Caleb reckoned that smoke might start rising from the top of her head any moment. Her friend didn’t look much happier, but he was vastly amused by the set-down. He raised an eyebrow at the two women who stammered a little before turning away and removing themselves to the other side of the room.
“A little protective of me, Miss Clemens?” he couldn’t resist asking.
She gave him a cutting look. “Hardly.”
Chuckling, he gave his attention to the dance floor. The country dance had ended and a reel was beginning, so he turned to Miss Howard and bowed. “I believe this is our set.” He held out his arm, and she readily took it. As he steered her away, he turned and winked toward Miss Clemens and was wonderfully pleased when he saw she was laughing.
“That was rather harsh,” Cassandra said. “But very effective.”
“They deserved it,” Mary said, “and Mr. Crawford didn't seem to mind.”
“On the contrary, he enjoyed every moment of it. And why shouldn't he when you staked your claim so vocally?”
“I did no such thing.” Mary crossed her arms and groaned when she saw Mr. Townsend. He was walking toward her with purpose. She decided to be polite. “Good evening, sir.”
He stopped in front of her. “Miss Clemens. Lady Cassandra. How fortuitous it is to find you here.”
“Oh?” In spite of his easy tone and warm expression, she would not forget how poorly he'd treated her and Mr. Crawford.
“I've been meaning to call but feared you would turn me away.” When neither she nor Cassandra denied such a possibility, he said, “I wish to apologize and ask for your forgiveness. The things my sister and I said to you were wrong. Our conduct was both embarrassing and inexcusable.”
“It really wasn't your best moment,” Mary agreed. “I confess I was rather surprised to discover such a distasteful side to your character.”
Mr. Townsend winced. “Yes...well...” He scratched his head and glanced about, eyes narrowing and brow furrowing as he looked toward the dance floor. “That man has a very unpleasant effect on me.”
Following his line of vision, Mary saw Mr. Crawford guide Emily while executing perfect steps. “That man is my friend, Mr. Townsend.” She frowned and wondered where he might have learned to dance so well. Perhaps he'd taken lessons with Viscount Aldridge as a child?
“Again, my apologies.” He took a step closer. “I meant no disrespect.”
“If that were true, you would choose your words with better care.”
Cassandra snorted and Mr. Townsend gave her a disapproving look. “Of course,” he said, attempting a smile that looked far from genuine. “I quite agree. Perhaps we can make a fresh start?”
Mary's mouth dropped open. “A fresh start?” As if either of them could forget what had happened or that he'd proposed and she had refused.
“Give me the chance to prove myself, and I can assure you you'll marry me eventually.”
“You're very optimistic,” Cassandra said.
“It is the best way to be,” Mr. Townsend told her.
“As long as it doesn't turn into delusion,” Cassandra shot back.
Mr. Townsend glared at her and apparently decided not to counter. Instead, he returned his attention to Mary. “So what do you say, Miss Clemens?”
“I don't like your assurance, sir,” Mary said.
He stared at her while Cassandra snickered. “I beg your pardon?” he asked.
“That I will eventually marry you,” Mary explained. “It’s a little distressing since I have no desire to do such a thing and never have.”
“But surely…” Mr. Townsend shook his head and looked suddenly helpless. “Marriage is what all young women wish for. It is unnatural not to do so, and considering your age, I would have expected a bit more enthusiasm and gratitude on your part.”
“Mr. Townsend.” Mary honestly wasn’t sure what to say to him anymore. Except, “Why doyouwish to marryme? Your determination to do so at this point has me at a complete loss.”
In the background, the music faded, and she could see the dancers bowing and curtseying to each other behind Mr. Townsend. He pressed his lips together, and his gaze, which had been so steady until now, filled with sudden uncertainty.
A pause followed until Mary thought he might never answer. She saw Mr. Crawford and Emily begin to leave the crowded dance floor, when Mr. Townsend decided to say, “During her time in London, my sister learned that you are more suited to be my wife than I ever would have imagined.”
