Regency Romance: Dancing with the Duke by Cathy Brooks Page B

his earlier encounter with her and how she had been most inconsiderate towards him, but James just responded with a chuckle of amusement.
    “Why yes, she is sometimes known to be quite brash, but I am an appreciator of art and beauty. To me, her excellent dancing skills will forever make her memory a pleasant one.” James replied.
    “Be it as you please. But I have never had tolerance for anything impertinence and discourteous. I have no interest in a girl such as herself who lacks the common mannerisms attributed to a lady. She is tolerable, at best.” Sebastian answered, now beginning to look quite bored with the conversation.
    “Lighten up, old chad,” James said, prodding him lightly and mischievously, “besides, she is he daughter of Lord Mathew Baines. They possess quite a high status in society and their business empire vast and booming.”
    Lord Mathew Baines! Something clicked into Sebastian’s brain. Oh, in fact, his family had immense and old ties with the Baines. He was shocked to know that she was their daughter and if so, how come he had never heard of her before. But either way, he decided it was best to change the topic of conversation, lest the topic of Elizabeth continue to frustrate him even more tonight.

Chapter 2
     
    “Father has invited the Ilham family over for some tea in the afternoon,” Sophia remarked to Elizabeth over breakfast one morning a few days after their last encounter, “I must say, I am a little excited at the prospect.” Sophia was the younger sister of Elizabeth.
    Elizabeth put down her cup of tea, “The Ilham family?” she inquired, the name rang a bell in her mind but she could not point out who it was exactly.
    “Deborah and Edward Ilham. They’re old friend of father’s,” she said, taking a bite of her eggs, “they have a son called Sebastian – might I say, he is quite handsome,” she trailed off dreamily.
    “Sebastian Ilham?”  Elizabeth’s head popped up, “I knew the name sounded familiar. Oh dear – his unpleasant self has found a way to haunt me in my own house. I should find a way to skip this,” she sighed dramatically.
    “You have already made acquaintances with me? Oh – when did this even happen?” curiosity spiked Sophia’s tone.
    “Only recently.  I must say, I found his company thoroughly boring. He has that sense of entitlement that men of his social rank mostly do and that I do heavily despise,” she ranted, “in fact, I see no reason why you seem so heavily interested in him. He is nothing special.”
    “Oh, but his reputation says otherwise. I heard Mary speaking of him yesterday and how he is on the lookout for a bride,” Sophia added.
    “What an unfortunate woman she must be, whoever he picks. The man seemed too pompous for his own good. A head so massive it might just fall off and shatter if it gets any bigger,” Elizabeth laughed at her own little anecdote.
    “Well, I bid you to at least reserve your judgments about him tonight and behave. He will be our guest,” Sophia warned her, in a playful fashion.
    “If I can manage it, I’ll make sure to avoid his company all together,” Elizabeth chuckled yet again, dismissing the conversation and went back paying attention to her uneaten breakfast.
    The evening progressed on and soon it was time for the tea party. A few other families had also been invited and the whole group seemed to be having a good time. Elizabeth had been busy entertaining other guest’s but Sophia on the other hand had been jumping at the opportunity to engage in conversation with Sebastian, wanting to see for herself if he matched the description her sister told her.
    “My Lord,” Sophia found herself calling out, when finally the opportunity presented itself, “have you been enjoying yourself?” she asked, politely sticking out her hand for him to acknowledge and kiss.
    “My Lady,” he greeted her, “you must Sophia, the daughter. My mother mentioned all of you by name on the journey