Page 7 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

Chapter 3

“Bertie, if you step on my gown once more, I swear before God, I will kick you.” Kate smiled as she spoke but meant every word. The oaf was going to tear her gown if he didn’t watch where he stepped. Then she wouldn’t be able to dance the next set with Lord Finley.

He and Celinda were the first couple, currently dancing near the bottom of the line. She tried very hard not to stare at him and pay more attention to her own partner, yet Bertie Symmons was the most tedious man she knew. Even Lord Haversham had more to recommend him as a partner, and God knew she hated to admit that.

Kate picked up her skirt in readiness for the next part of the set. As second couple, they were currently not dancing but waiting their turn. When it came, she didn’t intend to let Bertie’s inept dancing skills spoil it for her.

The first couple bowed, set to their partners—Celinda danced very prettily before Finley on her toes—then performed a double figure eight. Of course, Lord Finley danced excellently into the bargain. So unfair.

“I say, who’s that chap Celinda’s dancing with?” Bertie asked as they took hands to change through.

“Lord Finley.” Kate stole another glance at the couple, who laughed as they, too, wound down the line of dancers. “A new gentleman lately from America.”

“He’s American?” Bertie’s eyes opened wide. “I didn’t think they had titles in America.”

“No, wigeon. He’s not American, he’s English, but he’s been over there for five years and is just now returned. Something to do with investments, I think.” Kate peered at her partner. “What investments might he have over there? I didn’t think it a very profitable place at all.”

“Oh, no, there’s money to be made, depending on what he’s been investing in.” Bertie nodded eagerly. “Banks, both the national Bank of the United States and various state banks. There are merchant investors he could be dabbling in. And there’s always land.”

Kat wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure Lord Finley wouldn’t concern himself with mere trade.”

“It can be quite lucrative, I hear.” They parted, and Bertie bowed as the dance ended. He took her hand and led her toward the edge of the dance floor. “Of course, the most lucrative investment in the States at the moment is the slave trade.”

“What?” Kate drew back, shocked. “Lord Finley is a gentleman. He would never take up such a filthy business. Besides, it’s illegal.”

“Not in America. And even if he’d invested in a company that owns slave ships, he wouldn’t be doing anything illegal here.” Bertie’s usual placid face transformed, now more animated than she’d ever seen it.

“How do you know all this?” Kate couldn’t fathom that someone like Bertie could truly know about such important things as investments. He’d always been rather flighty.

“My father’s got an interest in the Bank of New York. It’s made a huge difference in our fortunes over the past ten years.” He grasped her hand, jerking Kate’s attention back to him. “We don’t have a title, but Father assures me I’ll have 10,000 pounds or more a year.”

Kate stared at him, completely horrified, and yanked her hand free. Lord, the fool thought she was interested in money. “I’m happy for you, Bertie. However, what I need to know is where Lord Finley made his money. Can you find out for me?”

Bertie’s countenance fell, but he shrugged and smiled good-naturedly. He’d undoubtedly make some girl an excellent husband. “I’ll ask Father. He’s always getting news from all over about his investments. I daresay he knows Lord Finley.”

“Thank you, Bertie.” She patted his arm. “And thank you for the dance.”

“Would you care to—”

“Once, I believe, is all I can claim in an evening.” She snapped her fan open and tried to cool her face. Dancing with a less than stellar partner was wearying. “I must allow the other ladies a chance to stand up with you.”

“Oh, right. Very good.” Bertie looked around as if considering his options. “I say, here comes Celinda. I should ask her, don’t you think?” He turned expectantly toward her cousin. “Lady Celinda, would you care to—”

“Excuse me, Bertie,” Celinda interrupted him, startling both Kate and her escort. Her flushed face and sparkling blue eyes gave her a level of vivaciousness Kate had never seen before. “I simply must speak to Kate this instant.” She dragged Kate over to a secluded corner, dancing on her toes, unable to stand still. “Oh, Kate. He’s an absolute dream.”

Kate stared, unable to reconcile this Celinda with the cousin she’d always known. Her Celinda possessed a cool, reserved mien, quick to laugh but always critical of the gentlemen of her acquaintance. This Celinda, with flashing eyes, a wide smile, and constant movement, seemed a stranger. She absolutely fizzed with excitement. Kate could only stare as her cousin flipped her fan open then snapped it closed, glancing up and down the dance floor.

“So Lord Finley dances well, does he? Then I will look forward to our dance even more.” Kate put a hand on her cousin’s shoulder. Perhaps a touch would help calm her. It wouldn’t do at all for Celinda to show such partiality in public toward a man she’d only just met.

“Oh, so much more than that, but yes, he’s an excellent partner. You’ll enjoy your set with him so much.” Celinda snapped her fan open again and waved it frantically, sending her ringlets flying.

“Celinda, calm yourself.” Kate put her arm around the girl’s shoulders. “Goodness, I’ve never seen you like this before.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or pull a stern face.

“I’ve never felt like this before. Oh, my dear, I’m all goose flesh.” She bared her arm, and indeed every hair stood on quivering end. “I’ve never met anyone like him. So witty, so kind. And oh, the most wonderful thing of all.” She grabbed Kate by the shoulders. “He didn’t ask me about my name!” She clamped her hand over her mouth and darted her gaze around the room.

“Yes, keep your voice down, if you please.” Kate peered about as well, dread settling in her chest. “No need to call further attention to yourself.”

“But, Kate, he didn’t ask me what Celinda meant or if it was a family name, or remark on how odd it was.”