Ezra thought about it for a brief moment then nodded his head. A drink would do him good. He needed the break, and before Fox had walked into his study he’d been considering leaving work behind. “What rumor did you stumble across?”
“That not only were you present at a ball, but you actually danced,” Fox told him. He crossed over to him and handed him his glass of brandy. “Please tell me you’re not on a path similar to the one Graystone took.”
Ezra frowned. “I’m not in the market for a wife if that is what you’re asking.”
“Neither was the duke,” Fox added. “But he is shamelessly in love with his duchess. It’s disgusting.”
“He did appear quite happy with himself.” Ezra frowned. “He was gloating when I spoke to him. You’re right—it was disturbing.”
“All right, I’m satisfied you’re not searching for your viscountess.” Fox took a sip of his brandy and plopped down in a nearby chair. “I’m assuming you attended the ball for your sister.”
“You would assume correctly,” Ezra agreed. He tapped his finger on his desk and then took a deep breath before adding, “And I did dance.”
His mouth fell open and shocked filled his eyes. Fox was completely appalled. “Good God, man, are you trying to bait the marriage-minded misses and their mamas?” He shook his head displeased. “Before you know it, every eligible lady will be cornering you at these society functions trying to entice you with their wares.”
Ezra burst out laughing. “I have my doubts that they’ll be attempting to seduce me in front of the entire ton.”
“Who says they are going to do it in sight of anyone? There are plenty of dark pathways you can escape to. I’ve discovered quite a few areas for some pleasant interludes when I’ve deigned to attend a ball. You have to be aware of all the possibilities before you find yourself in a trap you’re unable to escape from.”
“I’m not so dense as to fall for something like that.” His mind went back to the previous evening. His little interlude with Lady Theodora. He’d been in a darkened area with her. Though, to be fair, she hadn’t seemed inclined to seduce him. It wasn’t until after their dance that she’d asked him to kiss her. He’d been so bloody tempted to give her that kiss though. Only his superior control had held him in check. Kissing her, at least in that moment, would have been a mistake. One they would both regret later.
“Glad you’re paying attention. I’d hate to lose another friend to the bonds of matrimony.” He shook as a shiver seemed to roll through him. “Graystone is in town so they can launch his wife’s sister. The other two ladies he sent off to finishing school, but I doubt it’ll help those two. Terrors they are, especially Lady Christiana. I plan on avoiding her for the rest of my life. I swear she wants to see me dead. She tried to drown me last time I was in her presence.”
Ezra could not have heard him correctly. “Surely you’re mistaken.”
“All right perhaps, she didn’t, but I certainly wouldn’t have had to jump into that cold pond if she hadn’t decided it was a good idea to take a swim. I think I hate her.”
Ezra held back a laugh. He didn’t think that Fox would appreciate it at the moment. Perhaps he was sincerely revolted by Lady Christiana, but there was something in Fox’s expression that made Ezra believe otherwise. He protested far too much. What was really going on there? “I guess it’s a good thing Graystone sent her away then. You should be free from her for at least a year, I’d think.” And when the lady returned to the ton, it would be quite interesting to witness Fox’s reaction to her firsthand.
“And thank heavens for small favors,” Fox agreed, then downed the contents of his glass. “Are you going to any more balls?”
“Probably,” Ezra told him. “My sister does wish to secure a good match. She has a chaperone, but I intend to accompany them whenever possible.”
“What is your next engagement?”
“Why?” Ezra lifted a brow. “Do you wish to attend as well?”
“I might,” Fox answered. “If only to ensure you don’t become trapped. Friends help each other. You can consider it a kindness.” He went to the decanter and refilled his glass. “Tell me about this chit you danced with.”
Ezra rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment on Fox’s sudden need to chaperone him in society. He didn’t want to discuss Lady Theodora. “You don’t need to concern yourself with her. I danced with her for two reasons. One to avoid dancing with a meanspirited girl who wanted me to add my name to her dance card, and because she said hateful things about the wallflower in question. It was a pity dance.”
It wasn’t. He’d wanted to dance with her, but he couldn’t tell Fox that. He’d take it the wrong way and he’d follow him to every society function to block him from becoming more acquainted with Lady Theodora. Ezra needed to see her again, and if he could, kiss her as she’d asked. Though something told him she’d be belligerent and tell him she didn’t want a kiss any longer. That was all right with him. He looked forward to changing her mind.
Fox narrowed his gaze as he studied him. “That’s a bit…unkind. I do hope you didn’t tell that to the wallflower.”
“Of course not. Now that would have been cruel. I was the epitome of benevolence and acted the perfect gentleman.” He held his hand over his chest. “On my honor,” he said with conviction. “The lady enjoyed our dance and conversation. I
