Something raw flickered in Eamon’s eyes, and Caro’s body heated like a flame.
Eamon shielded his expression as he passed Caro again, their left hands touching as they went by. The contact was a mere brush, but the spark that jumped between them made her knees weak.
She calmed herself by taking the hands of the kind Colonel Harper, her corner partner once more. When she returned to her place, the orchestra finished the piece, and the dancers halted, breathless and flushed, applauding.
Before Caro could decide what to say to Eamon as they walked from the floor, Colonel Harper appeared at her side.
“Might I escort you to a seat, Your Grace?” he asked.
Of course—it was proper for the older gentleman to ensure that a younger and higher-ranking lady was looked after. Caro could only nod and agree.
She saw Eamon smoothly move to Mrs. Harper without missing a step and offer the same to her.
“I am pleased to see you out and about, Your Grace,” Colonel Harper said as they strolled to the edge of the ballroom. “If you’ll forgive me my blunt observation, you are young, with much of your life ahead of you. Do not stifle it in that mausoleum of a house. Captain Stone is a fine young man. He will take very good care of you.”
Caro started, then rapidly fanned herself, pretending the dance had overheated her. “I am barely acquainted with Mr. Stone, Colonel Harper.”
Colonel Harper’s gaze turned knowing. “I met my Felice only weeks before we wed. You will have plenty of time to grow familiar with each other, my dear, through your life together. I am not saying you ought to rush into marriage, but if you decided to, Stone would not be a bad choice. His upbringing was a tad rough, but that is not his fault, and he’s smoothed his edges splendidly.”
“I have no wish to be courted,” Caro said, flustered. “I have a son to look after.”
Colonel Harper patted her hand. “Forgive me, my dear. I am an old man, and I want everyone to find the happiness I have had. Stone is an honorable fellow, in spite of what some believe. If you rebuff him, at least be gentle when you do. He’s too much alone, the poor lad.”
The poor lad was now gallantly presenting Mrs. Harper with a cup of punch and sharing a lively chat with her.
“I will remember your advice,” Caro managed to say.
They’d reached a line of gilded, ivory damask chairs. “If you will sit, Your Grace, I will rush away and bring you refreshment.” Colonel Harper indicated the chairs with a sweep of his glove.
“Thank you, but I will return to my friends.” Caro nodded to where Jo and Louise waited. “You have been kind, Colonel Harper.”
Colonel Harper squeezed Caro’s hand. “If you ever need someone to talk to, my dear, please remember that my wife and I are at your service.” He released her and bowed before Caro could express her gratitude for this offer. “Good evening, Your Grace.”
“Good evening, Colonel.” She gave him his title still, and his eyes twinkled.
Colonel Harper politely waited for her to reach her friends before he returned to Mrs. Harper, who was still speaking with Eamon. He entered their conversation, which became animated, as though Eamon had wanted nothing more tonight than to converse with his former commander and his wife.
Jo’s smile to Caro when Caro gained her side was too broad. “You are quite flushed, dearest. Dancing agrees with you.”
Caro resumed her agitated fanning. “I have not scampered about so in quite a while. I must be out of form.”
“You seemed to enjoy it,” Louise observed, her dark eyes knowing.
“She did indeed,” Jo said. “Such a lively set. The orchestra is fine tonight.”
Lord Dominic, who had remained at their side, cleared his throat. “Perhaps you would care to join the next, Your Highness? I dance stiffly, but I can still manage it.” He held out a broad hand.
Jo’s smile wavered, and her tone turned almost pitying. “Oh, that is kind, your lordship, but I am afraid I must decline.”
Caro understood why, and it had nothing to do with Jo’s opinion of Lord Dominic. Jo’s mother and father, though warmhearted people, strictly regulated who could and could not make overtures to their daughter. Their decision came not from snobbery but from the fact that they were royalty in exile.
Jo’s father had to take care that the gentleman who showed his daughter attention had neither ambition to put Prince Rupert illegally on the Osagard throne nor to assassinate him, as sometimes happened to princes of Osagard. Every gentleman had to be vetted by Prince Rupert, Princess Maude, and their trusted advisors before said gentleman could even dance with Jo in their own ballroom.
Lord Dominic nodded, as though unoffended, but Caro saw his annoyance. He turned to Louise.
“My lady?” Lord Dominic extended the offered hand to her.
While Jo had showed embarrassment at having to refuse, Louise met Lord Dominic’s gaze coolly. “No, thank you, sir.”
