“I am an earl and must marry at some point,” he said diplomatically. “And who knows, perhaps my countess is in this very ballroom.” He gave her a broad smile before darting another look toward Miss Wingate. Her arm was linked with Lady Cassandra’s. They looked thick as thieves already. He wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. Lady Cassandra was, after all, Lucien’s sister. She was also Aldington’s, so her behavior could go either way. She could be the best possible influence on Miss Wingate, or she could be a problem.

Now they were leaving the ballroom together. Suddenly, Tobias wondered at the wisdom of them meeting.

Alas, the music began. He’d have to play guardian after.

Fiona had only collided with one dancer but had stepped on Mr. Mansfield’s feet at least twice. As he escorted her from the dance floor, she noted her guardian was strolling the perimeter of the room with a tall, rather pretty woman with dark hair. Was he looking for a countess? She hoped so. Perhaps he’d focus on that instead of trying to marry her off.

Mr. Mansfield delivered her to Lady Pickering and Prudence. He took Fiona’s hand and bowed over it. “Thank you so much for the dance. I shall look forward to next time.” He smiled at her, keeping his mouth closed. She’d caught sight of his somewhat crooked teeth during the dance.

“Thank you.” She dipped into a brief curtsey before he turned and departed.

“Well done,” Lady Pickering said. “I want to introduce you to someone who will be a good ally for you this Season.” She led Fiona and Prudence to a beautiful young woman and a rather stoic gentleman. “Lord Aldington, Lady Cassandra, may I present Miss Fiona Wingate? She is Lord Overton’s ward. And this is her companion, Miss Lancaster.” She looked to Fiona. “Lord Aldington is the heir to the Duke of Evesham, and Lady Cassandra is his sister.”

Lord Aldington was dressed very conservatively in all black with a dark blue waistcoat. His tawny hair was styled neatly, if not terribly fashionably, and his hazel eyes regarded her with interest, if not warmth. Conversely, Lady Cassandra wore a stunning coral ballgown with embroidery on the sleeves and seed pearls sewn into the bodice. Her dark hair was artfully arranged with more pearls, and she wore a beautiful coral necklace. She was like a bright flower waving in the sun. Fiona had thought her own gown was lovely and that her curled and styled hair looked nice, but Lady Cassandra commanded attention. She also possessed an air that said she didn’t particularly care about getting it.

Fiona instantly liked her.

Lady Cassandra held out her hand. Uncertain, Fiona glanced toward Lady Pickering, who inclined her head. Fiona took the young lady’s hand, and Lady Cassandra gave her a warm squeeze. “I’m delighted to meet you. Navigating the Season together will be such fun.” Her eyes danced with enthusiasm, and Fiona couldn’t help but smile.