This admission irked Louisa, though Lord Granborough seemed amused. He crunched into a brandy snap as he watched her straddle the gulf between ajeune filleand a wife.
She had only known His Lordship for half a year, yet he had changed her life. She’d only been intimate with him for the past four days, and every moment in his company brought fresh new feelings and experiences. Imagine what they might discover in each other over a lifetime!
Her husband edged closer to whisper, “I look forward to knowing you at thirty.”
She smiled and stroked his thigh, hiding the loving gesture from her fellow diners. With every minute and mile, she grew excited for her future in England, and her new life entwined with His Lordship.
As dinner drew to a close, the jaunty sound of piano music drifted from the gallery above. The assembly room had been opened for dancing, and many passengers began to make their way to the staircase.
Miss Ferron forgot all about frocks and cream-filled brandy snaps. “I long to join the others for dancing! Please, Daddy, may I go?”
Mr. Ferron was hesitant. His daughter was so very young and not nearly as sophisticated as she imagined herself to be. A fifteen-year-old girl had no business staying up late on an ocean liner where the rules of polite society were often relaxed.
Louisa sympathized, of course, for the only real difference between Minnie Ferron and herself was the golden band upon her finger. Only a week ago, Louisa Thurston Reid had never been alone with a man and required a chaperone for shopping, dancing, and attending dinner parties.
“Miss Ferron is welcome to sit with me,” she offered, “for an hour to enjoy the music.”
Miss Ferron could hardly contain her excitement. “Oh, Lady Granborough, I cannot imagine someone likeyoumissing out on the dancing! Are you sure you don’t mind?”
It was the least she could do to make a young woman feel welcome.
She stood, and the rest of the table rose out of respect. “I’d be happy for the company.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Louisa led their party upstairs, doubtless drawn toward the lively strains of a reel, the rhythm of footsteps on the makeshift dance floor, and the rising sound of laughter. Her diamond collar sparkled in the electric light. Her heavy, silken hems swept across the polished teak stairs. She was attractive and attentive to those who walked by her side.
Miss Minnie Ferron all but clung to Her Ladyship’s arm as they ascended. The girl chattered excitedly in Louisa’s ear, though Giles couldn’t hear their conversation, for he followed at the rear of their group, content to let Louisa enjoy the spotlight.
She thrilled at the notoriety she received as a beautiful, wealthy lady. He’d known from the very start that Louisa lived at the center of a crowd. She thrived in pretty clothes and luxurious surroundings, among both friends and strangers. Louisa possessed that rare gift of conversation. She could talk to anyone—spinsters, salesmen, aristocrats, old men, and young girls. She was naturally charming, without artifice.
No wonder everyone, including Giles, felt drawn to her.
She would be a leader of society, hosting country house parties at Granborough, organizing church fêtes and charitable functions across their vast estate. She’d entertain in London, and become a great success among the smart set of American expatriates there.
He wanted to stand at her side, to follow her blazing trail. Together, they could do good works and have fun, make memories and build a life worth living.
In the assembly room, their group of eight commandeered a corner alcove furnished with green brocade sofas, wooden tables, and chairs. The space offered privacy without straying too far from the excitement.
Louisa found a chair near the dance floor. She perched on the edge of her seat, rose-colored skirts billowing over the cushions to pool at her feet. Giles sat to her right while young Miss Ferron claimed the position at her left. The trio enjoyed an unobstructed view of the dancers performing a raucous rendition of an old quadrille.
Monsieur and Madame de Roubernon ordered champagne. Waiters swiftly delivered ice buckets and trays of glasses, which were filled and passed around the table. Toasts were made, yet neither he, Louisa, nor Miss Ferron imbibed.
The spectators clapped as the dance ended. Couples and foursomes exited the floor, breathless and giddy. Philip Sheridan Perry made his way toward the group, smiling to the de Roubernons, conversing with Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, and finally bowing over Louisa’s outstretched hand.
Mr. Perry’s electric tea kettle business had proved prosperous, and he smugly informed them all of the sales and promises of sales he’d secured during the journey.
“You must count me among your number,” said Louisa. “Mark His Lordship and me down for your most popular model.”
Mr. Perry turned toward him as if Louisa neededhispermission to make a purchase. As if she did not write her own cheques and draw on her own income!
Although he doubted that electric appliances would be a roaring success in Britain, Giles bore no hard feelings toward the fellow. He shook his hand, admitting, “I am always glad to be shown the error of my ways.”
Before cornering Mr. Meyer on the topic of catalog listings, Philip Sheridan Perry grinned and winked at Louisa, asking, “Will you lead us in a song tonight, ma’am?”
“I don’t think so.” Her hot cheeks turned as rosy as her skirts.
Giles breathed a sigh of relief, for he’d be spared the shame of singing another dreadful music hall number. He draped his arm over the back of his wife’s chair and leaned in to say, “We really must work on a duet, dear.”
