Gertrude, on the other hand, only enjoyed the soup because with her laces being so tight, she didn’t have room for much food.
After the lemon ices were served, along with a glass of sparkling wine, servers stepped forward to clear off the tables as the orchestra members began retaking their seats.
“Returning to the subject of taking you in hand,” Miss Henrietta suddenly said, laying aside her napkin after she blotted her lips. “Do know that I have every confidence my sister and I will be successful with that. You only have to look to Permilia to see the proof of our success because, modesty aside, it was due to mine and Mabel’s observational skills that she ended up engaged to Asher.”
Gertrude blotted her own lips, using the time to compose a reply to what was a very unusual conclusion regarding Permilia and Asher’s courtship. “While I do find that an interesting notion, being under the impression Permilia secured Asher’s affections because they were immediately drawn to each other, I must state most emphatically that there’s no need for either you or your sister to take me in hand.”
“There’s every need, because without our assistance and expertise in these types of matters, you’re certain to miss a prime opportunity and lose the affection of...” Miss Henrietta stopped talking and smiled brightly at someone Gertrude couldn’t see.
When the fine hair on the nape of her neck stood to attention, she knew exactly who’d joined them, and after turning her head, she wasn’t at all surprised to find Harrison standing there.
“How was your meal?” he asked.
“The poor girl barely ate anything,” Miss Henrietta said before Gertrude could respond. “But I enjoyed my meal, as did my sister.” She nodded to Gertrude before returning her attention to Harrison. “Have you come to beg a dance from our charming Gertrude?”
Warmth settled over Gertrude, but she was spared further embarrassment when Harrison flashed a grin to Miss Henrietta. “Gertrude has, unfortunately, already informed me she’s unavailable for further dances with me because of the limited number of dances being offered. That’s why I’m here to beg a dance from you, Miss Henrietta, one I’m hoping you’ll grant me.”
With cheeks turning pink, Miss Henrietta was on her feet and grinning as she took the arm Harrison extended her. They made it all of three feet before she stopped, set her sights on Mr. Charles Dana, the editor fromThe Sunand the gentleman who had been Permilia’s editor when she was working as an anonymous society columnist, and nodded his way.
“I believe you were intending to ask Miss Gertrude Cadwalader to dance, weren’t you, Mr. Dana?” Miss Henrietta all but barked. “She’s sitting right there.” She nodded in Gertrude’s direction.
Mr. Dana’s eyes widened, but then, apparently not wanting to cross swords with Miss Henrietta, he practically jumped from his chair, and the next thing Gertrude knew, she was on the ballroom floor, smiling at Mr. Dana as they waited for the music to begin.
“You could have told her no,” she whispered right as the first note rang out.
“I think not,” Mr. Dana whispered back, and then they were dancing.
Gertrude soon found herself taking on the unusual position of leading when Mr. Dana, after trying to steer her in the wrong direction twice, admitted he wasn’t much of a dancer and was perfectly agreeable with her taking the lead.
Once she got them moving somewhat smoothly over the floor, they settled into a friendly conversation, Mr. Dana even broaching the idea of bringing her on as a new Miss Quill, since his readers were writing daily to the paper, bemoaning the loss of the column Permilia once penned.
“I’m afraid I’m kept busy with my position as Mrs. Davenport’s companion,” Gertrude said. “But why don’t you approach someone like Miss Clementine Flowerdew? She’s accepted in all the right circles and is privy to the latest news of the day.”
Mr. Dana stopped counting his steps and shook his head. “I approached her earlier, and while I’m sure she does know more than her fair share of the scandals traveling around society, I didn’t get the impression she’s a lady who enjoys responsibilities.” His brows drew together. “Perhaps I should approach that cousin of hers, the other Miss Flowerdew. She’s a wallflower from what Miss Clementine told me. And I have to say from personal experience that wallflowers are known to be quite knowledgeable about society matters, given the amount of time they spend languishing against the walls instead of...” His voice trailed off to nothing as if he’d just realized he was dancing with a wallflower and might have insulted her.
Taking pity on Mr. Dana, who was red in the face and trying to cover up his slip by resuming his counting of steps, Gertrude smiled. “Wallflowers are notoriously underestimated, Mr. Dana, but since I’m personally known to Temperance, I’ll ask her if she’d be interested in doing a column for you here or there. She’s known to be rather shy at times, which is why I won’t encourage you to ask her yourself.”
Mr. Dana looked over Gertrude’s shoulder, brought her to a stop, and then gestured to where Temperance was dancing with Gilbert Cavendish, laughing at something he’d said and looking anything other than shy. “I believe she may have found a reason to come out of her shell.”
“You may be right,” Gertrude said as the music slowed to a stop and she walked with Mr. Dana off the floor, where he immediately found himself badgered into asking Edwina to dance by Miss Mabel, who’d apparently just agreed to partner Harrison next.
Sinking into the chair beside Mrs. Davenport, and claiming exhaustion when Miss Henrietta began casting her beady gaze around for another partner for her, she looked to her employer and found Mrs. Davenport watching her somewhat sadly.
Knowing it would take next to nothing to send Mrs. Davenport into a bout of melancholy that would not bode well for anyone, Gertrude began chatting about bustles, and before even a minute passed, Mrs. Davenport was smiling and explaining how she was going to improve on her latest bustle design, her smile widening when Gertrude offered herself up as a model for that design.
When the last notes of the last song faded away, Gertrude helped Mrs. Davenport to her feet, then waited as Gilbert rushed around with a pad of paper in his hands. That pad listed the carriages the guests were assigned to, and even though she was disappointed to not find herself in Harrison’s carriage since he was staying back to settle the hotel bill, she was relieved that Mrs. Davenport had abandoned any sign of melancholy.
Making their way through the hotel, she and Mrs. Davenport, with Edwina joining them once again, were about to enter their assigned carriage when Gertrude was hailed from behind by Clementine.
“You’re supposed to ride with me, Miss Cadwalader,” Clementine called, and even though Gertrude was certain that was not the case, but not wanting to cause a scene with so many guests watching her, she assured Mrs. Davenport and Edwina she’d be fine, and walked over to join Clementine.
Taking her arm, Clementine gave it a good pat. “I must say you’ve surprised me, Miss Cadwalader, but in a most delightful way.”
“I’ve surprised you?” Gertrude repeated.
Clementine leaned close. “You suggested to Mr. Sinclair that he dine with me this evening.” She patted Gertrude’s arm again. “I truly thought you were opposed to assisting me with capturing his affections, but do know that your unexpected suggestion to him about dinner will not be overlooked by me. Rest assured, I will, from this point forward, consider you a friendly acquaintance of mine, and...” She smiled. “I’ll see to it that I make certain to acknowledge you when we attend the same functions, which will go far in elevating your status within society.”
A prickle of temper took Gertrude by surprise. “You seem to be under the misimpression that my asking Harrison to partner you for dinner was a sign I’ve decided to help you secure his affections.”
