Hugh noted her nervousness and realized she was concerned that they should get along. Suddenly, the strange animosity ebbed, leaving only a feeling of disquiet. Even that he suppressed as he summoned one of his social smiles and stretched out a hand in greeting.
“Ah, you two have met!” Trevor Danielson congenially slapped Hugh on the back as he and a singularly glowing Adeline joined the group.
Vanessa thought she’d never seen her sister look quite so beautiful. She was shimmering with a gentle vibrancy that heightened her color. It appeared her shy sister was beginning to be comfortable in company. No doubt Mr. Danielson helped to ease her discomfort with his kind attention. Vanessa was glad of that, for her sister needed attention to gain confidence.
Trevor Danielson leaned closer to his friend. “Eh, this is a dreadful crush, isn’t it?”
“Is it? Come, Trevor, your memory can’t have dimmed so with age,” Hugh said caustically. Trevor looked at him blankly. “Surely you remember the gatherings in London.”
Trevor’s face relaxed, and he waved a dismissing hand in Hugh’s direction while Vanessa shot Talverton a tight glance. Would the man never stop with his blasted comparisons? It was apparent New Orleans always suffered, for his arrogance denied allowance and appreciation for the differences.
A wave of irritation swept through Vanessa. The man was conceited and toplofty. Worse was his chameleon coloring, his feigned social veneer. When he was smiling in his most superficially congenial manner was when she saw the secret laughter in his eyes. It was as if he viewed New Orleans as one would view Gaetano’s Circus!
Belatedly she realized Mr. Danielson was claiming her attention. She felt a swift stab of chagrin. She had been expending unconscionable time considering Mr. Talverton when her attention should have been directed toward her suitors. She turned her attention to Mr. Danielson and warmly smiled.
“They’re forming sets forThe Black Nag. Shall we join them?”
She took his outstretched hand and rose from her chair. “With pleasure. It is a favorite of mine for its exuberance.” She shot a look at Mr. Talverton as they passed. “But most likely, it is frowned upon by the highest English sticklers for that reason.”
Mr. Wilmot watched them pass, scowling at Trevor’s grabbing Vanessa’s attention. Abruptly he claimed a dance from Adeline and hurried to join the set with them.
Paulette looked up at Hugh, a puzzled expression on her face. “Do you truly disapprove?”
He laughed. “Hardly. It is an enjoyable dance, but I wouldn’t want to spoil Miss Mannion’s exit line by joining the set. I fear your friend disapproves of me.”
“Oh, it is not you personally. I think it is all aristocrats that she dislikes. She is so-oAmericaine,you know.”
“No, I don’t know. Please, won’t you sit down? Here, what’s this?” He picked up a fan from the chair.
Paulette took it from him and slowly unfurled it. “It is Vanessa’s! She will be distraught to find it missing.” She looked over to where Vanessa was dancing with Mr. Danielson. “I shall hold it for her,” she said, sitting down in the chair and waving the fan lightly before her.
“You look hot, Miss Chaumonde. May I get you a drink?”
She smiled engagingly at him over the top of the fan and tipped her head in assent.
When he returned, she took the proffered glass from him, murmuring her thanks, then patted the seat next to her in invitation. Mr. Talverton bowed and sat down.
He was amused at her adept flirting with Miss Mannion’s fan. It seemed that many social habits crossed the ocean with alacrity. He watched her and responded gallantly in kind until something about the colors of the fan she was so languidly waving captured his attention.
“Miss Chaumonde, may I see that fan a moment?"
"What? Yes,naturellement."She held it out to him, a puzzled expression on her pert features.
“This is New Orleans, isn’t it?”
Her brow cleared. “Oui, from the wharf in late afternoon. See, the buildings, they catch the afternoon sun, while behind, the sky, it is blue and red as evening comes."
"You say she is fond of this fan?”
“Oh,oui,monsieur,” she said gaily. “Just as she is fond of her city. She is very loyal, you know, and very proud.”
Casually Hugh looked in Vanessa’s direction. She caught his eye, and their gazes locked. He closed the fan with a snap and held it to his forehead in mock salute. She blushed and averted her eyes, nearly missing a dance step.
Hugh looked back at Paulette and returned the fan to her. “Are you familiar with the danceHull’s Victory?”
Her face brightened. “Certainly!”
“Regrettably, I am not. Will you tell me the steps?”
