Eva thought she knew why Simon annoyed Claire but was not about to enlighten her friend. In time, they would work it out for themselves.
“We can’t like everyone we meet and I am sure one day you and Simon will be friends.”
Claire made a scoffing sound but said nothing further.
“The Dowager Duchess has informed me that I must host a ball which she will hold at her home,” Eva said, changing the subject. “I am to present myself there promptly at eleven a.m. tomorrow to discuss the preparations.”
“Did she, by God. Old tarter. Still…” Claire chewed her lip thoughtfully. “She is right - you do need to launch yourself into society, and hosting your own ball will be just the event to assure your name sits on all the right lips. And as much as I do not relish spending time in the dowager’s company, Eva, for you I will offer any support you need.” Claire looked like she had swallowed something vile.
“She is really not all that bad. In fact she and the ladies Fairlie and Dunbar were rather sweet when I sat with them earlier.”
“Sweet!” Claire shuddered.
“Now, brace yourself, my friend. You are about to dance until your feet are weary.”
“Pardon?” Confused, Eva looked at Claire.
“You are the new Duchess of Stratton, the latest curiosity, and now they will want to get to know you.”
“They?”
“Them.” Claire nodded toward the throng of people.
“Surely not all of them?” Eva said, only half joking.
“Not all, but quite a few and here comes your first.”
Eva watched as a tall, elegantly dressed man made his way toward her.
“And I am to accept all these requests to dance?”
“Yes.” Claire smiled at the man as he stopped before them. “Lord Culliver, how do you do this evening?”
“Very well, Miss Belmont.” Lord Culliver bowed before them. “I wonder if you would be so kind as to introduce me to the Duchess of Stratton.”
Eva looked confused as the man spoke to Claire and not her when it was she he wanted to meet.
“Your Grace, allow me to introduce Lord Culliver to you.” Claire turned to face Eva, as Lord Culliver did.
“How do you do, your Grace? May I have the honor of this dance?”
Claire nodded and then widened her eyes, which Eva thought meant she was supposed to return the greeting.
“Good evening, Lord Culliver, and thank you, I would love to dance.”
Placing the tips of her fingers on his sleeve, she nodded to Claire and then they made their way to the dance floor. The music started and taking a deep breath, she searched her memory for the steps to the Cotillion. It did not take long to master the dance and soon Eva was enjoying herself. It was unsettling at first to be holding hands with complete strangers and yet they thought nothing of it; therefore, neither would she.
“Had I known that a delicate flower such as yourself was secreted away in the country, your Grace, I would have moved heaven and earth to reach you before the duke.”
Eva smiled to Lord Culliver as they joined hands once again. “Thank you, my lord.”
When the dance finished, he returned her to Claire, where another awaited her introduction and so the night went. Eva soon realized there was not much to learn about social chitchat. You answered with a thank you and a name when complimented and usually the recipient was happy to take up the reins and talk about either himself or the latest piece of gossip. She didn’t like the leering or touching and in some cases the foul-smelling breath, but for the most part, she coped. Many made pointed suggestions about her rushed marriage to Daniel but those she avoided with a smile or a murmur.
She saw Daniel dancing with other women and refused to acknowledge that the sharp pain inside her was jealousy. These people had been part of his world for a long time and unlike her, he was comfortable in this setting. Occasionally, he caught her eye and tilted his head but he did not come near her again.
“Well, I declare the first social outing for the Duchess of Stratton a huge success,” Claire said when Eva returned from yet another dance.
Too tired to say anything, Eva just nodded and slipped into the seat beside her. How did these people dance for so many hours every night?
