“Lord Tinley,” I said sourly, looking into his rounded, small eyes. His beefy figure moved slightly closer, his protruding double chin shaking with the quick movement. It was impossible to overlook the man and yet somehow I managed to do it.

His black eyes widened with surprise. “You’ve heard of me?” His chest puffed proudly.

“I believe your reputation precedes you, My Lord. At least among the ladies,”

His smile was shiny and wide as he seemingly completely missed the hint of the not-so-subtle sarcasm in my tone. The false compliment made this presumptuous man inch closer until I was within his reach. He let his plump fingers hover above my hip with the intention to brush against my skirts.

I stifled the gasp of horror and sidestepped. Surely he must’ve realized that people were watching us.

“Tell me your name, girl,” he demanded. His unruly eyebrows rose with dissatisfaction as he noticed my obvious need for retreat.

“I … Ashlyn Caldwell, My Lord,” I nervously licked my lips while putting a much needed distance between our bodies. I had the urge to pinch my nose at his revolting smell. It seemed to be a mixture of perfume, alcohol and sweat, added with a sharp yet indistinguishable sour odor.

“Ashlyn …” He hungrily rolled my name on his tongue. “Such a sweet and innocent little thing.”

I watched him in horror as he backed me up against the table. I glanced around in despair, but no one seemed to be paying attention to us – or rather everyone pretended to not notice my distress.

“My Lord, this is hardly appropriate. Please, I only wished for a glass of water.”

If he touches me improperly, my reputation will be in ruins. There will be no other way but to marry him. He extended his fleshy hand, smeared with chocolate and grease, ready to brush against my cheek.

“L-Lord Tinley! B-behave yourself!” Suddenly a gentle and insecure voice ordered. I was certain that Lord Tinley will brush him off since the man’s voice was not in the least intimidating. But to my utter delight he didn’t.

“Your Grace,” he instead humbly lowered his head. “I wasn’t doing anything immoral, I swear.” Tinley’s face was beet red with shame.

At last, he dashed away with his head still submissively lowered and I was finally free to acknowledge my rescuer. He was young, probably somewhere around his mid-twenties. I wouldn’t describe him as handsome, but he was nowhere near to be disagreeable either. His features were a mixture of boyish softness and masculinity. His honey brown hair was short and slightly tousled - its roguishness definitely not considered fashionable amongst the ton. However, what seemed to be painfully noticeable was his odd behavior. He appeared timid, his hands slightly trembling before he swiftly clasped them behind his back. His unusually gentle amber eyes were directed at the floor as if he didn’t dare to look up. The man’s tall frame was slouched as though he burned with utter discomfort and self-consciousness.

“I must express my gratitude, Your Grace.” I curtsied before him. “If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would’ve happened. I should be more careful from now on,” I shamefully admitted. Now, feeling safe to gaze around, I was absolutely horrified upon realizing I’ve found myself on the right side of the dance floor. How did that come to be?

“I … It’s q-quite all r-right, r-really,” he stammered heavily all the while continuously avoiding my gaze.

I let out a surprised sigh when his hand shot out to offer me a glass of water.

“I h-heard you w-were thirsty,” he said quietly, his eyes finally meeting mine, if only just for a short moment. Even though the trembles caused him to spill the liquid all over my fingers I excepted it gratefully.

“Thank you …” I watched him in wonder as he stiffly walked off, joining his friend in the farthest corner of the room.

Afraid of bumping into Lord Tinley I couldn’t’ve turned fast enough when I hurried back to my friends as though my skirts were ablaze. Bonnie and Alison watched me with stunned terror when I finally rejoined them.

“Have you lost your mind?” Bonnie squeaked.

“I was unfortunate and unobservant, I know. I ran straight into Lord Tinley,” I sighed nervously. “But do not fret, a kind gentleman was brave enough to rescue me from his claws!”

“This kind gentleman of yours is nobody else but His Grace Baxter Read,” Alison hissed.

“Oh dear,” I felt color draining off my face. “What have I done?”

“I am sure the damage has not been inflicted yet. All you have to do is to stay away from them. And Heavens, whatever you do, do not look at them again!” Bonnie warned me.

I discreetly rubbed my temples, trying to fight off an incoming headache.

“What happened?” Jared appeared beside me, a genuine concern written all over his strikingly blue eyes.

“Lady Ashlyn managed to catch the attention of both disagreeable gentlemen at the same time – Lord Tinley’s and Read’s,” Alison announced with dry humor.

“Pardon me? How did that happen?” He inquired, completely taken aback.

“Well, Lord Tinley was behaving rather uncivil and His Grace was there to help me out. That is all,” I said defensively, without looking at either one of them. I was still furious with Jared, if he hadn’t joked so cruelly, I wouldn’t have the need to rush off toward the refreshments table. Therefore, this whole unfortunate situation would’ve never happened in the first place.

Jared laughed quietly. “You, my dear, are a magnet for a bad luck.”

“Actually, no. If His Grace wouldn’t have intervened that would’ve been a bad luck, yes. And because he did, I am feeling quite lucky,” I stubbornly lifted my chin.

Bonnie pressed a hand to her throat. “Do not say such things! Do you have a death wish? You will end up marrying him!”

“He came across as a shy person, but he seemed nice enough to me.”

“He is a stuttering, plain fool!” Bonnie spat. Instantly her eyes widened in horror. She slowly looked around and released her breath after making sure nobody had heard her outburst. Offending the Duke of Manchester was no joking matter.

Alison glared at her sister. “Enough Bonnie,” she clasped my hands in hers. “Just stay away from him, we are saying this for your own good. Trust us on this, please?” She spoke with a hushed tone.

I gave her an absentminded nod. “I am sure he has already forgotten our brief encounter by now,” my eyes automatically darted toward the man in question. Similarly to his companion, he was leaning against the wall – with a noticeable space between him and the dancers. His head was lowered like the first time I’ve seen him, however his eyes – almost hidden behind his disheveled hair – gazed directly into my own. My breath caught in my throat as I felt myself freeze. He most definitely hasn’t forgotten.

“Ashlyn!” Jared brought me back to reality. He almost panickily buried his hand into his blonde hair. “What are you doing?”

“You do have a death wish!” Bonnie’s eyes narrowed at me. “All right, do as you please as you are apparently unwilling to take our advice. And when you’ll have the pleasure to meet His Grace, you will remember our warning all too well,” she added sternly.