The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander

these people would say if they knew this wasn’t just the eccentric hobby of the countess and her daughter. If they knew her father’s death four years ago had left them very nearly penniless and with debts still to be paid off. Only her closest and oldest friend, the bride’s sister Delilah, Lady Hargate, knew the truth. But Dee would take Teddy’s secret to the grave if necessary. There were any number of sins the upper ten thousand would forgive. Poverty was not one of them.
    “You do realize that you’ve missed someone,” an American voice said behind her.
    She turned and adopted her most pleasant smile. “I beg your pardon.”
    “You missed someone,” he said again.
    She was tall but he was taller and she had to raise her chin to meet his gaze. His eyes were a rich blue that complemented the dark shade of his hair. His jaw was square, his shoulders broad, and while not shockingly handsome, he was certainly an attractive-looking man. There was the vaguest air of familiarity about him although she was sure they had never met. He was obviously one of Grayson’s American friends.
    “Did I?”
    “I’ve been watching you and I couldn’t help but notice that you seem to be making sure everyone is dancing or otherwise engaged.”
    “You’ve been watching me?” She raised a brow. “I’m not certain if I should be flattered or alarmed.”
    He smiled, a charming, infectious sort of smile. “I assure you, my intentions are strictly honorable.”
    “Then tell me.” She glanced around the room. “Who have I missed?”
    “Me of course.” He paused. “And you.”
    “I see.” She considered him for a moment.
    It was not uncommon for Teddy to join in the festivities at an event. Indeed, one of the benefits of hiring Teddy was having Lady Theodosia present at a social event. She was from a prominent family, the daughter of an earl, and was once one of the most sought after marriageable ladies in the country. Of course, that was several years ago. She was twenty-six now and while her mirror told her she had never looked better, age was as much of a stigma in her world as poverty. Not that she didn’t wish to marry, the right man had simply never happened her way. And the one she had thought was right had turned out to be very, very wrong.
    “One dance, that’s all,” he said quickly. “Save me from the dire fate of having only myself for company.”
    “That does sound dreadful.”
    “You have no idea.” His brow furrowed. “I don’t seem to be doing this well.” The American leaned closer in a confidential manner. “May I be perfectly honest with you?”
    She smiled. “I much prefer honesty to dishonesty.”
    “Good.” A decidedly uncomfortable look crossed his face.
    “I accompanied my father here but he seems to have disappeared. And aside from him, I don’t know anyone else here to speak of. I feel both invisible and conspicuous, if that’s at all possible. I’m not used to feeling out of place and it’s, well, disconcerting.”
    “And dancing will help?”
    “I am considered a good dancer and I promise I won’t step on your feet.”
    “Well, I—”
    “The point I am trying to make is that I feel like a fish stranded out of water at the moment. A large American fish. Just flapping around in the sand.”
    She bit back a smile.
    “So please take pity on a fish and do me the very great honor of joining me for a dance.” He cast her a hopeful smile. “I would be forever in your debt.”
    “Well,” she said slowly, “I have always been fond of fish. Although I usually prefer it with a dilled cream sauce.”
    “Then you’ve obviously never had baked flounder stuffed with crab.” Amusement glimmered in his eyes. “Nothing is better than crab-stuffed baked flounder.”
    “Unless perhaps it is a native American fish stranded on the beach?”
    He stared at her for a moment, then laughed and held out his hand. “Shall we?”
    She hesitated, then placed her hand on his. “You should