“Harry!”

Harcourt turned sharply on his heel and pushed through a mass of bodies before his mother could catch up with him. If only the bloody woman would stop forcing him to dance with every young lady of her choosing. Though there were some pretty and sweet ladies in attendance, he’d rather pick his own matches.

He’d rather pick Merry.

“Harry!” There was a tug on his arm and he sighed before turning to face his mother. How the woman managed to force her way through the filled ballroom to catch up with him, he did not know. “You are to dance with Miss Eloise Burton now.” She gave his arm a tug.

“I am quite capable of choosing my own partners, Mother.”

She lifted a brow. “Are you? Because I think if I left you to it, you would not choose anyone.” She tilted her head, making the feathers tucked into her hair bounce. “Are you unwell, Harry? Because even in your more...roguish days, you always enjoyed a dance.”

“I still enjoy a dance. Just not with every woman in the entire country under the age of twenty-two.”

His mother pressed her lips together. “I did not invite every woman in the country.”

He glanced around at the crowded room. It was not the first ball to be held at Lulworth Castle and would not be the last but considering his mother had put it together in a mere two days, it was quite an event. Suffice to say, the servants had been at the point of rebellion, having to cater to so many guests at the last minute. It had taken a few choice words and promises of days off to ensure things continued to run smoothly.

Of course, the one person he wished to be here, could not be. Not that she’d be wanting to dance. He’d probably find Merry tucked up in a room somewhere with a book or hiding in the gardens. He was beginning to wonder if she might not have the right idea, though he would not complain about being forced to take her in his arms.

“You did an impressive job, Mother, so why do you not go and enjoy yourself rather than worrying about your grown son?”

“You really do not understand mothers at all, do you? It is my job to worry about you.”

Harcourt leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “And I appreciate it. Why do you not find Lord Thornford a lovely partner?” He peered at his friend who was enjoying the company of an elegant fair-haired young lady. “Anyway, I have already decided on my next dance partner. He scanned the room and settled his gaze on Bella Lockhart. She glanced his way and stilled as he strolled over. “Will you dance the next set with me?”

Creases appeared between her brows. Dressed in fine white silk, Bella was a far cry from the slightly dusty and grimy woman he’d seen a few days ago at the dower house. She gave a little curtsey. “Of course, my lord. Though I must warn you I have a tendency to tread on people’s toes.”

Harcourt grinned. “It is a fine job I am wearing sturdy boots then.”

Once the next set was called—an English Country Dance—he led Bella up to the dance floor and stood at the head of the line while they waited for the music to start up.

“Are you having an enjoyable time?” he asked Bella.

“Of course. You certainly know how to put on a ball.”

“I cannot take all the credit I am afraid. The dowager countess did most of the work.” They began the dance, weaving around the other dancers before stopping. “I did not think you were one to enjoy balls, Bella. Much like Merry.”

She shook her head. “Formal balls are a bore. And this is of course, a formal ball,” she hastened to add. “but so much more relaxed than London balls. At least all my friends are here.”

“With the exception of Merry.”

Bella narrowed her gaze at him. “I know you are good friends, my lord, but you are spending an uncommon amount of time together. You are putting her reputation at risk.”

“Well, I have not seen her for several days if that puts your mind at ease. In fact, I did not even manage to catch up with her after her strange disappearing act at the dower house.”

A blush bloomed on Bella’s cheeks. “There was nothing strange about it. She had to go fetch some new hanging hooks.”

He let his lips slant. “I thought it was bonnets.”

“Oh, yes. Bonnets too!” she said hurriedly.

They made their way back down the line, lacing their hands together then loosening them.

“Where is Merry tonight?” he asked once they had come to a stop.

Bella shook her head with a small smile. “You will not be dissuaded will you, my lord?”

“It’s my duty to look out for her while her brother is gone.”

“A duty makes it sound tiresome. I think you enjoy looking out for her.”

He shrugged. “Perhaps I do.”

“I think perhaps she enjoys you looking out for her more than she will admit.” She grinned.

The words made his heart warm. If her good friend saw that Merry had feelings for him, then surely it was only a matter of time before Merry gave up this ridiculous fight to avoid him.

“So do you know where she is tonight?” he pressed.

“At the dower house, I suspect. She mentioned something about using the time alone to arrange her books.”

Harcourt shook his head. If she was all alone in the house, she could be in danger. But with luck, the man he had stationed to watch over her had followed her. He’d brought the private investigator back on to follow her and ensure she remained safe when he could not. It still did not stop him from wanting to check on her, however.

“Thank you for the dance, Miss Bella. And thank you for not damaging my toes.”

She chuckled. “You were one of the lucky ones.”

He excused himself and made his way across the ballroom. Griff stopped in front of him, loosening the hold of a determined young woman on his arm who moved dejectedly away.

“Where are you off to in such a rush, Easton? I saw you dancing with that Lockhart woman. She’s an attractive thing. Might see if I can’t get a dance myself.”

A cough from behind Harcourt made him turn. Bella Lockhart eyed Griff, her hands to her hips. “I am no thing. Nor am I ‘that Lockhart woman’, my lord. You shall not be getting a dance from me tonight nor any other night.”

With that, Bella spun on her heel and vanished into the crowds. Harcourt chuckled at this friend’s bewildered expression.

“Well, damn, a lady would never talk like that in London.”

Harcourt shook his head. “You deserved it, Griff.”

“I suppose I had better rustle up another partner instead.”

Grinning, Harcourt nodded toward his mother. “Not to fear, my mother shall have someone lined up for you.”

Griff grimaced.

“I thought you rather enjoyed having all these country ladies clamoring for you,” said Harcourt.

“I think I changed my mind.” Griff scanned the room. “Perhaps I can persuade Bella Lockhart to give me another chance.”

Harcourt shook his head. “You are a glutton for punishment.”

Griff’s smile expanded. “That I am. Where are you running to anyway? You did not say.”

“Do I need to?”

Griff rolled his eyes. “Lady Merry, of course. Well, not to fear, I shall keep your mother occupied while you hunt down your elusive love interest.”

“You are an excellent friend, Griff. I won’t ever forget it.” Harcourt clapped a hand on Griff’s shoulder before leaving the ballroom and heading outside.