Melinda Hammond by Highclough Lady

irresistible attraction for any man. Even my dear brother is ensnared.'
     Verity looked across the room as Mr Bannerman greeted Mrs Wetherby and her daughter. She watched as he lifted the young lady's hand to his lips, and a frown creased her brow as he seemed to hold on to those white fingers a fraction longer than was necessary.
     'But surely Mr Bannerman does not need -'
     'Oh Rafe is rich enough, but what man can resist the chance to increase his fortune?' declared Lady Winter, laughing. 'Now here is that handsome young relative of yours coming to carry you off for the first dance.'
     Mr Worsthorne bowed to the ladies. 'As you say, ma'am. Cousin, we should be taking our place for the first dance.'
     Luke was a graceful dancer and Verity felt again that little thrill to note that her partner was attracting admiring glances.
     She said as much to him as they took their places in the set.
     'Are you glad now that you bought your new coat?' she added mischievously.
     He smiled. 'I am glad only if it finds favour with you, Cousin.'
     Well it does! You look very well in it, and the gold fob on your watch-chain, I have not seen that before -is that new too?'
     Mr Worsthorne hesitated.
     'Yes. A trinket that caught my eye when I was in Leeds before Christmas.'
     The start of the dance put an end to their conversation and Verity gave herself up to the enjoyment of the music, but not before she noted that Mr Bannerman was dancing with Miss Wetherby and Lady Winter's words came back to her: what man could resist the chance to increase his fortune?
     

Chapter Eight
     
     As the evening wore on Miss Shore found she had no time for reflection: her hand was claimed for the next two dances and after this she was content to sit and watch the proceedings. It was a lively party, where most of the guests were well acquainted and at ease with one another. She noticed Mr Bannerman approaching carrying two glasses of champagne.
     'I thought you might be in need of refreshment.'
     Her eyes twinkled. 'Thank you. Do I look very hot?'
     'Not at all, but I saw you were alone …'
     'My Cousin Luke is dancing, and Sir Robin has persuaded Megs to stand up with him. She was determined not to dance, but I am glad she has changed her mind. She knows so many people here.'
     'So will you, too, become acquainted with everyone, in time.'
     Verity sipped her champagne. 'Miss Wetherby is very pretty. She is much admired in the county, I think?'
     'Yes indeed.' He glanced down at her. 'You yourself have not gone unnoticed tonight: several persons have remarked you.'
     'Ah, but I have the charm of novelty, sir. I am unknown, and therefore remarkable. Once the weather improves and they see more of me, their interest will wane.'
     'You are right, soon you will be nothing more than the poor little female who lives at Highclough.'
     Startled, she raised her eyes to his face, relaxing only when she saw his lips curving into a smile.
     'Unchivalrous, sir! How can I contradict you without sounding conceited?'
     'You can't. But you can have your revenge by coming down to supper with me now: I will then be obliged to make polite conversation with you for a full half-hour.'
     She rose and placed one gloved hand on his arm.
     'Your conversation, Mr Bannerman, is never polite.' She murmured as he led her towards the supper room.
    * * * *
     They found Mrs Worsthorne and her son already sitting at a table with Lady Winter, but even as Mr Bannerman started to guide Verity towards them, a soft female voice made him pause.
     'Will you not join us, sir?'
     Verity looked round. Miss Wetherby was smiling and nodding and after the briefest hesitation Mr Bannerman turned back. Moments later Verity found herself sitting with Mr and Mrs Wetherby and their daughter. Mr Wetherby greeted them with a genial smile before giving his attention to his supper, but it was immediately obvious to Miss Shore that Mr Bannerman was the object of the ladies' attention.