Abigail twirled. “Yes, you know, food, dancing, handsome gentlemen?Milledge does love his parties.”
Handsome gentlemen.Josephine perked up. Would the lieutenant be there? Her heart beat a silly, erratic tune.
Her friend picked up on her excitement. “Let’s go pick out another gown for you.”
“Another one? What’s wrong with this one?” Josephine smoothed the yellow muslin.
“That one is far too plain for this sort of event.”
Josephine bit her tongue to keep from saying it was the most extravagant dress she’d ever worn, the scorn from the Bellefleur twins still fresh in her mind. She shifted her weight. “I feel bad borrowing everyone’s clothing. I brought plenty of money to buy things here.”
Abigail laughed. “I have far too many dresses. Letting you wear them will make me feel better about all the ones I never get to. Besides, you want to look your best, don’t you? My modiste has impeccable taste.” She took Josephine’s hand and tugged her through the door.
Hours later, Josephine exited the carriage with Abigail, her ivory gown a soft shimmer against the night as satin skirts swished around her legs. Overlooking a square in the heart of the city, the pale pink stuccoed home boasted massive Roman columns and ornately carved trimwork.
Once inside, Josephine stared at the gilded molding and massive chandeliers twinkling with hundreds of candles. Flecks of shiny gold studded the floral wallpaper and she had to clamp her hands together to keep from reaching out to touch it. No need to make a spectacle of herself like she had earlier.
“Oh, look, there’s Samantha!” Abigail waved her hand wildly.
Josephine followed her gaze across the room and her breath hitched. Lieutenant Caldwell had come. Wearing the same immaculate uniform he’d worn to dinner at her house, he stood next to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. She couldn’t drag her eyes from him as a flutterylightness spread through her chest. He glanced up as if sensing her perusal and for a split second, blue eyes stared into hers. She held her breath. And then he turned back to his friends.
What did you expect?She shook her head as they made their way through the crowds of people. By the time they reached Samantha, the men had disappeared. Standing along the wall, the trio watched the party unfold. Partners crowded the dance floor, moving so close together, it seemed a miracle no collisions happened. Drinks flowed freely, with servants moving about the room with silver platters full of glasses. The music ebbed and flowed like waves upon the sea.
“Isn’t it lovely?” Abigail smiled as Josephine took it all in.
“I’ve never been to a party like this.”
Her new friend let out a happy sigh. “I’m sure someone will ask you to dance soon.”
A tenseness slid through Josephine as a couple moved in unison in front of them. She’d learned several dances in Tortuga, but had never practiced with a real-life partner. Also, these dances seemed so much more intricate than the ones she’d tried.
“You have danced before, right?”
“A few times.” The words came out thick, and Abigail reached out to squeeze her hand.
“Don’t worry. Most of the men here are so used to dancing, they could lead you through the steps blindfolded. I’ve the perfect distraction while we wait. I used to do this with Samantha. Close your eyes.”
With a lifted brow, Josephine followed her new friend’s order.
“Now, think about the perfect man.” Abigail gave a dramatic pause. “Who do you see?”
Josephine giggled and opened her eyes. “That’s easy. Lieutenant Caldwell.”
Abigail frowned. “He’s handsome alright, but ever since he showed up with Mr. Thompson earlier this year, he hasn’t shown so much as a hint at wanting to settle down. Plenty of the ladies havetried to catch his attention, but he gives them no notice. His job is the only thing he cares about. If you’re looking for a husband, he’s the very last person to chase.”
Josephine scanned the crowd until she found him once more, standing next to Mr. Thompson near a pair of French doors. She studied all the men between them and sniffed. Not a single one stood out to her. When she returned her gaze to him, her breath caught. Those deep blue eyes of his were fixed on her. She swallowed, unable to look away until he gave a slight nod and turned back to his friend. With a shake of her head, she spun back to Abigail. Gaping at the lieutenant like a fish certainly wouldn’t win her any favors.
“What about you? Who do you see?”
Abigail stilled. “Samantha never asked.” She closed her eyes and a wistful smile flitted across her lips. “My problem is every time I try this, I see someone different. Tonight it’s Mr. Ainsley. But that’s because he’s newly arrived in town. I’m sure once I get to know him, he’ll turn out to be as dull or boorish as the rest of them.”
Josephine grinned. “So, you want someone exciting. What about a Navy sailor? There’s plenty of them here.”
Abigail went pale. “No. Definitely not a sailor. I can’t stand the ocean, especially sailing on it.”
“Oh.” Josephine tried to imagine such a concept. “Living on an island, every man I’ve ever met is a sailor of some sort.”
“You probably think I’m silly.” Abigail hugged her arms around herself.
