Caroline tugged at his arm. “Let’s find Vivian and Gabrielle. You’re taller; do you see them anywhere?”
He scanned the room and found her quickly. Like a beacon, she stood near the far wall, a sea of glittering gowns between them.
“I see them.” He held out his arm for Caroline.
Then he tried his best to cut through the crowded room, navigating toward Vivian. They didn’t get far before Caroline was stopped. He stood impatiently while his sister chatted. She finally excused herself and they began weaving their way through the crush of people. Then they were waylaid again, this time by a young buck who wanted to put his name on Caroline’s dance card. Jack raised his eyes to the ceiling as he endured five more minutes of inane small talk. He gave Caroline’s elbow a hard squeeze. Caro tossed him a dirty look, but finally, they made their way to the corner where Vivian and her party were waiting.
“Ladies.” He gave a deep bow. “You both look beautiful this evening.”
Vivian wore a silk gown in pale turquoise, the white lace trim a stark contrast to her smooth golden skin. At her throat, a strand of aquamarine stones lay along her collarbone. His eyes followed the path of light blue stones to where one large aquamarine drop dangled down tantalizingly into her cleavage. Again, her hair was swept up into an intricate updo with several curls artfully left to frame her face.
Jack turned to Davis. “It good to see you, George, even if you are a bloody deserter.” He clasped George’s hand in both of his.
“Good to see you too, Captain. How was your trip to the Mediterranean?”
“Profitable. And may I give my felicitations to you and Miss Beaumont on your engagement. I can’t blame you for leaving the ship for such a wonderful woman.” He kissed Miss Beaumont on the cheek.
The music started. A young man came up beside Caroline to claim her for a dance. “Lord Danville, may I introduce my older brother, Lord John Langdon. Jack, the Honorable Mr. Danville.”
“Lord Langdon.”
“Danville,” The man had a rather weak chin. His eyes were a little too beady. He watched carefully as Lord Danville whisked Caroline onto the dance floor.
“Jack, stop scowling. You will frighten the poor man to death.” Vivian moved next to him.
“That’s the whole idea.”
“Well, you said you would dance with me to start off the night, so I will hold you to your promise. And I don’t want to dance with a scowling partner.” She looked adorable with her nose scrunched and her brow furrowed in mock disapproval.
“Of course. Shall we?” He gestured to the dance floor. As he guided her out, he looked down at her and smiled. “Now, remember to forget about your feet. Trust me and follow my lead.”
****
Vivian nodded. Jack pulled her into his arms, and they began to dance. She allowed Jack to lead and let his strong arms guide her through the crowd. This time he held her at a proper distance, but she still felt sheltered within the circle of his arms. She looked up to find him staring intently at her.
“What? Is something amiss?”
“No, not at all. You look breathtaking tonight, Vivian.”
“Thank you.” She lowered her lashes, fixing her gaze on his cravat pin. Drat, the man and his unexpected compliments. Something in his eyes made her feel off-kilter as they stepped and leaped with the other dancers. She stumbled, but Jack’s strong arms easily held her steady and guided them through the next steps, so no one noticed.
She cleared her throat. “Um, I wanted to ask you if your house was done.”
“Yes, it is. The workers were finishing the last touches when I left. It turned out splendidly. Thanks to your drawings. I would never have envisioned it as clearly without your help.”
“I’m happy to hear it turned out so well. It’s a pity you weren’t able to stay and enjoy it.” She dipped her head as he twirled her under his arm.
“I will have time to enjoy it later. It will be there waiting for me to get back.”
The set ended, and they clapped politely. As the next set started Jack asked, “Is this dance taken?”
“Well, no.”
“It is now.” And he pulled her back into his arms and twirled her down the line of dancers that had formed to start the quadrille.
“Jack, I am not very good at the quadrille.” she whispered. Horrified, she looked for a quick exit off the dance floor. But Jack held her hand firmly.
“Don’t worry. I won’t steer you wrong.” He grinned and spun her around, placing her in exactly the right spot to be picked up by the next man in the line. She wove from partner to partner and back again safely to Jack. He winked shamelessly at her before showing off his skill and strength by lifting her off the ground and spinning her, so her skirts flared out. The world spun in a colorful blur. Vivian laughed in delight.
