“How are you adjusting, Miss Hamilton?” he asked.
“Well, that tonic has made me feel less stressed about being here,” she said a little ruefully. “It hasn’t kept me from realizing how dangerous this time can be, especially for Jem and Cyrus.”
“How so?”
She explained about the dueling discussion.
“I think your fear is unnecessary, Miss Hamilton.” William smiled. “Duels are not so common as you have been led to believe. And should Misters Taylor or Manning have the misfortune to be challenged, rest assured my aunt would have the power to soothe any such situation.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Reese remembered the demonstrations of magic she’d seen. She felt calm for the first time since they had arrived. “Are you using magic on me right now?”
“Not I,” William said. “Nellie is myadoptedaunt.”
He didn’t explain further but started asking her questions. Reese didn’t realize until later how well he had done at keeping the right balance with his personal questions that weren’ttoopersonal. He was also an excellent dancer. She hadn’t stumbled once. They ended the dance near Nellie, Ellen, and March.
“Lord March,” William said, “I wonder if you have a moment.”
“Any time, Milton,” the lord said.
“Thank you, Miss Hamilton. It was a pleasure to dance with you.” William bowed first to Reese and then to Ellen and Nellie. “Ladies, if you will excuse us.” He turned with March, and they strolled away.
“Your nephew has the most agreeable manners, Aunt Nellie,” Ellen said.
“Why, thank you, my dear. I agree.” Nellie frowned. “Oh, it appears I am needed.” She hurried over to some late arrivals.
“Will you come with me to the lady’s withdrawing room?” Ellen’s expression was pleasant, but her body language was not.
“Sure.” Reese wanted to talk with her anyway.
Ellen slid her arm through Reese’s, and they left the ballroom. A couple of women were just leaving the room, and Reese was relieved to find that they had it to themselves.
With a great sigh, Ellen sank to a small sofa, leaned forward, and put her face in her hands.
“Are you all right?” Reese sat beside her.
“I cannot abide that man.”
“Then why did you dance with him?” Reese asked. “Twice?”
Ellen straightened. “A lady with proper manners does not refuse a gentleman’s offer to dance, in spite of what Lizzy did in a book. You must remember that while she generally had very pretty manners, she was not considered up to snuff.”
“Okay, fine,” Reese said. “I accept that this isn’t like a book.” No. It was a freaking fantasy. But Ellen needed Reese’s help. She held the girl’s gaze. “Tell me why you don’t like that guy.”
“He makes me feel—” Ellen gave a little shudder.
“He makes you feel dirty,” Reese said, softy.
“Dirty. Yes.” Ellen’s expression turned haunted. “That describes it well. If I could bathe now, I would feel much better.”
“I’ve known guys like that before,” Reese said. “Slimy.” One in particular had been the reason she’d taken up martial arts in college. “You shouldn’t dance with that guy again.”
“I have no choice. He often works with my brother on projects in the House of Lords. Lord March has said he wishes to court me, but my brother said he will not consider it until I come of age.”
“Have you had a season?” Reese asked.
“No.” Ellen opened her dance card. “My aunt was going to sponsor me this year, but her husband became ill. They have sought treatment in Bath.”
“Your brother’s not going to try to marry you off without a season, is he? Hehasto give you a choice of who you marry.” Reese rubbed her temple. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
