Grace readily accepted, and soon she was promised to each gentleman for a dance. Lord Sterling left her in the care of Mr. Smythe as the music began, and, as she approached the dance floor, couldn’t help but admire at how quickly, easily, and efficiently he’d neatly introduced her to several eligible men.
She danced in turn with each new gentleman, and as the time came to take their leave, Samantha collected her from the arm of the last gentleman, a Lord Garton, and made their excuses. By the time they were in the carriage on their way home, Grace realized she hadn’t seen Lord Sterling’s departure, nor thanked him.
“That was very generous of Lord Sterling,” Grace commented to Samantha as they made their way home.
Samantha gave a small grin. “Yes, but it also benefited him as well.”
Grace frowned. “In what way?”
Samantha lifted a shoulder. “It would seem that last night’s dance with you created a stir, much like I said it would, and my husband mentioned that Lord Sterling was anxious to put to rest the suspicions of many.”
“Meaning?” Grace still was unsure as to what she referred.
“Meaning, if others saw him put you in the path of eligible men, then they would cease in suspecting his interest in you.”
Grace wasn’t sure why, but her spirits deflated a little at such a revelation. “Oh, well . . . then I’m pleased that I could assist with what he needed to convey. No one watching us this afternoon would suspect that there was any attachment between us.”
“No. No one would,” Samantha agreed. “However, that begs the question, did you find any gentlemen that could encourage an attachment?”
Grace smiled at this. “They were all very kind, and good dancers. Better dancers than I, I admit.”
Samantha giggled.
“I dare say that I might have a few call on me tomorrow, but it’s far too quick for me to gauge my respect or affection for any.”
“Wise girl,” Samantha spoke. “And I do agree, I think tomorrow will present a few callers, and that will afford time for conversation. And conversation can easily lead to attachment and interest. We, my dear, have made a very important first step.”
“And I didn’t manage to ruin it,” Grace couldn’t help but mention.
“No, you did perfectly. As I knew you would. Have more faith in yourself, my dear. Don’t mistake your strengths as being weaknesses simply because others don’t share them.”
“I understand, but I will triumph in today.”
“As you should.”
“Tomorrow has enough trouble. I shall not borrow it.”
Samantha gave her a beleaguered look. “So much for faith in yourself.”
“One step at a time.”
“That is all I can ask.”
