His grin widened. “I should hope so. If I remember correctly, the last time you saw me, I was sporting several days’ growth of beard and wearing coarse woolen trousers.”
She eyed him up and down. “You went to Martin’s, didn’t you?”
“And Hoby’s and Weston’s and Yardley’s.”
“I could tell.”
“What do you think?” They continued to spin around the dance floor. The man was an extremely graceful dancer. Just as she’d known he would be.
“I told you I could make you into a legend.” The old lump was back in her throat.
“I don’t know if I’d gothatfar yet.”
“You seem quite popular, however. I saw the line of young ladies hoping for introductions to you tonight. Including Lady Claire.”
“Yes, Meg delivered your message about Lady Claire being the belle of the Season.”
“Well, she’sexpectedto be the belle of the Season. She certainly appears popular. As do you.”
“If I am popular, it’s due to my proximity to you. And I haveyouto thank, of course.”
“Nonsense,” she replied. “I was only jesting.”
“I suppose I have the rumors you’ve started to thank for my increased and sudden popularity?”
“It’s nothing at all. Just a few well-placed comments in the right ears.”
“I’ve never had so much attention before.”
“I didn’t hear you stutter once.”
“I have you to thank for that as well,” Christian replied. “Remembering our dance together in Scotland has proven exceedingly helpful.”
Sarah bit the inside of her cheek. “I’m only glad I could be of help. You helped me so much last winter.”
“How is Mrs. Goatsocks?” he asked.
Sarah lowered her voice, glancing around. “Her ankle is completely healed, the dear, but we told Mother that she’d left to visit her sister in Scotland. She’s stayed up there all winter. Her letters have hinted that she’s paid more than one visit to Mr. Fergus.”
Christian whistled. “Is that so? Fergus’s letters to me haven’t mentioned anything about it.”
“No doubt he’s embarrassed. I have a feeling Mrs. Goatsocks has taken a fancy to the man.”
“I daresay Mr. Fergus can handle himself.” Christian spun Sarah around again. “How are you faring without a chaperone?”
“Well, Mrs. Bunbury had to stay in Bath, of course,” she said with a sly smile. “So Mother has taken on the task for the time being. She says she never should have relinquished the role to begin with.”
“Keeping a strict eye on you, is she?”
Sarah nodded, staring blankly into his cravat. Why did he have to smell so very good?
“How are you, Sarah?” he asked in a tender voice that made her throat ache.
Tears burned her eyes. “I’m… f-fine.”
“You don’t sound fine.”
She shook her head and lifted her chin, forcing herself to paste a smile on her face. “I’m perfectly fine.”
