“If I had,” she said, “I doubt you’d be much in a fit condition for dancing when you get around to asking her. I’ve watched you pour three glasses of champagne down your throat already.”
“I’m not going to ask,” Danny said stubbornly, with a notchof his chin.
“Oh? Is it enjoyable, then, to watch her dance with everyone else?” Grace sidled a step closer and confided, “She’s only got one dance left free. It’s a waltz.”
“I’m not going to ask!” he reiterated crossly. A beat passed in silence as Hannah swirled past once again and the trill of her laugh sparkled through the air. Danny’s shoulders slumped. A sharp sigh whistled across his lips. “Got two left feet,” he said resentfully. “And she’d refuse, besides.”
“I’ll bet you ten quid she wouldn’t,” Grace said. “Even though you as good as told her that the things which are important to her are a waste of your time.”
“I did not!” Danny said, his shoulders snapping straight. “When?”
“Evening last.”
Danny blew out a ragged breath. “I saiddancingwas a damned waste of time,” he said.
“And that the color of her dress made her look sallow.”
“It did! How the hell is itmyfault that yellow isn’t her color?” Danny threw up his hands in a surfeit of aggravation. “And she called me a gormless addlepate!”
“Youarea gormless addlepate,” Grace said patiently. “And a muttonheaded clod, besides.”
He shot her a darkling look. “Couldn’t you be on my side for once?”
“If your side were the right one, I would be.” Was there ever a more foolish creature created than man? “Do you really think dancing with Hannah would be a waste of your time? Because I promise you, that is what she heard you say.”
A hot splash of color burned high in his cheeks. “I’ll step on her toes,” he said sullenly. “Never got the rhythm of dancing. Damned embarrassing, really.”
“Do you know,” Grace said softly, “I think Hannah wouldprefer to be dancing with you—bruised toes and all—than with any other gentleman here. But if you continue to let her think that you consider the things that are important to her to be beneath your notice, eventually she’ll believe you. She’ll stop saving dances for you that you keep failing to claim.”
Danny’s brows shot up. “Saving dances?”
“Oh, yes. There’s twelve sets this evening. I’ve watched at least fifteen gentlemen approach her, and yet she’s still got one blank spot left upon her dance card. I’ll admit I’ve not paid too terribly much attention at other balls, but my best guess would be that she’s always saved at least one back for you. Just in the event that you decided to claim it.”
That color in his cheeks burned hotter still, and he shoved his hands into his pockets with a little shrug. “It doesn’t matter,” he said glumly. “She’s not speaking with me at present.”
“Of course she isn’t. You hurt her feelings.” Grace nudged his shoulder with hers. “But she still saved a dance for you, Danny.”
“Gracie—”
“I beg you, don’t make me pinch your ear. I’d really prefer to resolve such issues without violence wherever possible.”
Danny gave a muted grumble, his shoulders slouching still further. “I’ll put my foot in it again,” he said on a sigh. “I always do, somehow.”
“Probably you will,” Grace acknowledged. “So apologize. Each and every time you do. And endeavor not to do it again. She has little other recourse than to call you a gormless addlepate and decline to speak with you. After all, she can hardly push you into the mud like she used to when you were children.”
Danny dug one finger beneath the collar of his shirt, wrenching at the knot of his cravat. “I think I’d rather she did,” he muttered. “How am I supposed to ask her to dance when she isn’t speaking with me?”
“Lead with the apology,” Grace advised. “And for God’s sake,Danny, donotinsult her gown.”
The corner of his mouth hitched up in a wry grin. “I won’t. She looks lovely in pink,” he said. “That’s all I meant to say, truly.”
“So youaregoing to ask her, then?” Grace inquired.
“I suppose I’d better.” Danny withdrew one hand from his pocket and flexed his fingers within the confines of his evening gloves. “Probably it’s a preferable alternative to planting Mr. Templeton a facer, which is what I’ve been considering.”
“Danny.”
“Don’t be a scold. He’s danced with her thrice this Season already.”
