waltzing with the earl by catherine tinley

Late morning meant the street was busy with delivery men, street sweepers and errand boys. As his coach stopped outside, Colonel Sir Edward Wyncroft glanced around. ‘I wish I could lift your spirits, Adam, but if pretty girls and dances can’t do it then how can I?’ Chapter Oneīuxted House in Half-Moon Street was a neat, elegant townhouse, ideally situated between Curzon Street and Green Park. He spoke first to Miss Ross, who looked disappointed, then made his farewell to their hostess, Lady Jersey.Īs Adam slipped out of the room, Harry spoke softly, though he knew his brother could not hear.

His brother, unheeding, left with a slight wave of his hand. Flirt with as many young ladies as you can manage. ‘Perhaps I am not friendly enough tonight. ‘But your friends are here.’ Harry indicated a corner near the supper room, where a group of young men were indulging in drinking games with Lady Jersey’s potent punch. ‘Give me an evening with friends instead-with people I know and wish to talk to.’ I just do not enjoy- this.’ He indicated the crowded room. The Earldom-and all its responsibilities-rests on my shoulders.’ ‘As though I were still mourning him? You need not worry, Harry. We have been out of mourning for Papa for months, yet still you act as though.’

I dance with them, then immediately forget them. Not one of these ladies has the power to hold my attention. Come now, Adam, there are lovelies to be danced with, flirtations to be had. ‘You are not indisposed-well, not unless one counts this unseemly languor. ‘I shall apologise-a sudden indisposition, I think.’ ‘So soon? But the night is barely begun-and you are promised to dance the cotillion with Miss Ross.’ I am leaving.’ He wrenched his long frame upright. The Earl regarded his younger brother with disfavour. A country dance was in full flow, and the sight of tittering ladies and merry gentlemen leaping and capering around the room seemed, at this moment, the height of absurdity. The elegant ballroom was thronged with gentlemen and ladies of every age, shape and demeanour, all determined to enjoy the evening. Leaning against a gilded column, the Earl of Shalford coolly observed the revellers at Lady Jersey’s party.

Waltzing with the earl by catherine tinley