“Is this nerves or modesty I wonder?” he asked.
She did not have time to answer, for the music grew louder and the bars of introduction ended, signifying it was time to begin the dance. The Marquess stepped forward, taking Emily’s hand in his as they circled one another, dancing together and keeping their eyes on one another.
The dance progressed, just as Emily was trying to ignore the tingling sensation she felt at the Marquess’ touch, they circled round each other, loosening their hands before circling the couples next to them. When they came together another time, they danced side by side for a moment, before returning to face one another, with Emily twisting under his arm.
She was finding it difficult to keep her nerves in check, but as fast as she thought she could not control the shaking of her hands, she realized where the Marquess was really looking. He was not looking at her at all. He was staring somewhere off the dancefloor, toward someone else. Somehow relieved the focus was not on her, Emily’s hands stopped shaking, just as they returned to the beginning of the dance.
Now, she was able to look out from the dancefloor and see just where Lord Tattershall was staring. He was looking at a young woman, a lady so beautiful that Emily felt quite out of place. She imagined if she stood beside this lady, she would feel like the woman’s shadow.
“Well, my Lord,” Emily found her confidence. “I am fond of conversation when dancing, so I will ask you, is that the young lady you wish to court?”
Lord Tattershall snapped his gaze toward her, so quick that she wondered he did not get a crick in his neck.
“Ow, did that hurt?” she asked with a small smile, nodding her head at his neck. “Take care, my Lord. It looks like I startled you.”
“That you did.” He shook his head as they turned and took each other’s hand, circling the other way once more. “Let us just say I was somewhat baffled by your perception of just where I was staring.”
“I imagine many gentlemen stare at such a lady as she.”
“You would not be wrong, I am sure.” He spoke with a sigh. There seemed to be disappointment in that tone. She was prevented from answering as they circled the other couples, but as they came together again, she hurried to speak.
“I have a plan, if you care to hear it?” she asked.
“Ah, is your sister-in-law not the only one fond of a little craftiness?” His humored smile made her laugh and shake her head.
“Yes, I do apologize for her, but I was thinking more of a way for you to capture the attention of the young lady you are staring so fondly at.”
“I was not exactly staringfondlyat her.” He struggled to explain himself, speaking so quickly that the words jumbled together.
“Oh, yes.” Emily spoke with a little sarcasm. “And I was not nervous about my debut at all, my Lord.” He laughed at her words and nodded in approval.
“Very well, go on with your plan.”
“Take care to dance with many ladies tonight. Be sure to ask lots and choose ladies more beautiful than me for the task. I may not know much about courting, but I know a few things about a lady’s heart. It makes a lady’s heart long all the more when the man she cares about is seen with others.”
“It does?” he asked in surprise.
“Dance with others and then dance with your lady last. Wait to see her smile when you ask her then.”
“I am not sure the lady would dance with me. Not now.” There was something in his words, something that suggested there was more to this story, but she did not have time to ask what it was for they moved down the floor in the dance, swapping places with another couple. Seeing a somewhat somber expression take hold of his face, Emily decided it was time to change the conversation.
“Tell me, my Lord. What do you think of our gathering here tonight?” she asked, gesturing at the ball. “My parents were indeed fussed about the arrangements, and my mother cared so much about the decorations that there were rose petals in her hair by the time she was done. I suspect people have drunk so much wine and punch that the decorations are nothing but a blur to them now.”
Emily watched in amazement as the Marquess laughed. It was so sudden and heartfelt that others in the dance turned their heads to look their way.
“I have tickled you greatly,” Emily said, pleased with herself, before she mocked her own skill. “Forgive me, making others laugh is just about the only skill I have.”
“I am sure you are wrong in that.” He shook his head, still trying to control his mirth as he took her hand again and circled round her. She noticed how he did not look away from the floor at all now. He only kept his eyes on her. “I am sure you have many skills, though I will admit, humor is a pleasant skill to have. Do not lose it, Lady Emily. Making another smile is a rarer thing than you think.”
“Rare? No! Nonsense, I am sure.” She spoke eagerly. “Trust me, my Lord. It is always possible to make someone smile, even in the darkest of times.”
“Really?” he asked, looking suspicious of the idea. “Tell me then. How would you make someone laugh when they are truly down on their luck?”
“That is difficult to answer without knowing the circumstances,” she said as they turned round each other the other way. This time, he took both of her hands, illustrating they were coming to the end of the dance. “Yet let us suggest a situation. Had you come to this ball tonight terribly sad, then there is a jest I could say to cheer your spirits.”
“Please do. You have me intrigued to hear it.”
She leaned toward him as they circled each other for the last time, whispering quietly beneath the music to ensure nobody else could hear them.
