Reese fumed for a few seconds, but Nellie’s words rang true. If shehadto be here, she might as well take advantage of an opportunity to “influence” change. That would be good.
Or would it? Could she make things better? But what if the changes made things worse? If magic really was a fuzzball, maybe the ability to change the future was all nonsense.
Now she reallywasgetting a headache.
“Isn’t this fun?” Kaitlyn, on Cyrus’s arm, stepped beside Reese. “Though Cora didn’t look like she was enjoying herself.”
“WhereisCora?” Reese scanned the ballroom.
“I think she’s gone looking for somewhere quiet,” Kaitlyn said. “Isn’t this even better than the Regency Ball? It’s so real.”
“Seriously, Kate? It’sreal?” Reese laughed.
“Oh, you know what I mean,” Kaitlyn said, coloring. “I love experiencing the real thing. I want to experienceallof it.”
“Even the liaisons,” Reese said with raised brows, “and the seductions—”
“She’d better avoid those,” Cyrus interrupted, shooting Kaitlyn a teasing glance. “Unless she wants me and Jem to have therealexperience of dueling.”
“That’s sweet,” Kaitlyn said. “Would you really fight a duel for me?”
“Don’t even think of it,” Reese said. “Remember what I said about no antibiotics? People used to die from infections after dueling.”
“Duels are illegal anyway, aren’t they?” Kaitlyn asked.
“These people believe theyarethe law,” Cyrus said, his humor gone. “They do what they want.”
“Then be careful not to step on one of their social land mines.” For a second, Reese thought of how easy it would be for Jem or Cyrus to offend one of the hot-headed bucks of this time. She didn’t know which was more dangerous—having no honor like a lot of guys she knew back home, or too much honor, like in this time.
“Here comes Aunt Nellie’s nephew,” Kaitlyn whispered.
William Milton approached their group. “Ladies, Mr. Manning,” he said with a bow. “My aunt has asked me to encourage you to dance and meet her other guests, as Mister Taylor is doing.”
“Since you have just danced with Miss Taylor,” William said to Cyrus, “I would suggest you find another partner who is not of your party.”
“Miss Hamilton,” William bowed and extended his hand, giving Cyrus a sidelong glance, “might I have the honor of this dance?”
“Oh, all right.” Cyrus strode away.
“Why, yes, Mr. Manning.” Reese curtsied and took William’s hand which he was still holding out to her. “What about Kaitlyn?”
“I believe the answer approaches.” He slid her arm through his and nodded toward a handsome, well-dressed man sauntering toward them, his gaze fixed on Kaitlyn.
Reese exchanged glances with her friend, whose cheeks had gone pink at the flattering attention. William waited until the man had reached them.
“Sir Hughes, I know you have already met Miss Taylor, but I don’t believe Miss Hamilton, also from America, has been introduced to you. Sir Jack Hughes Von Maughanhoe.”
They curtsied. He acknowledged them both but had eyes only for Kaitlyn. Reese, tall as she was, had never felt so invisible.
“I believe I have the next dance, Miss Taylor.” Sir Hughes extended his arm.
“I believe you’re right.” Kaitlyn accepted his arm, and they left.
“Shall we then?” William asked.
“Sure, but be warned, I’m kind of awful at this,” Reese said.
“Have no fear.” He led her onto the dance floor and smoothly pulled her into position, his right arm high on her back. He moved them into the dance before she had time to worry about it.
