Once he set her on her feet, she began moving through the line with confidence. For the first time ever, she relaxed and just had fun. As the dance ended, she found herself again in Jack’s arms, her heart pounding. The music faded away, and she curtsied.
“That was so much fun. But we can’t dance again,” she warned. “Three dances in a row would be scandalous.”
“Would it?” Jack wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
“Let’s get something to drink.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I want to get a closer look at those beautiful birds.”
He led her off the dance floor and to the refreshment tables. In the center, a large gilded cage housed two birds with bright yellow beaks, red scarlet feathers on the wings, and incredibly long feathered tails in yellow and white.
“They are the most elegant birds I have ever seen.” She watched the birds strut around the cage.
“They are called birds of paradise. I guess they fit in nicely with our hostess’s theme tonight.”
“I do feel a bit sorry for them cooped up in this cage. They should be flying free around the jungle somewhere.” She cooed at the pretty birds.
“Miss Jamieson, I believe this next dance is mine.” She turned from the cage. Lord Strickland gave a neat bow. As he straightened, he noticed Jack. “Good God, is that you, Langdon? I haven’t seen you out in society in years.”
“Strickland,” Jack acknowledged. “I haven’t been home long, just a couple of weeks.”
“We must meet at the club and catch up. We used to raise hell together as boys.” He gave Vivian a wink. “Langdon, if you will excuse us.” Lord Strickland took her hand and laid it on his arm. Jack’s countenance darkened ominously…and wasn’t that interesting?
She nodded her head at Jack, “Lord Langdon.”
****
Jack’s jaw clenched, and his stomach tightened into a knot as Vivian danced with the other man. A primitive response urged him to walk over, yell “mine,” and carry her off slung over his shoulder. Instead, he attempted to put a bland expression on his face and quietly watched. Two ladies next to him twittered and smiled at him, but he had no interest in making small talk with the company around him.
After the dance finished, another gentleman immediately claimed Vivian for the next set. A drink was in order. He stalked off to the library where tables had been set up for card playing, but most importantly, where actual spirits were being offered to guests trying to escape the crush of the ballroom. There he ran into his brother, already a drink in hand.
“Jack, fleeing the scene so soon?” Andrew chuckled.
Ignoring his brother, Jack went over to a side table and poured himself a brandy. “God, yes, how do you stand the crowd and all the inanity? It’s like being in a room full of preening peacocks.” He threw back his drink and poured another.
“It is what it is.” Andrew shrugged. “What’s the matter, didn’t get to dance with your girl?”
“She’s not my girl,” Jack scowled.
“Ah, but you knew exactly who I referenced, didn’t you? Besides, that’s not what Caroline says. She says you two have been writing each other all year.” Andrew raised his eyebrow and grinned, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
“Caroline has a big mouth,” he muttered. “We did dance. But apparently, there is some rule about not dancing more than twice with the same woman.”
“Yes, well, you don’t want to set tongues wagging. That wouldn’t do Miss Jamieson’s reputation any good. Ah, that’s the supper gong. Let’s go collect our ladies, shall we?” Andrew set down his glass on a nearby table.
At supper, he and George Davis regaled Vivian and Miss Beaumont with stories from some of their voyages. TheLady Louisehad spent some time doing business in the American ports of Boston and farther south in Charleston. They had also spent two years in the Indian Ocean trading in fine silks and spices from the Orient.
After supper, Jack escorted Vivian back into the ballroom. As they joined Andrew and Caroline at the edge of the dance floor, she and his sister were both claimed for a dance right as the music started. Jack reluctantly handed her over to her next dance partner.
His gaze followed her hungrily around the dance floor, while she danced with a tall, good-looking gentleman. Her cheeks glowed with exertion from dancing all evening, and her lips turned up in a smile for her partner. Then she stepped on the gentleman’s foot. Jack smirked—she never stepped on his toes. She had fit perfectly in his arms when they danced earlier.
“You shouldn’t be staring at her like that in public, you know,” Andrew commented casually next to him. “I suggest you get yourself under control before you cause a scene.”
He tore his gaze away from Vivian. His brother was right. What he needed was some space from her. Watching her float around the dance floor in that turquoise silk gown in someone else’s arms drove him mad. In another week, he would repair to Stoneleigh with his family. Once there, he could get some perspective and remember all the reasons he couldn’t have her. He just needed to get through tonight.
****
Vivian’s mind wandered while she danced with Lord Davenport. He wasn’t quite as tall or as broad-shouldered as Captain Jack. In contrast, Lord Davenport was lean and very elegant in his dark blue jacket. Lord Davenport had an open, smiling face as he asked her polite questions about her family. He would probably make a very congenial husband. As they passed by another couple on the crowded dance floor, Vivian’s shoulder was jostled. She tripped and accidentally stepped on Lord Davenport’s foot.
“Oof.” Davenport winced.
