“Lady Reid Ellington.” The man bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Robert.” He exuded an air of confidence mixed with a touch of arrogance.

Reid felt as if she should know who this man was, so she replied, “The pleasure is all mine.”

“I can see why Prince Dexter is smitten with you. You are a lovely sight.”

“Yes,” Reid snapped, offended by his comment. “I am sure it has nothing to do with my intellect, my personality, or the fact I’m the heir to one of the largest counties in the kingdom.”

He barked out a laugh. “So you are not like other northerners? I’m glad to hear it. If our prince had chosen a meek and helpless thing, I would have opposed.”

Who was he to think he could oppose an edict set by the king?

“May I have the honor of this dance?” he asked, extending his hand.

Markis discreetly tapped Reid on her back. From Lord Robert’s impeccably tailored tunic, the crest of a castle and a sun, his elegantly styled hair, and his intelligent eyes, she could tell he was wealthy, powerful, and not to be trifled with. Her father had taught her to keep her enemies close—and this man was not her friend. Ignoring Markis’s warning, she said, “You may.” She slid her hand into Lord Robert’s, trying not to flinch when his cold fingers curled around hers.

Chapter Nine

Lord Robert led Reid to the dance floor just as the song came to an end. The musicians immediately began playing a slow, almost haunting melody, which allowed the couples to take a break after the fast dance.

Reid faced Robert, taking his right hand while placing her left lightly on his shoulder. His free hand rested against her back. He took the lead, moving to the music. Read easily followed him, though it felt wrong. She despised giving this man any sort of control.

“Tell me, Lady Reid, have you met your esteemed grandparents yet?”

“No, I have not had that pleasure.”

“What about your second cousin?” He asked, looking down his nose at her.

“I have not had the chance to meet him either.”

His eyes widened in feigned surprise. “Why didn’t your father maintain contact with your mother’s family?”

“That is a question I cannot answer.” Because she honestly didn’t know. Duke Ellington very well could have maintained a relationship with them and never told her about it.

Lord Robert’s hand pressed into her back, pushing her body against his. She stiffened, unable to relax. But she refused to show fear or cower before this man.