“I indulge but rarely. However, I was recently gifted with a veryexclusive brand of snuff from my brother, which I have yet to try. I brought it with me tonight.” He patted his vest pocket, which held the snuff he had lifted that afternoon from his friend Henry’s home. “Have you any interest, I should be happy to share some with you.”
He saw Simon’s eyes light up. “Indeed, I appreciate the offer—most generous of you, Robert.” He held his fist out for his friend to deposit a dollop of snuff on it for him.
Robert shook his head. “This snuff was quite expensive so I would rather not bring it out just yet. Should others of our acquaintance see it, the tin will be emptied entirely just tonight. Ah—I know. Sometime after the third set come meet me down in the Nelsons’ garden. It will be darker there, and no one need see us enjoy ourselves. As you know, some of the ladies do not approve of snuff or those who use it.”
“Very well, Robert, that sounds like an excellent plan. I shall meet you after the third set.” Simon nodded genially.
“I suppose I should wander a bit and greet old friends before I take to the floor with Miss Graham. See you later, Simon.” Robert gave his friend a pat on the back and strolled off, satisfied that the second element of his plan had fallen neatly into place.
*
The third setbrought another smile to Robert’s face for it was to be a Scottish Reel—one of the more rambunctious dances. Good. All the dancers would be hot and perspiring when they were done, a perfect excuse to escort Miss Graham outside to cool off. The dance also provided less ability to speak to one’s partner, which was fine by Robert. Longing looks at his intended would suffice. They took their places and waited for the music to begin.
As he recalled, Miss Graham proved light on her feet and a charming partner in every way. Was she looking at him with particular interest? It seemed that way to Robert. He hoped so, for her willingnessto leave the ballroom still in his company was the next vital step to his success.
At last, the reel ended and Miss Graham pulled out her fan, using it vigorously. The orchestra announced a short break to retune their instruments. Perfect. Robert took his chance.
“Miss Graham, you seem in need of some fresh air. Since the music will not start for another few minutes, please allow me to escort you to the balcony outside, so that you may cool off a bit.” He laughed. “I confess, I am also in need of a short dance break.” He held his arm out, and she took it, gazing adoringly up at him.
There were no other couples on the balcony, as most people seemed to be taking the break in dancing as an opportunity to enjoy some Negus or another drink in the refreshment room. Robert had seen Simon head that way. Good. He needed a few minutes to get Miss Graham down to the garden and in position before Simon arrived.
Robert and Phoebe stood together at the balustrade, gazing down onto the garden, where torch lights flickered, providing some, but not excessive light.
“You danced the reel quite well, Mr. Morton,” Phoebe said, turning to him. “Some men tend to become too violent in their behavior, and I often feel I am in danger of being twirled off the floor entirely.”
“I should hope I never have occasion to cause you harm, Miss Graham, even innocently in a dance,” Robert replied in as sincere a voice as he could. “You are so graceful in all your movements, it was a pleasure to stand up with you. May I hope you will now grant me that sixth set?”
She giggled, and he saw a slight blush rise in her cheeks. “Why, I believe I may do so, Mr. Morton. And may I say, your company is of the greatest pleasure to me tonight.”
“You are too kind. Tell me, have you been to the Nelsons’ before?”
“No, this is my first visit. I am overwhelmed by such elegance.Although town homes are nice, in truth, I prefer the country.” She paused and looked up at him, coyly. “I am led to believeyourestate is quite lovely, Mr. Morton.”
“I should dearly enjoy any opportunity to show it to you. But, the Nelsons’ garden here, though small, is very nice. They have the most interesting sculptures in the garden. I should be…happy to take you to them.” He held his arm out and when she took it, he smoothly guided her to the staircase and down into the garden. As he had hoped, it was shadowy enough that they might not be readily seen from above. As for the sculptures? He truly had no idea whether therewereany, but should Simon play his part, he would require just a short time to bluff.
He guided her under the balcony where, to his happy surprise, did stand a grouping of three statues. They were half-naked women—copies of Roman statues. Together, they walked up to examine them.
“Are they not lovely?” he asked, as he gently stroked her arm.
“Oh, yes,” she breathed, gazing upon them. “So beautiful.”
He pulled her around to him. “But, I cannot help but say they are not half so beautiful as you. My dear Miss Graham—I know we have not been in each other’s company very often, but you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and care for you. Ever since our first encounter, you have been all I have thought of while I was away. As I said, it is your society that has drawn me back to town and yours alone. Pray, tell me, have I any hope?”
“Oh, Mr. Morton,” she breathed. “I feel entirely the same, be assured of it.”
“My dear one…”
He bent his head down, and she tilted hers up, eagerly accepting his kiss.
Now, I just need Simon to show up. Hurry, Simon, before she realizes how compromising the position I am putting her in could be.
He continued to kiss her, pulling her close, feeling his ardor rise. He heard her moan softly, then pull her face away.
“Mr. Morton,” she gasped, “please. We should not be so indiscreet.What if we should be seen?” But, he could hear the words were rote and that she did not mean them.
He pulled her close again and whispered in her ear, “We are alone in the garden and hidden in the shadows, my dearest, do not worry. Oh, Phoebe, you are my every dream,” he murmured, daring to use her first name. Kissing her again, his left arm held her pressed tightly against him while his right hand moved to cup her bosom. After a moment, he deftly slipped it inside her dress, his thumb circling her nipple. She stiffened in shock, but he held her too tightly to get away.
“Robert—my word,” a voice called.
