It must be true then. Hopefully she had a high tolerance for toads.
“Miss Atherton.” Damon bowed. “If you are ready?”
She took Damon’s arm, and he escorted her to the dance floor.
Lady Winfield appeared at my side a moment later. “Come, my dear,” she said and led me toward the edge of the room. There hadn’t been time for any other young men in attendance to be properly introduced to me, so I would not be dancing this set.
Ollie, however,would.
Standing across the line from him stood a beautiful young woman. With ringlets the color of spun honey, bright-blue eyes, and a creamy complexion, she was stunning. The complete opposite of me, with my light-brown hair, hazel eyes, and unfashionably freckled skin.
“Who is that with Ollie?” I asked Lady Winfield, trying for casual but achieving concerned.
“No one you need trouble yourself with, dear,” she said, but judging from the worry lines on her forehead, she obviously meant Ishouldbe troubled.
The music began, and a tightness formed in my chest as Ollie engaged his lovely dance partner in conversation. The dance seemed to stretch on forever. What were they discussing? She was undoubtedly better at the art of conversation than I.
The set finally ended, and as expected, Ollie escorted her to the refreshment table. However, they lingered there for an eternity, which was not expected. When they parted, the knot in my chest relaxed.
Between sets, Lady Winfield made my acquaintance with several ladies and their fine sons, who asked me to dance later in the evening. Though I had no interest in any of these men, knowing I would not have to decorate the wallallnight made it easier to sit out now.
Each man was a polite and proficient partner, but my gaze kept wandering in search of Ollie. It felt like ages before the supper set was announced. Standing by Lady Winfield, I waited for Ollie. I hadn’t seen where he’d gone after the last set. Minutes ticked by, and couples took their places in line.
Had Ollie forgotten our dance?
No. It wasn’t possible. Maybe he’d gone to the card room and not heard the set announced? I glanced at the card room door and felt reproved. Had I not earlier felt sorry for Miss Atherton for doing the same thing?
Damon stood near the door, observing the ballroom. And even though there were not enough men to serve as dance partners, just as his mother had said would be the case, he only watched the crush with indifference.
I looked around the room, slowly and with a smile, trying not to appear desperate. There. Walking inside from the balcony terrace that overlooked the garden strode Ollie.
He’d not forgotten me! He’d only been seeking respite from the stuffy ballroom—for which I could hardly blame him.
Our eyes met, and he crossed the ballroom, moving swiftly between people to reach me. “Hanny,” he said, ushering me back toward a more private corner of the hall. “You’ll not believe my good luck.”
“Oh?” I said with a smile. “What is it?”
“Miss Digby has agreed to dance a second set with me. The supper set.”
My eyebrows tightened together. “The supper set? But that was to be—”
“Our dance. I know.” He winced. “But I have waited such a long time for an opportunity like this; she’s the daughter of a well-respected and wealthy merchant marine, Hanny. Do you know what her favor could do for me?”
Her favor? I blinked, confused. What was he even talking about? He was the son of an earl. Why would he care whether the daughter of a merchant marine favored him? Unless . . .
“I hate to ask this of you,” he continued, “but she’s perhaps the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.” His gaze drifted to the lovely dark-haired woman I’d seen him dancing with earlier. “Would you mind terribly if I dance the supper set with her instead?”
My throat constricted, holding my words for ransom. All at once, I understood.
Ollie did not love me.
I could only shake my head.
“You really don’t mind?” Ollie said, sounding relieved. “I was so worried you would be cross with me. You’re a good friend. I promise to make this up to you.” Ollie hurried away to his Miss Digby without a backward glance.
The young ladies standing nearest me watched and whispered. My face flamed with embarrassment. My knees felt weak and wobbly. The room spun, and I glanced around, desperate for something to anchor me. My gaze settled on Damon.
He gave me a look of sympathy. No, of pity.
