The dance left little time for talking, but upon its conclusion, Mr. Henderson tried to draw her to the refreshment table. Thankfully, someone else cut in to collect his dance. Before the evening was through, Elise had danced with ten different partners and was exhausted.
“You don’t move like a woman who was just in an accident,” Louis teased during another quadrille.
“But I am starting to feel like one. I’m exhausted.”
Louis stopped dancing and pulled her away from the others. “You should have said something.” When they reached the arched entryway, he continued pulling her along. “You should have a rest. There’s no sense in letting those vultures pick your bones.”
She laughed. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but now that you mention it, I do feel rather picked over.”
“They’re all just very impressed that you’re so beautiful and dance nothing like a sailor.” He stopped in the library and dropped his hold. “There. You should be safe here.”
“What will they say about my absence? Your mother is determined to have me married off before midnight.”
This time it was Louis’s turn to laugh. “That’s Mother. She’s working on me as well. There is a distinct desire in that woman to see us all married.”
“Where you and Randolph are concerned, she probably wants grandchildren.” Elise smoothed her skirt. “Whereas she just wants me off the lakes, lest I further embarrass the family.”
Louis nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. I have to say there is something about your life that I envy.”
“You should come along sometime. I’m sure Father would be more than willing to have you on board. It’s hard work, but he could certainly teach you. And it is your father’s freighting company, so you should learn the business.”
“He’s mentioned that before, as well, but I’ve never really wanted to go. I have a fear of the water.” He leaned in and added, “I can’t swim.”
Elise leaned closer in a conspiratorial manner. “I’ll keep your confidence.”
Louis grinned. “Thank you.”
She glanced down the hall, hoping she could manage the escape. “Please tell your mother I’m sorry.”
“She’ll be forgiving. I’ll tell her you realized that you’d pushed yourself too hard—that the injuries from the accident were making you uncomfortable. She’ll be more than understanding, but you might have to stay in bed tomorrow.”
Elise grinned and gave a sigh. “Well, it’s not my choice, but better than dancing and carrying on with would-be suitors.”
“You go ahead up the back stairs, and I’ll let her know. Just ring for your maid. I’m sure it will be fine with everyone. Nobody wants to be responsible for causing you additional pain.” He smiled. “Sometime when the moment is right, perhaps you can tell me of your great adventures on the lake. Maybe I’ll change my mind about wanting to come along.”
Elise thought of the last storm they’d been in. “Most of my adventure stories would do nothing but dissuade you, but I’ll be happy to share them nonetheless.”
He gave her a mock salute and went to inform his mother while Elise made her way through the house to the back stairs. She breathed a sigh of relief at being able to return to her room and put on her bedclothes. At least they weren’t confining and uncomfortable.
Etta was already there, cleaning and putting away clothes. “Oh, Miss Elise, you’re back so early.”
“Is it early? It feels like the middle of the night. I have a headache.”
“I’ll prepare you a bag of herbs and lavender. The scents help so much with the pain.”
“I do wish you’d help me get out of this gown first. Please.” Elise kicked off the dancing slippers and immediately sighed in relief. “That feels so much better. I’m afraid my feet are not as small as Auntie’s.”
Etta helped her out of the gown and corset. Elise pulled on her dressing robe, then let Etta guide her to the dressing table. The maid began pulling pins from the elaborate coiffure with expert skill. It was as if she’d memorized the position of each pin. It wasn’t long at all until she was brushing out Elise’s black hair.
The headache had moved down into Elise’s neck, and she did her best to sit still while also shrugging her shoulders up and down to ease the tension. Etta finally took pity on her.
“You get into bed, Miss Elise, and I’ll fetch the herbs.”
Elise did as she suggested, and almost immediately her muscles began to relax. Closing her eyes, she was surprised not to see a room full of dancing strangers. Instead, she saw the face of Nick Clark staring back at her. His smile coaxed a grin from her. She imagined him extending his hand for a dance. The thought of dancing with Nick mesmerized her.
If Etta returned with the herbs, Elise never knew it.
Chapter 4
