But then she placed her hand upon his arm and leaned closer, her breast almost against him. She looked up at him, her voice a husky whisper, her eyes filled with stars. “What of you, Captain Emerson? Would you not wed for love?”
“Assuredly,” he said, transfixed. “But my expectations of that happy event are low.”
“They should not be,” she said and let her gloved fingertips trail down his arm before she turned to watch the dancers again.
Nicholas felt as if his very blood was on fire. She could not have meant to caress him. She simply had not considered her action. He swallowed and strove to make coherent conversation. “And Mr. Galveston? Is his heart engaged?”
“I think him too sensible a man for such inclinations. I did not fear to break his heart with my refusal.”
“How so?”
She took a deep breath. “I knew him while I was married. We knew him. His land was near Frederick’s living, but not in the same parish. Whenever we met socially, Mr. Galveston was unfailingly charming.” She smiled in memory of something, the expression giving a wrench to Nicholas’ heart. “The village ladies were always trying to contrive a match for him. It was quite amusing how he evaded their schemes.”
“So, you know something of him.”
“I know he has a good reputation and is much admired by his friends and neighbors. His holding is prosperous and well-managed, his tenants are content, and his horses are well-tended.” She cast him a look. “I am aware of other men whose properties are not in such happy condition.”
“And yet you declined him.”
“As I said, my desires are different this time.”
Nicholas frowned, unable to make sense of that claim, but Eliza hastened on.
“He would make a good match for Helena,” she said.
“But he would have to stop gazing at you for such a match to have a chance, Mrs. North. Are you convinced that he has abandoned his suit?”
“Of course.” She changed the subject, her tone bantering. “I cannot believe you convinced Damien to come. Your powers of persuasion must be far beyond my expectation.”
He laughed. “Would you believe that he was the one to insist upon coming here this night? I know not why, but he seemed a man intent on some purpose.”
“Then you intended to break your word to me?”
“Of course not, but I was spared the need to contrive my arrival here.”
She looked across the floor. “And he speaks with Lady Wentworth. I wonder why.”
Nicholas considered the older lady seated on the far side of the dance floor beside Haynesdale. “Do you know her well?”
Eliza shook her head. “She and Maman are acquainted, to be sure, but I would not have thought Damien had cause to seek her out. He must be awaiting someone else.”
The music ended and Mr. Galveston led Helena toward them. Nicholas recognized that his sister’s mood was triumphant, though he could not imagine why. The music changed abruptly, the new rhythm sending a flutter of consternation through the ranks of those gathering around the perimeter of the dance floor. Before the couple reached them, the dashing young buck smoothly intervened, claiming Helena’s hand and leading her back to the floor as Mr. Galveston stared after them.
He gaped, in truth, like a fish gasping for air.
Helena fairly skipped beside her partner, her satisfaction undisguised.
A waltz. Nicholas was certain that Eliza would never have permitted such choice and her startled expression supported his conclusion.
“Who is he?” he asked Eliza, who made a sound of vexation beneath her breath.
“I do not know, and this is a waltz!” she said. She smiled coolly at the approaching Mr. Galveston and walked past him, leaving that man obviously bereft as she strove to reach Helena and intervene. Helena’s partner seemed to be aware of Eliza’s pursuit, for he swept Helena toward the far side of the room with a flourish.
There was only one thing to be done. His sister had to be supervised, and the best place to do that was from the dance floor.
Nicholas strode after Eliza with purpose, capturing her elbow in his hand. She looked back at him with surprise. “Mrs. North. Shall we provide an example of how it is done?”
“But....”
