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Leyla’s mind wandered back again to the almost kiss in the garden the night before as her mother introduced her to yet another smarmy gentleman eagerly bowing over her hand.
The man responsible for her utter distraction had yet to make an appearance. Several of the other young ladies in the stifling drawing room were eyeing the door in anticipation of his arrival. Leyla had reached the point several minutes ago when she had decided to avoid looking at the very door that everyone else was paying far too much attention. As a matter of principle.
She was not going to be caught waiting for him.
“Miss Ristone, would you care for a breath of fresh air on the veranda?”
Leyla couldn’t quite remember the poor man’s name but she smiled at the man nonetheless. She did not have a chance to respond as her mother clamped onto her arm, flashing a smile of her own at the titled man in front of them. “She would love to, Lord Sleton.”
Within moments Leyla found herself at the veranda doors, mentally cursing Lord Cavendish for not appearing in time to whisk her away for this soon-to-be-very-tiresome walk with her new acquaintance. Not that he would.
Lord Sleton chuckled. “It appears I snared my choice of companion for a walk just in time.”
Unthinking, Leyla glanced back at the floor only to be ensnared by Lord Cavendish’s gaze.
“How fortuitous for us both.” She managed a light laugh. “Shall we?” Somehow she broke away from Lord Cavendish’s riveting stare to turn to the veranda. It was unfair how easily Dylan Cavendish had caught her attention. Even more surprising was that, despite the special regards he was garnering upon his entrance, he was still managing to draw closer to her.
Lord Sleton eyed her gleefully. “You did not wish to go try your hand at snaring the most eligible lordling?”
“I promised you a turn about the veranda.” Leyla couldn’t manage to force herself to not keep track of Lord Cavendish.
However, he was getting close enough to affect her steady breathing. Unfortunately, Lord Sleton did not seem in a hurry to go out as he lingered near the door. Instead he turned back to address the one man she was trying to escape, though she wasn’t entirely sure why she felt the need.
“A little late to the party, eh Cavendish? You eying the lovely on my arm? You’ll have to wait for a turn with her. We are about to head out on the veranda.”
Dylan’s jaw clenched. She could see it from where she stood.
“These things can get rather stuffy, can’t they?” Leyla’s voice was soft, almost docile. She squelched her inner cringe and continued to smile politely.
“Don’t keep Miss Ristone out for too long, Sleton.” Dylan almost sounded irritated.
Leyla glanced over at him in surprise at his tone only to discover he wasn’t even looking at her any longer. It seemed he was too busy glaring at Lord Sleton. Why would he invite someone he couldn’t stand to his own house party?
“I wouldn’t dream of keeping her away from you, Cavendish. I find I am merely pleased to be keeping this one out of your reach when you have made it so clear that you favor her.”
“He has not.” Leyla interceded. She refused to be talked about as if she weren’t there.
Lord Sleton shot her a patronizing nod and patted her hand. He proceeded to lead her out onto the veranda. Lord Cavendish was left to turn back to greet the rest of his guests, though he looked ready to follow after them.
“So, Miss Ristone, how have you managed to catch Lord Cavendish’s attention so thoroughly? I have never seen him make such a display.”
Leyla slowed. “How well do you know Lord Cavendish?”
“Well enough to know that his behavior is far from his usual indifference.”
Nodding as she walked about, she did not object when he came to a stop near the railing overlooking the gardens. “Perhaps he was intending to escape onto the veranda and it was you who waylaid him into conversation. He could have merely been looking for something to say.”
His gaze on her face sharpened. “How well do you know him?”
“I confess, I only met him yesterday though he and my father do business together often.” Leyla let her blush glow, aware of how it may look to the man before her. She didn’t mind the assumption he would make.
Immediately the sharpness disappeared from his eyes and softened into that of the suitor he had been playing in front of her mother. She found herself wondering what he was truly like when he wasn’t busy playing one part or another for whatever company he was keeping.” And how are you enjoying this grand estate?”
She gazed out at the gardens. “I haven’t seen much of it yet.”
“Shall I give you a tour of the grounds?” His hand moved to the small of her back to lightly guide her toward the garden steps.
She shook her head with a light laugh. “I have already been promised a tour by the owner. I would hate to disappoint him.”
“And yourself.” Lord Sleton chuckled. “I see that Lord Cavendish is not the only one enamored. Though I expect no less of you. Shall I escort you back?”
Leyla pulled back from the door just enough to stop him. “I do not want to cut our walk short because you believe I am after Lord Cavendish’s money. I promised you a walk.”
“Indeed?” He bowed as he laughed. “You are a marvel, Miss Ristone. I will be the gentleman and end this now. Your mother was quick to accept my offer for you. I did not miss that. You never promised me anything, though I appreciate your efforts to follow through. Now, allow me to show you inside before Cavendish decides I have taken too long in returning you to his side. Though I may have to remind him that it is his own fault since he took so long to show up.”
“Please do.” Leyla laughed. “Remind him.”
As soon as they returned indoors, Leyla found herself wishing for the cool air of the veranda. Perhaps it did not help that Dylan was standing amongst a bevy of heart struck admirers.
“There doesn’t appear to be any room. You may take me to my mother instead.”
“You shy away?” Lord Sleton peered over at her. “You surprise me once again.”
Leyla inclined her head and smiled. “Lord Sleton, I will not fight for his attention. He must fight for mine.”
