Page 4 of Discovering Her Earl

Her Uncle Henry, Viscount Darlington, had always treated her as his own, despite there being no connection by blood. He’d also included her in their extensive adventures.

While most young women only read of such places as China or Egypt, Lainey had been there. She’d seen amazing things and met interesting people.

Which made tonight’s ball seem that much more insufferable.

The ton claimed very few interesting people.

If she had her choice, she would much rather be wearing breeches while digging in the dirt than face a room full of gossiping ninnies and boorish dandies.

But her aunt and uncle had once again asked her to attend their annual ball, and she didn’t want to disappoint them.

It wouldn’t be the jungles of the Amazon that made her sweat, or being chased by a baboon that made her heart race tonight. It would be a ballroom stuffed with people who would cause her plenty of discomfort this evening.

Lainey remembered all too well the failure that had been her come out and the person who had ruined all her dreams of a happy ever after. And she was sure he would be in attendance tonight.

“Look at you,” Aunt Rose startled Lainey as she glided into the room. “So statuesque. I wish I had your height, it would rather even out some of this middle.” She pointed to her waist.

“You are beautiful, auntie.”

“As are you. We women spend too much time wishing for attributes we don’t have, all while the ones who do have them often find them a bother. It is the curse of being a woman I suppose.” She fussed with Lainey’s red-blonde curls that had been fashioned by her ears, and cocked her head.

“Apparently these are all the rage this Season. Of course, what would I care about being fashionable for a bunch of stuffy aristocrats?”

“You may not care, but they suit you.” She tilted her head the other direction and Lainey knew what she would say next before she opened her mouth to speak. “This might be the year the right man finally notices what a catch you are and sweeps you off your feet.”

Lainey refrained from sighing. At three and twenty, Lainey was considered a spinster and perfectly fine with her status. Men didn’t like women who were taller than them, which meant Lainey’s five feet ten inches frightened off the majority of the men in attendance.

Her unfashionable hair and freckles didn’t help matters either.

But rather than argue with her aunt, she offered a smile and nodded.

“We shall see.”

With their arms linked, they descended the stairs to find Uncle Henry waiting.

“How lucky I am to have the loveliest ladies in London by my side as we greet our guests tonight. The men won’t stand a chance when they see you, they shall want to donate enormous sums for the opportunity just to be near you.”

Lainey couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“I saw that, Elaina,” he scolded with a wink. “Let’s ready ourselves to charm the britches off the ton.”

With a laugh, Lainey followed her aunt and uncle to the edge of the ballroom where they would wait for their guests to arrive. There they would greet each one pleasantly, all in the hope they would want to donate funds toward the next expedition that would be starting at the beginning of the following year.

Their most recent artifacts were ensconced in glass cases along the wall where previous donors were honored for their gifts. Not that they had dug them out of the dirt themselves, but they’d paid for the trip, and seeing their name associated with an artifact made them happy.

It was all about making the donors happy. Which was why she pasted a smile on her lips and went out to greet the ton, even though she’d much rather face a Nile crocodile.

An hour later, Lainey’s feet hurt and she worried her cheeks would be pulled up forever in the strained smile that had taken over her face.

Fortunately, she was given a reprieve when Lord Melville entered the ballroom. If she’d ever had a reason not to smile, it was him. Ever charming, he stood well over six feet, putting him in the small group of men that wouldn’t be intimidated by her height.

But despite his meeting any physical requirements, the large Scot was completely unacceptable. His arrogance was enough to dismiss him. Not that she would be granted the opportunity to dismiss him. He could never claim enough of an interest in her to be dismissed.

This was her cue to leave the receiving line and go find refreshment.

“Excuse me, aunt. I’m parched. Would you like me to bring you something to drink as well?”

“Yes, dear. How sweet of you.”