“The cotillion is next, yes? It is your favorite. At least it used to be,” he said.
“It still is, My Lord. A lot may have changed over the years, but I have remained much the same, I’m afraid.”
He smiled at her, the old warmth radiating from him. “That is not a bad thing at all, Penelope.”
He took a breath and she knew right then he would ask her to dance the cotillion. A part of her wanted to agree before he even asked, while yet another recoiled, fearful of what a closer physical connection might do to her resolve not to allow any conflicting feelings to surface.
I have such a desire to dance with him and to speak to him. I can hardly deny it. And yet I know it would not bode well for me to allow such a wish to—
“Lady Penelope, if it is indeed your favorite dance, then I cannot allow you to sit it out. Please, do me the honor to share this dance?” Mr. Mavis stepped forward and bowed, stretching one hand out in an inviting manner. From the corner of her eyes she saw Daniel shift and she knew his nostrils were flaring without even looking at him.
Relief washed over her, mixed with a little tinge of regret. She curtsied and took Mr. Mavis’ hand.
“I will gladly accept the offer of a dance, Mr. Mavis.” She looked at Bridget, whose wide eyes were fixed on Daniel. “Perhaps Lord Carlton could join us on the dance floor with Miss Hughes? She, too, favors the cotillion.”
At once, Daniel’s face changed and he turned his attention to Bridget. “Is that so?” he asked with a smile.
The young lady nodded, beaming at him. “It is my favorite, that much is true. And I would love to dance. It is among my favorite activities.”
Daniel extended his arm to her. “As it is mine. Very well, we shall dance.”
Bridget placed her arm on his and he led her toward the dance floor while Mr. Mavis accompanied Penelope. They stood across from each other and she looked up, as Mr. Mavis was much taller than her.
“I see your matchmaking efforts are taking shape.”
She frowned. “I do not know what you mean.”
He chuckled. “My dear Lady Penelope, we do not know one another well as yet, but we soon will. And when we do, you will come to know that little can be kept from Alistair Mavis.” He winked. “I saw how enamored Miss Hughes was of Daniel last time we were here, and I saw again tonight how eagerly she glanced in our direction. While I would like to think the attention was meant for me, I know better. In any case, you are a good friend to suggest they dance together.”
“I am glad you approve.” The music started and the two moved to the melody. Alistair, she had to admit, was a wonderful dancer, and despite his attire—which looked as though it might make dancing difficult—moved fluidly across the dance floor.
“Approve?” He said, with surprise in his voice. “I am ecstatic. I’ve long hoped he would find a lady to settle down with him. Thus far, it has not happened. But with your skilled hand at matchmaking, there might be hope yet. He seems taken with her.”
Penelope glanced over to where Bridget and Daniel were dancing to the sound of the music. They made a lovely couple. She, dainty and elegant, he tall and regal looking. Bridget peered up at him and his attention seemed entirely on her—until, as they turned to the sound of the cotillion, his eyes met Penelope’s once more and for one brief moment she felt a sensation in her stomach she could not ignore.
The feelings, so long ago buried, were forcing their way to the surface. And there was nothing she could do about it.
Chapter 10
Daniel could not help but look across the dance floor to where Penelope was being led by Alistair. The corners of his mouth twitched as he saw the way his friend beamed down at Penelope. And at the way she in turn smiled up at him.
They seemed very comfortable with one another, and were engaged in conversation with Penelope occasionally giggling.
“You are a splendid dancer, Lord Carlton,” Bridget said. He forced his attention back to her. She was rather a short young woman, reaching only up to his chin. He looked down at her and forced a smile.
“As are you, Miss Hughes. I can see that it is among your greatest passions, as you said.”
She giggled. “It is indeed. Amongst my accomplishments it is the one I always enjoyed the most. Faith, I always chose to take lessons in dance than in playing the harp.” She rumpled her nose at the mention of the instrument.
“I understand. I haven’t a musical bone in my body. His Grace used to insist I take lessons on the pianoforte. I was rather dreadful at it. At Eton, the teacher fortunately agreed with my assessment of my skills and deemed me better suited for fencing.”
The girl’s face lit up at this. “You fence? How exciting.”
He shrugged as they moved on the dance floor.
“Not much since Eton. I spar with Mr. Mavis at times.”
“How fun! I wish I were allowed to, but my father opposes such activities for girls. I’m encouraged to ride, which is enjoyable, but I would not mind taking up a saber now and then!”
