If he was the rock, she was the tide, and so on.
If she understood Lady Osbaldestone correctly, then the nature of their future hinged on her stubbornness.
Lady Musselford's ball was certain to be a crush. The Mussleford girls were ravishing and both were making their formal bow to the ton that night. Amanda prayed one or other would do something to keep the ton's collective eye on them-away from her and her determined would-be consort.
She was growing rather tired of having her every move remarked.
"Miss Cynster! I had great hopes you would attend tonight."
Amanda started; she blinked as Percival Lytton-Smythe bowed before her. "Ah… good evening, sir."
"I daresay"-Percival beamed delightedly at her-"that you've been wondering where I've been these past two weeks."
She hadn't even noticed his absence. "Have you been in the country?" She continued to watch for Martin's arrival.
"I travelled to Shropshire-one of my maternal aunts is aging. She wished to make her will, confirming me as her heir."
Amanda caught a glimpse of burnished locks at the far end of the ballroom. "How fortunate."
"Fortunate, indeed! Miss Cynster-my dear Amanda, if I might make so bold-"
Percival grasped her hand, jerking her attention from approaching danger. "Mr. Lytton-Smythe!" She tried to pull free, but he stubbornly held on.
"No, no-my apologies, dear lady. The violence of my feelings has startled you, but you must make allowances for my natural enthusiasm at the prospect that, courtesy of my aunt's generosity, now lies before us."
"Us?" Aghast, Amanda stared.
Percival patted her hand. "My dearest Amanda, only the disparity of our fortunes, the idea that some might consider our match too uneven in standing, has prevented me from speaking 'ere now, yet you cannot be unaware that a match between us will confer great benefits upon us both."
"Benefits?" Her temper rose; she fought to suppress it. The ballroom was fast filling.
"But of course. Innocent as you are, your parents have doubtless deemed it unnecessary to burden your mind with the more businesslike aspects of matrimony. No need, indeed, for your father and I will ensure that you are well looked after, you may be sure."
That last was delivered with a paternalistic smirk; before she could erupt, Percival released her and continued, "Regardless of the recent deplorable tendency to invest the institution of marriage with heated emotions, it is absurd to base a serious union on any but sound considerations of wealth and consequence. On the furtherance of the age-old ideals."
"Precisely which 'age-old ideals' do you imagine a union between us would serve?" The belief that she had to stop Percival in his tracks was the only reason she asked.
"Why, it will be obvious to all that marriage to me will stem your regrettable levity, the same levity that has kept you from marriage for the last several years. It's clear you require a firm hand on your reins, and I am just the man to supply it."
Percival beamed at the surrounding crowd. "And, of course, merging your fortune with mine will create a nice estate, one I will manage to our advantage. The connection with St. Ives will benefit my standing, and all that I undertake. Indeed, an alliance between us will be of inestimable value, as I'm sure, even innocent as you are of such matters, you will agree."
Smugly triumphant, he smiled at her.
Eyes narrowed, she trapped his gaze. "You err." His smile faded; he opened his lips-she silenced him with an upraised hand. "You are wrong. First, in imagining I value the 'age-old ideals' you worship-wealth and status are mine regardless of whom I wed. You also insult my family in believing that any consideration beyond my own happiness will weigh with them."
Her gaze was caught by the tall, commanding figure purposefully heading their way. "While my family will discourage any alliance they believe would not be in my best interests, I assure you they will equally discourage any suitor who does not find favor in my eyes."
"Pish-posh!"
Percival's contemptuous tone had her returning her gaze to him; she raised her brows haughtily. "I believe our discussion is at an end, sir. I bid you a good evening."
She turned to sweep away, to slip into the crowd and gather a circle of protective admirers before Martin caught up with her-
Percival grabbed her wrist. "Nonsense! It's past time you gave up such flighty, affected behavior. It may pass well enough in the schoolroom-"
"Unhand me!"
Her furious yet glacial tones struck Percival like a whip.