Page 57 of A Countess of Convenience

“More rest?” She raised an eyebrow. “I was going to suggest the same thing for you, my love. You look absolutely peaked.”

“I assure you, madam, something is peaked already.” With a chuckle, he slid under the sheet and began to make the delightful journey downward once more.

Chapter 22

Lady Sutherland’s ballroom glittered with myriad candles, candelabras, and chandeliers, casting a soft glow over all the fashionable people attending. Unfortunately, the heat generated by so many candles and bodies was almost stupefying to Judith. She stood next to a window fanning herself, still unaccustomed to such entertainments even after a week of chaperoning Kitty to the rounds of balls, theater parties, entertainments at Vauxhall, and all manner of other such amusements to show off her sister-in-law to the best advantage.

“Here you go, my dear.” John appeared, thankfully with a cup of cool lemonade.

“You are an angel.” She drank thirstily, wishing for more.

“Where is Kitty now?” Her husband was vigilant as a hawk when it came to suitors for his sister, perhaps the reason she’d not had an offer yet this Season.

“Just there dancing with the gentleman in purple, Lord Fenton.” Judith couldn’t help smiling at the young man, apparently a macaroni, in extremely tight pants and jacket in an unfortunate shade of light puce, with a gold waistcoat, red high heels, and a tiny hat perched atop his wig.

“Why? That damned fashion is an affront to anyone with taste.” John glowered at the couple.

“She might have said no, but he seemed amiable despite his clothing. And I think Kitty simply loves to dance. She’s been partnered the entire night.” Her friend was not too much younger than she but seemed to have more stamina by far.

“As I remember, you used to love to dance as well.” John moved in front of her and bowed formally. “I fear I have been remiss in my duties as a husband this evening. May I have the next dance?”

Hesitating only a moment, Judith curtsied and nodded. “Thank you, I would love to.” A headache had started—they had been afflicting her more frequently of late—but she wouldn’t allow it to keep her from the dance floor.

The quadrille ended, and Lord Fenton returned Kitty to them, bowed low despite the tightness of his clothing, and marched away, his red heels clicking across the floor.

“Did you enjoy your dance, sister?” In preparation for their dance, John took Judith’s arm.

“I did. Lord Fenton may look a fright, but he dances well and is actually very witty.” Flipping open her fan, Kitty plied it in front of her face, her cheeks bright pink. “He is to begin his Grand Tour in August. I quite envy him that.” Kitty almost sounded interested in the gentleman, although perhaps she was more interested in his upcoming travels.

“Miss Tate, I believe you are promised to me for this next set?” An elegant gentleman in gray silk bowed and offered his arm.

“And you are, sir?” The protective brother emerged as John stared the gentleman down.

“Lord Ashbrook, at your service, Lord Haxby.” He bowed again to John then to Judith. “Lady Haxby.”

“My lord.” Judith curtsied and grasped John’s arm in a tight grip. “Enjoy your dance, Kitty. Come, my lord, else we will not get a place.” She pulled her husband toward the dance floor, longing to fetch him a good smack. “She will never attract a serious suitor, much less a husband, if you keep interfering, my dear.”

“It is scarcely interfering to inquire who my sister is about to stand up with.”

“And what have you gained other than the knowledge of his name?” Judith let go of John’s arm and flipped open her fan again. Her headache had worsened, making her hotter than ever.

“As the gentleman is not known to me, I may now make inquiries if necessary.” The music started, and they bowed to one another. “One cannot be too careful with one’s sister.”

“I would say one could.”

As first couple, they took hands and stepped together, leading their set down three steps then back. Judith craned her neck to catch sight of Kitty and Lord Ashbrook, who looked very well together. “Well, she will do much better with this lord than Fenton.”

“That macaroni! Hah. Fenton is the least of my worries, although I have no more idea who his father is than I do the man in the moon.”

A stab of pain in her head made Judith wince. She should write to Miles to see if these headaches would eventually subside. They seemed to come on suddenly and just as suddenly disappear. Most of the time, at least. Though disinclined to contact the man, he did know her case better than anyone and so would have a better idea about any complications that arose.

Back at place, they set to each other. “I’m actually wondering if I shouldn’t simply make a match for her and be done with it.” John sounded grave as they turned and repeated their movements once more.

“Swindon,” Judith gasped, as the ladies took hands.

“What?” John and the other gentlemen stepped toward the ladies. “He’s much too old for Kitty.”

“No, Swindon’s his father.” The pain intensified as a memory of Dora surfaced. “John, I’m unwell. I must get some air.” Hating to ruin the dance, yet fighting the pain, Judith curtsied then fled the dance floor.