Page 2 of Brazen

“I will return,” her aunt said, and started toward the women.

Mia nodded. The minuet would soon end and Angeline’s next partner would come for her. Thankfully, their Aunt Donella, who had married a wealthy shipping baron, had agreed to introduce Angeline into Society. Their mother’s sister had, at first, refused for fear news of her brother-in-law’s disgrace would reach her circle. But familial obligation won out and she planned three parties for Angeline to attend.

The music stopped and Mr. Hastings escorted Angeline to Mia.

He bowed. “Thank you for the dance, my lady.”

“You are very gallant,” Angeline said.

Mr. Hastings hesitated, clearly unwilling to relinquish his time with Angeline. Aunt Leana was right. The young man truly was smitten. “Perhaps a little later, I might fetch you a refreshment, my lady?” His question was so full of hope, Mia half expected him to drop to one knee and beg her hand in marriage that very moment

Angeline smiled. “That would be lovely, sir.”

His expression brightened. He bowed again, then departed.

“He is quite a gentleman,” Mia said in a nonchalant voice.

Angeline gave her a knowing look. “He isn’t half as handsome as George, and not as intelligent.”

“Angeline, you promised—”

“To dance with many gentlemen at Aunt Donella’s parties,” she interrupted. “I did not promise to stop loving George.”

“You promised to give other gentlemen a chance.”

Angeline laughed. “Not so. You begged me to give other gentlemen a chance. If one happens to catch my fancy, then you have accomplished your goal.”

Mia grasped her sister’s hands. “Angeline, I simply—”

“Want what’s best for me,” Angeline finished for her. “I know.”

“George is so young,” Mia said. “His only prospect is the navy. With Father gone, you will not have the dowry and yearly income we anticipated.”

“Oh dear,” Angeline said. “Look at Joshua.”

Mia looked in the direction Angeline stared. Their brother Joshua, five years younger than Mia and a year younger than Angeline, stumbled and bumped into a couple to his left.

“Is he drunk?” Angeline asked.

For an instant, Mia feared that might be the case. Since their father’s incarceration, he hadn’t been the easy-going boy he once was, and she had caught glimpses of resentment that bubbled just beneath the surface. Mia breathed a sigh of relief when he straightened and bowed to the couple, clearly making his apologies, then turned and walked toward the open balcony door. Two gentlemen emerged from a hallway behind Joshua. One looked in his direction and elbowed his companion. They started toward her brother.

“That cannot be good,” Angeline said.

Mia agreed. “You have another dance coming up. I will see what is happening with Joshua.”

“Perhaps I should go with you,” Angeline said.

Mia spotted Aunt Donella headed their way. “Aunt Donella is coming to fetch you for your next dance.” Before Angeline could protest, Mia hurried toward their brother.

The men reached Joshua. Each grasped one of his arms and hastened toward the balcony. They passed through the open balcony doors before Mia could reach them. She stood aside for two women entering the ballroom, then hurried onto the balcony and caught sight of them descending the steps into the garden.

She quickened pace and called, “Joshua.”

Her brother glanced over his shoulder. “For God’s sake, Mia, return to the ballroom.”

She ignored him and followed.

“Allerton,” one of the men said under his breath as she neared the steps.