She had no scruples about revealing anything about her parents to Charlie; he’d known them most of his life and he responded to this confidence with a grin. “I can’t imagine your mother enjoying Baden-Baden, it’s far too staid for her, she’s so glamorous and lively. When I first met her I couldn’t believe she was actually anyone’s mother, and it’s still hard.”

“I know what you mean,” Petra said with feeling. They stood for a moment at the entrance to the ballroom getting their bearings. Her gaze swept over the throng and alighted on a dancing couple at the far side of the dance floor. They were a striking pair, Lord Ashton and the Viscomtesse Clothilde Delmont, moving across the floor with practiced ease, seemingly deep in animated conversation.

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Petra took a glass of champagne from the tray offered by a passing footman and watched the dancers. The orchestra was playing a lively two-step and her foot tapped involuntarily to the rhythm.

“Shall we dance?” Charlie asked.

“Yes, please.” She took a sip from her glass, set it aside on a pier table, took Charlie’s hand and moved with him onto the dance floor. Her feet moved of their own accord and it was easy to maintain a conversation with Charlie while acknowledging friends and acquaintances circling the floor with them. She was acutely aware of Guy Granville as he and his partner seemed to come closer with each sweep of the dance floor. Was he deliberately steering his partner in Petra’s direction, or was it simply part of the inevitable rhythm and movement of the dance?

Her question was soon answered. “Good evening, Miss Rutherford.” Guy and his partner were beside them.

She looked sideways as if surprised at seeing him there. “Why, Guy, fancy seeing you here. I thought you were to be in the Lords this evening. Charlie, are you acquainted with Lord Ashton?”

“Not personally,” Charlie said, bowing his head in greeting. “But of course I know who you are, sir. I read your columns in the Times regularly. Charles Aldershot at your service.”

Guy returned the nod with a polite smile of acknowledgment, before drawing his partner forward. “Clothilde, may I introduce Miss Petra Rutherford, and her partner, Viscount Aldershot. The Viscomtesse Delmont.”

The tall Frenchwoman’s smile seemed distant to Petra, who felt rather insignificant beside the other woman’s height and elegance. Nevertheless she managed a friendly smile. “I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Delmont.”

“Indeed,” the woman said. “Charming.” She looked at her partner. “I would like champagne, Guy.”

“Of course,” he responded. “Until later, Petra.” His dark eyes held a glow in their depths, one she recognized from those moments just before he kissed her. She felt her cheeks warm and with a quick half smile turned back to Charlie to resume the dance.

“How do you know Lord Ashton?” Charlie asked.