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He began leading her toward their parents, but Penelope apparently had other plans and began to tug him toward a corridor. “Now, you must help me.” Her heart-shaped face became serious. “A man is following Corrine and me non-stop. I declined his offer to sign my dance card, but he did it anyway. I do not wish to tell Father because he will only state that I should be polite.”
“Who is this man?” He knew that was not the case; if their father learned what type of man this was, he would do whatever he had to in order to protect Penelope. Still, Miles had to force his hands to unclench.
Penelope motioned to a man who stood with two others and Miles frowned. He was well aware of the pompous man. He was called Tom Roberts, son to a very wealthy woman and much too old for his young sister. Not only that, but Miles had learned from Grant that Roberts had a penchant for what he would call the “darker side of sexual relations”.
The man was the last person he’d ever allow near his sister.
“Do not worry. It is taken care of. Where is Corinne?” He peered down at his sister.
“She’s hiding behind the plant there.” Penelope pointed out her young friend, who lingered behind a huge potted tree, watching the people on the dance floor. Her feet moved to the music, but she wisely remained hidden behind the pot. In truth, even though it veiled her from the view of most of the people in the ballroom, it wasn’t a very good hiding place. That being said, Miles knew that once Roberts spotted her, it might become a dangerous spot where he could accost her and no one would be the wiser.
“Come,” Miles took his sister’s hand and together they went to where Corinne was. Once he gathered both girls, he took them to sit in an alcove behind his parents.
His mother gave him a quizzical look. “They should be out there enjoying the evening, not sitting behind us.”
Miles walked to stand between his parents. “Father, you know the man named Tom Roberts, I believe. He has made the girls…uncomfortable with his attentions. I will speak to him. Until then, they should remain here.”
“There is nothing wrong with a man showing interest,” his mother stated.
His father, however, slid a look to where Roberts stood. “Please do. Else, I will.”
When his mother looked at them, the duke spoke to her in a quiet tone. “He has inherited his mother’s tastes when it comes to…entertainment.”
The duchesses’ eyes rounded and then narrowed. “Miles, please warn him off immediately.”
He nodded and bowed, then moved to the edge of the dance floor, where he waited while Roberts danced.
“Dance with me,” Glenora said, coming to stand next to him. With little choice in the matter, he guided her to the dance floor. She, of course, knew Roberts as well—probably too well, if Grant’s information was correct—and Miles had no doubt she would interfere in some way, possibly making the situation worse.
As they danced, he noticed Amelia and her mother watching. He’d not signed her dance card, and she’d said it was full except for one dance, so why wasn’t she on the dance floor with someone else? Clearly, he was her prey, and she was husband-hunting. He wondered why the young woman had set her eyes on him over any other bachelor. The fact of the matter was, she was eye-catching, and surely suitors were calling. But she appeared undeterred.
He had explained to her that he had no plans whatsoever to court anyone. Perhaps he would reiterate it to her again tonight and set things straight.
The dance ended, and he escorted Glenora back to where she and her friends had congregated. “I will return shortly. I must speak to someone.”
“Of course.” She gave him a questioning look but said nothing else. In the meantime, Roberts had walked in the direction of where his sister and her friend were seated when Miles caught up with him.
“A word, Tom.” Miles did not wait for a reply. Instead he walked out to the garden, after making sure the man was following. It was best to speak outdoors so as not to be overheard. The last thing he wanted was to make a scene and cause his mother any distress or his sister and her friend any embarrassment.
He finally stopped at a distance where he was sure, would be out of gossips’ earshot, on the grass between some topiaries. Roberts caught up with him.
“What can I do for you, my lord?” Tom Roberts’ eyes were dull, unfocused. He’d probably partaken in opium, by the slowness of his words.
“I will be blunt,” Miles started, hoping the drugged man would hear him clearly. “You are to stay away from my sister and her friend. Do not speak to them. In fact do not dare to even look at them. Am I clear?”
The man’s lips twisted into a sneer. “You can’t order me about. You are no one. Am I clear?” he retorted.
It was only when Miles moved closer, until they were nose to nose, that Roberts seemed to regret his statement.
Miles narrowed his eyes, pinning the man’s with his. “You are bothering my sister and her friend. Therefore, I have every right to order you to leave them alone. You do not want to cross me, Roberts. I asked courteously this time. I would advise against me having to remind you less politely next time.”
The man backed away, his stance suddenly stronger and focus clearer, if only for the moment. “I only asked for a dance. I have no need to chase after children.” He turned and stalked away, back into the ballroom.
“Lord Miles!” Amelia’s voice cut through the darkness and the blonde came into view.
Miles cursed under his breath, suddenly remembering Siobhan’s warning to avoid the garden tonight. And now, he knew why.
“Miss Blair,” he replied. A new song played, this time a waltz. It was the second waltz, which meant the night would hopefully come to an end soon. “If you would excuse me. I do not wish to compromise you by being seen alone with you,” Miles said, taking a step away.
