This time it was Betsy who chuckled.
“But it’s a waltz.” She’d been surprised to see the scandalous dance listed on the dance cards she and Betsy had been given––both as pristine as Jasper’s cravat.
“Do you not waltz? Or is it that you disapprove of the dance in particular?” A challenging glint lit his gaze. Despite their first meeting having occurred nearly eleven years earlier, she supposed it would have been quite hypocritical of her to disapprove of a mere dance––a public dance, no less.
“I can perform the dance adequately.” As a governess, one tended to participate in more dance lessons than one’s actual students. She lifted her chin, not sure herself why his approach irritated her now.
Perhaps it was because she believed he might have merely been toying with her that night years ago. Did he intend to toy with her again?
Or was he simply being courteous?
“Do you not wish to dance? Would you prefer to take a turn about the room with me instead?”
So, he intended to talk.
“The next set has not been reserved.” At his raised brows, she added. “I wish to dance.”
But first. “May I present my sister to you? Mr. Jasper Talbot? This is my sister, Miss Betsy Fortune.
He graciously bent over Betsy’s hand. “If I remember correctly, there are four Miss Fortunes?”
A tremor ran through her.
He remembered.
“Chloe and Charlotte are at Miss Primm’s Seminary for Girls.” Betsy provided. And then with an accusing glance at Matilda, “You didn’t tell me that you and his lordship had a prior acquaintance.”
“The music is about to begin.” Tilde spoke through gritted teeth.
It wasn’t, but a few couples had taken their place on the ballroom floor. She most definitely could not make any explanations that would appease her sister while he stood listening.
A grin tugged at Jasper’s lips, but he held out his arm. “I look forward to getting to know you, as well, Miss Betsy.”
And then he led Tilde to the middle of the floor. As they passed a cluster of more well-to-do guest, Tilde thought she saw somebody point her out, and then whisper something uncharitable.
They were not admiring her dress.
She straightened her back and did her best to ignore them.
And then things became awkward.
Standing in the middle of the floor, she turned to face him. Based upon what the other couples were doing, they would be expected to hold one another.
Nonplussed, Jasper took hold of her right hand and placed his other at her waist.
She’d been kissed several times over the past decade… well… four times, to be exact. And she’d danced the waltz with at least six different instructors.
So why did she feel like a clumsy girl of ten and seven again?
“I apologize for not remembering you last week.” His gaze settled on her intently. “You felt familiar––you looked familiar to me. I can only beg your forgiveness.”
Thank Heavens an immediate response was not required since the quartet lifted their bows and began playing.
She’d learned how to step, and to allow her partner to steer her. She’d learned how to move around the floor without counting even.
But… She stared into eyes as black as the sea at night and fought the sensations rising up from her past.
“Will you?” His voice was the same, only deeper, more cultured.
