Perry tapped on the door and walked in. There was no need to ask him if he approved, his expression said it all. 'You are the most beautiful woman in Christendom and I am the luckiest man. Take my arm, my love, and I shall take you down to dinner.'
'You have had your hair cut, and that is a new shirt you are wearing.'
'Do you like the new look?'
'It suits you short – but then it suited you long as well. In fact, husband, you would be handsome wearing sackcloth and ashes.'
She slipped her hand through his arm loving the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers. There was something about him tonight, something she couldn't put her finger on. She glanced sideways at him and he smiled his wicked smile making her forget everything else.
Beau looked magnificent as usual. They might not be wearing evening pantaloons but their boots were polished to a high shine, their topcoats immaculate and both had frothy white neckcloths above handsome silk waistcoats.
'You have both purchased a new waistcoat as well as stocks – did you go out for them whilst I was asleep?'
'No, they were delivered with our shirts and things. I thought we could eatal frescoas the evening is so clement.'
*
The dinner was sumptuous, the champagne cold, but he scarcely noticed what he put in his mouth. He had a surprise for his beautiful young wife and he couldn't wait to show her.
When the final plate was cleared he stood up and held out his hand. 'Will you dance with me, my lady?'
Her smile was radiant. 'I should be honoured, my lord.'
She slipped her gloved hand into his and he pulled it through his arm. He led her back into the house and as planned the sound of a string quartet drifted through the house.
The look she gave him made the effort he had put into this worthwhile. She released his arm and grabbed his hand; by the time they reached the ballroom they were both running. He could hear his brother laughing behind them.
The musicians continued to play for a few moments and then paused. He nodded and the beautiful sound of a waltz swirled around the room.
She curtsied, he bowed, and then he swept her away. All Wellington's officers were expected to dance superbly and he was no exception. By the time the last notes faded, instead of being at arm's length she was crushed against his chest.
'Thank you, thank you, darling Perry. That was the most magical experience. How many times will you dance with me?'
'As many as you want, sweetheart, but you must partner my brother at least once or he will be disappointed. You are the most beautiful girl here tonight.'
She giggled and he loved her even more, if that were possible. After their third waltz Beau was waiting for his turn.
'I think this is going to be a country dance, your grace.' She said this with a commendably straight face and his brother replied as if this were a sensible suggestion.
'Then we shall lead the set, my lady. It is sometime since I have danced so you will forgive me if I do not live up to your expectations.'
The quartet played the opening chords of another waltz and Beau swept her away. Perry moved to the side to watch them, or rather to watch her. His brother rarely danced but he was light on his feet and they made a pretty couple.
She was laughing at something he said and for a second he wanted to snatch her away, to not allow her to dance with anyone else but him. He had not thought himself a jealous man, and especially not of his brother, but she was his world and he wasn't prepared to share her with anyone.
His first task when they returned would be to get his siblings involved in finding the duke a bride. He didn't for one minute think Beau would do anything untoward, but he was a dangerously attractive man and it would be safer for everyone if he was married.
No sooner had he thought this than he was ashamed. How could he consider for one second that his beloved Sofia might fall in love with another man? The dance drew to a close and he indicated to the musicians that they could go. The hour was late and they were intending to leave at first light and all needed to get some sleep. He sincerely hoped that he and his wife would have considerably less sleep than his brother.
'I shall never forget tonight,' she said and ran to the end of the ballroom where she twirled and curtsied to them both before dancing back. 'This will always be my favourite gown and I intend to wear it so often that you will be sick of the sight of it.'
He gathered her close and with his arm firmly around her waist guided her upstairs to their palatial apartment. 'A lady of thetonwould rather die than be seen in the same gown on consecutive occasions. You will have a new wardrobe and half a dozen ballgowns to choose from.'
She looked at him in astonishment. 'I shall wear what I like, I will not be dictated to by anyone. I have no intention of allowing you to buy me dozens of unnecessary gowns. I would prefer you to give the money to those who are struggling to put food on the table.'
'I had not known you were a revolutionary, sweetheart. Whatever your wishes on the matter you are now a member of the Sheldon family and must dress appropriately.'
She didn't respond but when they walked into their apartment she slipped from his grasp. 'It is late, Perry, we both need to get as much sleep as possible before our long journey. Good night, thank you for a wonderful evening, I shall see you in the morning.'
