress between you two.’

His brow furrowed. ‘Why would it?’