Down the table from him, out of earshot but well within sight, MacPherson flirted shamelessly with Jane.
He’d promised Hannah he wouldn’t make a scene, but if his temper was the sole captain of the ship, he would’ve thrown his trifle directly at the man’s head by the end of the meal. MacPherson kept leaning toward her when he talked, no doubt for a better view of that tantalizing neckline. The most vexing part was that his attentions didn’t seem to be unwelcome. Jane tilted her head in invitation and smiled at MacPherson’s address, her habitually stern expression banished from sight. Why was she being so warm with him? She was treating him like a suitor.
What am I then?
When the men retired to the smoking room, Eli spent most of the time glaring at MacPherson from the corner of his eye.
He was going to have a word with the man as soon as he had a chance to get him alone. It wasn’t because he was jealous over Jane—that would be overstepping his bounds. No, it was entirely because of Hannah. The churl had reduced his little sister to tears. Eli would react the same way to anyone who committed such a sin.
He had his opportunity shortly. As new additions joined their number for the evening, he spotted a familiar face in the crowd.
“Hal,” Eli called, moving to join his friend. “It’s good to see you again.” They’d only had time for a brief visit before he’d left London, where he’d shared the broad details of his story.
“Ah, Williams.” Halsey clapped him on the shoulder. “Do you know I can’t go anywhere this season without hearing your name? The town matrons have been asking my mother if we can secure them an introduction. I’m afraid you’ll have to make an appearance at our house for supper when we get back, or we’ll never be rid of them.”
“Only if you promise to limit the guest list.” Eli leaned in as he lowered his tone. “Do you think you could help me with something tonight? There’s a gentleman here who offended my sister.”
“Hannah?” Hal’s brows shot up in alarm. “Do you intend to call him out?”
“Nothing so drastic as that. I merely want a word alone to set the matter straight. I thought you might ensure no one disturbs us.”
“Ah.” Halsey relaxed at this. “Much less life-threatening. In that case, I’m happy to help.”
By now the servants had finished clearing the furniture out of the great dining hall and couples had already begun dancing to the lively notes of a string quartet. It took several minutes of searching to find MacPherson twirling about the floor, arm in arm with Jane.
She’d given the first dance to him.
Why would she do such a thing? She should be able to see through his false charm.
With supreme will, Eli kept a pleasant smile on his face as he walked over. MacPherson had already released Jane by the time he reached her side.
“Good evening, Miss Bishop.”
“Good evening, Lieutenant.” She cast her eyes down as she greeted him, a good deal more demure than her usual mood. He might have thought her cold, but for the blush that lit her cheeks.
She’s nervous.
That might be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the cause.
“I wondered—” She broke off, as if she didn’t quite know what she intended to ask. “That is, I thought we might talk more about…what you mentioned earlier. I have some questions.”
Eli’s heart nearly stopped in his chest.
It had been a rash proposition, uttered when the blood flow to his brain was greatly reduced because it was occupied elsewhere. He’d known the moment he said it that she would never accept.
But she had questions.
He struggled to keep his voice calm, as though he didn’t mind what she decided. The choice needed to be hers. “I’d be happy to, Miss Bishop. Perhaps you would dance with me?”
“I’m promised to Sir Thomas now, and then to Lord Pearson. I could give you the dance after.”
She pushed her card toward him hesitantly. Eli scribbled his name in the empty space before she could change her mind.
“I’ll see you again presently.”
Sir Thomas had been waiting quietly to the side until then, so Eli gave up his spot and let them make their way to the floor.
MacPherson was only a few feet away, speaking with another young lady. Halsey lingered farther off, observing the scene with a question written on his face. Eli jerked his head in a swift nod.
