Regency Romance: Lady Lorena's Spinster's Society ( #1, The Spinster's Society)

Prologue

Lorena immediately panicked. "No."

His eyes widened with surprise. "No?"

She shook her head. "We shouldn't."

He blinked as he straightened. "It's my party. You can't say no."

"I believe I did."

His smile widened and an expression came on his face that she couldn't read.

Lorena went on, "I mean, I'm not dancing tonight. I'm just coming out of mourning and—"

"Of course," he whispered and concern touched his eyes. "I understand, but I am so very grateful you've come." He still held her hand. "I mourned the passing of your parents as well. I always felt welcomed at your home."

Lorena could tell he was no longer speaking of her parents but herself. She'd made him feel welcomed.

"Ashwick," a high and aged female voice called just before Lady Ashwick appeared. His mother barely looked at Lorena as she spoke to her son. "You promised Lady Harriet a dance. The music is about to begin. Do not keep her waiting."

The obvious dislike the countess had for Lorena was easy to see. Lady Harriet was not only beautiful but Lorena had heard through the gossip that reached the country that the lady would make a perfect wife to any titled man. She also had money, which was something Lorena had none of. Harriett was perfect. Unlike Lorena, who'd failed her first season and had never returned to London.

Until now.

Ashwick, who hadn't looked his mother's way, not even while she spoke to him, slowly turned his gaze from Lorena. "Mother, you do know Lady Lorena and Lady Genevieve, don't you?"

"Oh, of course," Lady Ashwick said, still not looking in her direction. "But we must go. A host cannot greet every guest."

Ashwick fully faced his mother then. "I do not have to dance the very first song."

"Of course, you do," Ashwick's beautiful cousin, Lady May, cut in, glaring at him. "You are the host. You set the pace for the entire evening."

"Yes," his mother said. "Come along." Then she started moving away, as though already knowing he would listen."

Lady May turned to Lorena and said, "I'm sure you understand, dear. My cousin has responsibilities."

"Of course," Lorena said quickly to Ashwick. "You must go."

He seemed hesitant, so she pushed. "Please."

Just go.

He stared at her and opened his mouth, prepared to say something.

Lorena froze.

"Later," Lady May urged, taking her cousin's arm and steering him away.

Ashwick met her eyes before fully turning to leave Lorena. She watched him turn to Lady Harriet and take her hand as they walked up and into the ballroom. All Lorena could think about was just how perfect they seemed together. She touched one hand with the other, over the spot he'd kissed, believing it to be the last time.

Genie was in her ear before Lorena could complete her thought. "Did you see the way he looked at you? He is completely—"

"For someone else," Lorena quickly said.

Someone like Harriett.

Lorena started for the door again but Genie's arm stopped her from leaving. "Let us at least stay and be social. This is your first invitation since your parents' passing. There are those who would want to know that all is well."