Page 53 of An Engagement with the Enemy

“All this talk of dancing reminds me that it has been some time since we stood up together, Jessica.” Sensing Jessica’s discomfort in her cousins’ company, he asked, “Shall we dance?”

“That would be lovely. Yes, please.”

He whisked her away before her cousins could petition for a similar favor. Once out of earshot of the ladies, he bent closer. “Would you rather find a place to rest?” he asked. “It may help take your mind off the crowds.”

She glanced at him. “Is that what you would prefer?”

His heart shot forward, and he gave her an honest answer. “I would prefer to dance with you, my first and favorite partner.”

Surprise and pleasure crossed her face. “Then I would love to. Dancing always did have a way of freeing me from my own mind. I can forget almost everything else when I’m dancing.”

He took her to the new lines forming for another reel. The first time they came close to one another, Jessica whispered, “Thank you for the rescue. They mean well but their conversation can be overwhelming.”

James stepped closer than the dance called for, wishing for the intimacy of a waltz but grateful for what he could get. “Think nothing of it. I’ve been anticipating this dance all day.”

With her eyes shining, she gave herself up to the steps, the cousins already forgotten.

If he could declare himself in that instant, he would have. He hadn’t seen Jessica so happy, so carefree, in ages. Not since the ball at the beginning of summer, when he’d been dreading a summer of forced pairings with women he had no interest in courting. She’d been dancing that night, but never with him.

For now, he had to remain content simply being near her, caring for her.

Too soon, the music ended. Laughing, Jessica said, “You always were an excellent dance partner. I’ve missed our lessons.”

“As have I,” James admitted. “I’ve yet to find another partner so perfectly matched to me as you.”

Jessica’s cheeks colored prettily at the compliment as James escorted her to a quiet bench. “I’ll fetch us some refreshments,” he said. “Will you be alright on your own briefly?”

She nodded, still glowing from their dance. James hastily made his way to a lemonade stand, eager to return to her side. At the booth selling cider and lemonade, he purchased two cups and turned so quickly with one in each hand that he nearly collided with the person behind him.

“Leo,” he said with a laugh. “I was wondering when we would meet today. I apologize that it nearly cost you a soaked waistcoat.”

“A small price to pay to introduce you to my charming acquaintance,” Leo said, gesturing with his free hand to the woman on his arm. She had black curls, deep brown eyes, and charming features. “Mr. James Aldwick, may I present Miss Roberta Allan, sister-in-law to our rector.”

James bowed, holding the cups of lemonade awkwardly to either side. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Allan. I hope you are enjoying your visit with your sister’s family.”

“Very much so,” she returned, her smile bright. “It is such a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aldwick. Mr. Harrington has told me much about you. Though it seems we caught you in the middle of an errand. Is someone waiting on those cups of lemonade?”

“Indeed. If you would like to come with me, I have someone I think you would like to meet.” He cast a meaningful grin at Leo, then led the way back through the crowds and to the bench where he had left Jessica resting happily.

She was still there, though no longer alone. A young boy sat on the bench with her, his arm full of a puppy that Jessica was doting on. James grinned as he approached.

“I see you have found yourself a better partner than me.” He winked at the boy, who grinned at him with a gap-toothed smile. The boy was a local farmer’s son. “That is a fine dog, Harry.” He handed Jessica her refreshment.

“Thank you, Mr. Aldwick. We’ve six of ‘em right now. My father hopes to sell them during the fair, since they’re from our best shepherd. You know Dolly, don’t you, sir?”

“I do, indeed. I’ve no doubt she’d produce a fine litter. I hope your father gets fair prices for them.”

“You best run along, Harry.” Jessica gave the puppy a final scratch behind the ears. “Before I attempt to make off with this one. Thank you for showing her to me.”

“You’re more’n welcome, Miss Westcote.” The boy bobbed his head, cuddled the puppy to his chest, and went away. Jessica’s gaze followed him before she noticed James hadn’t arrived alone. She stood and curtsied.

“Mr. Harrington, good to see you again. I didn’t know you’d returned from your trip to visit your great uncle. Is he well?”

“Entirely too well,” Leo answered cheerfully. “Miss Westcote, I’d like to introduce you to someone I met while in Northumbria. Happily, we found we have a connection to Amoret, too. This is Miss Roberta Allan, sister-in-law to the rector.”

The ladies curtsied to one another, and James sipped from his cup with his eyebrows raised at his friend.

“It is a pleasure, Miss Allan.” Jessica seemed quite at ease, despite the noise and a new person before her. Perhaps a lingering effect from their dance, or the puppy’s calming presence, had helped her. Leo withdrew, to make his way back to the lemonade vendor. Miss Allan settled on the bench next to Jessica.