THE SECOND WALTZ
An hour later
“I never thought I would welcome the sight of Fred so much in my life,” Rose said as she joined Adeline next to the potted palm. She glanced around, surprised to discover the other girls were missing from their usual posts. “I haven’t danced this much since my come-out.”
Adeline grinned. “You looked as if you were enjoying yourself, and that’s what’s important,” she said as she stood on tiptoes in an attempt to see over the crowd. “And apparently, Patience, Faith, Hope and Lucy are having a good time, too. I haven’t seen them since the first waltz.”
“They went to get punch. Or rather, they were escorted there,” Rose murmured, her brows waggling. “I do believe Viscount Chamberlain has chosen his candidate for Viscountess Chamberlain,” she added, referring to Lady Lucy. “The supper dance is next.”
“It is?” Adeline asked in alarm. Although she hadn’t danced as much as the other young ladies, she had enjoyed her evening watching the comings and goings of various couples as they made their way through French doors leading to the gardens.
Perhaps they were unaware they were being watched. Or perhaps they didn’t care if they were spotted. Although she hadn’t been keeping track of the length of time certain couples spent out of doors, it was evident most of the men were having their way with the ladies. Only the older couples returned before the younger couples, most complaining it was too cold to be in the gardens without a wrap.
None of the younger couples made similar remarks, which had Adeline thinking they were either impervious to the cold or were so engrossed in their liaisons, they didn’t notice.
She was about to ask Rose how her leg was holding up when her brother David appeared. “Adeline,” he said with a nod. He turned to Rose and bowed. “I’ve come to claim the second waltz, my lady.”
Rose dipped a curtsy and, giving Adeline a quick glance and a grin, she placed her hand on his proffered arm and disappeared into the crush.
“They make a very handsome couple,” a male voice said from behind and to her right.
Adeline gave a start and turned to discover Ertugrul making his way in her direction. “I suppose so,” she replied as she grinned. “Have you enjoyed yourself?”
He nodded, “Indeed. This is a very strange ritual, but there is much joy in it,” he said. “I have come to the domain of the wallflowers to claim the supper dance.”
“Oh!” she replied. “I’d almost forgot.” She couldn’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment that crossed Ertugrul’s face. “It was to bethisdance, I mean. The evening has flown by.”
Apparently Ertugrul took some solace in her comment, for he offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Adeline placed her arm on his and they merged onto the dance floor using the same path that had been cleared for her brother and Rose. “What has been your favorite dance so far?” she asked as she placed a hand in his. Despite her gloves, she could feel the warmth of his hand and the intricate embroidery of his kaftan against the pads of her fingers.
“The waltz, if only because there aren’t as many steps to learn,” he replied. The music started, and after three counts, he moved them into the inner circle of dancers. With so many couples engaged in the second waltz, the outer circle had grown too large, making it necessary for a few couples to dance in the middle.
“I’ve never been in the middle before,” Adeline said with some excitement.
“I worried we might collide with another couple,” he said, keeping his attention as much on her as he did on those around them.
“Did that happen during the first waltz?” she asked in alarm.
He chuckled. “No, but I think I may have caused Lady Rose to... stumble a bit.”
“Her leg gave out?”
“No. She claimed she stepped on her hem.”
Adeline glanced to her left, easily finding her brother leading Rose. “Oh, that’s to be expected,” she replied. “Especially if she dipped too low to go under your arm.” The very moment she made the comment, she was sent beneath his. Given their height difference, it wasn’t necessary for her to bend to one side to fit under his arm.
“You are easier to dance with,” Ertugrul said.
“Thank you,” she replied as she allowed a brilliant smile. “All this dancing must have increased your appetite. Are you hungry?”
“I am. Am I right to assume the term ‘supper dance’ means there is a meal associated with it?”
She chuckled. “A buffet, actually.”
He furrowed a brow. “I do not think I recognize that word.”
“Imagine lots of different foods all lined up on a long table with empty plates at each end. Like how our breakfast is served in the morning, but... much more in the way of food choices.”
