Turning, almost eye to eye with Kynaston, his hand warm through the silk of her gown, built her feverish unsteadiness to a danger point. Despite all good sense, she was still wildly attracted to him!
She tried to summon memories of the slovenlydrunkard, but at this moment Lord Kynaston was any lady’s dream. Close to, his face was even more handsome than from a distance, and she could sense his body beneath the dark formal wear.
He’s a sottish wretch,she tried to remind herself, but was relieved to switch again to the forward step and not have to look at him at all.
According to Lady Cawle, he wasn’t insolvent, but he was still a rake on the road to ruin. When they waltzed again, she made herself look over his shoulder at nothing in particular, and dance perfectly. Perhaps her performance was why a number of gentlemen offered for the next dance, giving her the choice. That, or Lady Cawle’s actions had made her notoriously interesting.
Whatever the cause, she was grateful, even though Dauntry wasn’t one of the suitors. She passed over two taller men to choose one slightly shorter than herself simply because he had smiling eyes. Mr. Tongford was as amiable as she’d expected and made an excellent dancing partner. Perhaps he was a possibility.
She was bracing for the challenge of the next choice when she saw Lady Cawle’s eyes upon her in a commanding manner. Ariana was very tempted to give her the cold shoulder, but the woman was her hostess. She went to the sofa.
“I’m sure you need a chance to catch your breath, Ariana,” Lady Cawle said.
“I’m not at all winded, ma’am.”
“It is more ladylike to pretend to be so. Sit down.”
There was just enough space on the sofa for Ariana to sit without crushing the hoops beneath Lady Cawle’s skirt, so she obeyed, wondering if she’d added bumptious good health to her other flaws.
Lady Cawle languidly waved her fan in front of her lips and spoke quietly. “Tongford is a fortune hunter, and Irish to boot. Irishmen often have charm, but be wary. He’s a better specimen than most, but without a feather to fly with and looking for a lady to give him plumage.”
Ariana’s irritation faded. That was a useful warning. “I might not mind, if I liked the man.”
“That is for you to decide. You danced well with Kynaston.”
Ariana also plied her fan. “I wish you hadn’t done that, ma’am.”
“No thanks for the rescue?”
“Yes, very well. Perhaps you can now command Lord Dauntry to my side.”
“If he doesn’t approach of his own volition, I will. Note that Inching is definitely to be avoided. His interest in tall ladies approaches an unhealthy obsession. Your brother should warn him off.”
“I can’t imagine Norris doing that.”
“Then what use is he? Sir Arraby, Lord Sellerden, and Lord Wentforth are not in attendance, so you must please yourself when it comes to the next dance.”
“If only I could.”
Lady Cawle turned her head to study her. “Whom would you choose?”
“I’d choose to leave.”
“I have no patience with cowards, gel. Leave if you wish to.”
“How?”
“Walk.”
“What of Mama?”
“She’s old enough to take care of herself.”
Ariana was very tempted, but her suddendisappearance could be ruinous and Lady Cawle knew it. “Why tease me so, ma’am?”
“To see how foolish you are. Very well.” She surveyed the room and then raised a finger.
As Lady Cawle couldn’t have magical powers, she must have been looking to see which gentleman’s attention she could catch, but it still seemed extraordinary that a man came to them, not seeming annoyed. Sir Tom North was tall, handsome, and amiable, though he must have been in his thirties, at least. All the same, Ariana loosened her criteria a little, especially when he proved to be an excellent dancer. Ariana mentally added him to her list. As it was the supper dance, she went with him to eat, anticipating light conversation and delicious food, and an opportunity to learn more of him.
