“Should have I not let him sign my dance card?”
“One dance with him and you’ll be fine.”
Harriet nodded her head. “I didn’t want them thinking I’m a snob.”
“Yes, that’s easily done. Sometimes I think men are worse at gossiping than women.”
“Women are cruel enough,” Harriet replied.
They continued to watch the dancers for a few minutes, when Winifred suggested they go and sit down. They found a place where they were still near the dance floor, and in sight of everyone. Who knew, someone might want to sign their dance cards.
They’d been sitting for a few minutes when Harriet felt like someone was watching her. Slowly, she peered around the room until she found the culprit. There was a tall, black-haired young man who nodded when their eyes locked. He nodded slightly as did Harriet with a slight smile. Winifred said something to her drawing her away from the stranger.
“Do you know who that black-haired man who’s standing near the French doors is? He’s been watching us.”
“He’s the eldest son of the Duke of Lancaster. His given name is Ronald. Ronald Black. He’s going to make someone a wonderful husband.”
“Then what’s he doing here this evening?” Harriet asked.
“Black tries and help my aunt out by attending this particular ball. He knows how important it is to her.”
“That’s so thoughtful. Unless he has an ulterior motive.”
Winifred shook her head. “No, I can assure you he doesn’t. He’s probably wondering who you are as well.”
“Or perhaps he’s looking at you.”
“Oh my.”
“You’re a beautiful young woman, Winifred. You’re sounding like me,” Harriet said.
“Don’t look now, but he’s walking in our direction,” Winifred said lowly.
“I guess we’ll find out who he’s interested in and will sign one of our dance cards.”
“Lady Winifred, this is indeed a pleasure,” he said.
“Lord Black, it’s nice seeing you here tonight,” Winifred replied.
He turned his attention to Harriet. “Aren’t you going to introduce your friend?”
“Of course. May I present Lady Harriet Churchill. Harriet, this is Lord Black.”
“Very nice to meet you Lord Black,” Harriet replied.
He bowed ever so slightly. A lock of his inky-black hair fell forward. “The pleasure is all mine.”
“Is this the season you’re going to become betrothed?” Winifred asked, the edge of her lips forming a smile.
“I cannot predict the future, Lady Winifred. I would indeed like to see that happen,” he replied.
“Would you mind helping Lady Harriet and me out by signing our dance cards?”
He gave them both a lopsided grin. “I would be honored. In fact, that was part of the reason I ventured over here.”
Winifred handed him her card and a small pencil. She watched Lord Black as he chose a dance, putting his name on hercard. Then he did the same with Harriet, though seeing Arthur’s name made him freeze.
“He’s my cousin. I’m staying with him and his wife.” Harriet wanted to kick herself for being like a wallflower at that moment. She forced herself to look at his face rather than the floor. How long would it take to feel at ease in social situations? The sound of Lord Black’s voice pulled her back into the present.
