Despite earlier beliefs, there was nothing scandalous about the waltz. “It is simply his hand on your back instead,” she reminded them. “And yours on their arm or shoulder and a hand is still clasped.”
“But we are facing, and he is very near,” Jael spoke with alarm.
“Father warned that all touching was a sin, especially when one touched a gentleman or he touched us,” Chloe advised.
“These are your cousins, not rakes or rogues,” Penelope reminded them.
“Well, we are cousins,” Jude offered quietly with a chuckle as he glanced at Chadburn, who had the reputation of being a very charismatic rake who could charm a lady out of nearly anything if he wished. He was the most handsome of the Grell brothers, not that she was interested in any of them. However, he never toyed with innocents, which helped him redeem some respectability.
As for the other two brothers, Jude was a Bow Street Runner and Vance was an investigator for the Thames River Police. They were also considered delightful rakes, but were rarely at Societal events, preferring the company of those not associated with the ton.
“I assure you that there is nothing scandalous about the waltz, nor will you be harmed in any manner by dancing such with a bachelor, even if you are not related to them.” It was rather exacerbating that their father had filled their heads with such fears. Besides, it was not the middle of a ballroom that they needed to worry about, but strolls in gardens and such, not that she was ready to issue the true dire warnings of being in London during the Season. That would come later.
“Did you waltz this stiffly with Mr. Peter Storm?” Penelope asked Bernice.
“I fear that I did.” Her face grew quite red. “I explained that it was because I had not been granted permission yet and that I was afraid of being caught, so he made certain to keep me out of site of the patronesses. He also assumed that was the reason for my lack of grace.”
Permission!
How could she have forgotten? “Have any of you received a voucher to Almacks?”
“We have not,” Judith answered.
“That is it then. We are no longer needed,” Vance announced.
“You are!” Penelope rebuked. “When your cousins return to Society, they will gain the notice and attention of everyone and be added to every guest list, which means that the patronesses will take notice. Therefore, they must learn to waltz so that when they are finally given permission, they will be able to do so.”
The Grell brothers blew out a sigh, resigned.
“There is nothing sinful in the waltz so we shall try again.” She motioned for the men to join their partners then nodded to Damaris to play again.
“Relax!” she nearly yelled with encouragement when there was no more fluidity to their movements than the ice that sits upon water in the winter.
“It is impossible,” Chloe cried as she stepped away from Jude.
“If it is so easy, why do you not demonstrate,” Jael challenged Penelope.
“I know how to waltz,” she reminded them.
“Perhaps if we watched you, we would have a better understanding,” Bernice suggested.
Goodness, she had not expected this turn of events.
“Very well!” She stepped forward. “Who shall partner me?”
The Grell brothers looked first at each other and then all three focused on His Grace.
The duke approached and held out his hand. “Lady Penelope, may I have this honor.”
Her pulse immediately increased and nervousness settled into her belly, which was quite discomfiting. It was a waltz to teach a lesson, in the middle of the morning in a drawing room. It meant nothing more. Besides, she had waltzed with him not long ago.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” He led her to the center of the room as the others backed away, then nodded to Damaris who began to play.
Penelope hardly heard the music as they swept from one end of the room to the other and back before coming to an end. Neither were wearing gloves and his palm warmed hers just as his hand on her back nearly burned her skin through her light gown. Their steps were evenly matched, as if they were one, moving and turning without a single misstep. She knew the direction, even without the slightest nudge from him.
It was easy and graceful and with each step, his blue eyes grew darker and her breathing became more difficult, which was certainly from the exertion and nothing more. Only when they returned to the center of the room and stopped was she able to once again catch her breath.
There was a pause of silence, then the sisters applauded.
