“Indeed, it is. And how did you hear that?”
“Oh, I am active in the art world in London, and I have seen your work in the gallery.”
“How splendid,” George said smiling.
“I should so love to see any of your work you would care to show me that has not yet been sent up to London.”
“I expect that could be arranged.”
Betsy finally came forward and was introduced, but quickly disappeared afterward.
Beaumont bowed to the daughters and said, “I promised my sister the first dance.” Then he turned to George, “But if it pleases you, I am certain she would be happy to dance with you, George, as we were inexcusably late, and she has a completely empty dance card.
“But not for long, I would imagine,” George graciously added.
That elicited a generous smile from pleased Priscilla.
Chapter 16
The Duchess was beside herself with glee. The handsome Mr. Goodwin was scheduled to dance with two of her daughters, and she sent Flossy with instructions to the butler to make certain that both Ann and Charlotte were seated on either side of Beaumont at supper.
A Scottish reel was announced, and George asked Miss Priscilla to dance with him. However, a reel was a lively dance that did not allow for much conversation, and after the dance was over, even though Miss Priscilla attempted to enter into conversation with George, he was previously scheduled to dance with another young lady and excused himself.
Meanwhile, Lucy had managed to slip away from the kitchen for a few moments and stood at a serving door and peeked in to see the activities at the ball. Everyone was dancing, laughing or engaged in various conversations. The ballroom looked so beautiful with the many blazing candles, the lovely gowns, and the handsome gentlemen looking so very elegant. But she could not stay and returned to her work within a few minutes.
The dancing was vigorous and hearty, and before too long the crowd had worked up quite an appetite. So, it was greatly welcomed when Stevens called for attention and announced that supper was to be served.
The ballroom emptied quickly, and the dancers headed to the dining table. The conversation was loud as the guests were in good spirits. It seems there had not been a ball as grand as this one in some time, and everyone was commenting on what a great treat it was to be in attendance.
Ann and Charlotte had, indeed, been placed on either side of Mr. Goodwin and Ann immediately began quizzing her new acquaintance.
“Mr. Goodwin, how do you engage yourself in London? Or are you at university?” Ann asked.
“I came down from Cambridge last year and have been taking some time off before I jump into any profession. As you may know, my father is the current Exchequer, and he is urging me to go into finance. But I am leaning more toward being a wastrel, much to my father’s consternation.”
Ann gave a rather forced but hearty laugh. “Oh, certainly you jest, Mr. Beaumont. A gentleman of your quality must be well connected, and you might pursue any endeavor that suits you.”
“Of course. But I am taking this year away from London. Papa is eager that I marry, and I thought it best if I search outside of London. The London scene does not please me well. I prefer the solitude of the country—not to mention the joys of hunting, fishing, and riding.
Charlotte pulled Beaumont’s attention away from Ann by saying, “Your sister is quite charming. What are her interests?”
“She is quite musical and enjoys reading, embroidery, and drawing. But these are but a few of her many talents.”
“You know what I think? We should go for a drive to Cranborne Chase. It is delightful this time of year, and since you are new to the area, you and your sister should find the outing most delightful. And if the weather holds, might I suggest a picnic?”
“Very possibly. I shall speak to Priscilla about your plan.”
Ann spoke up again, pulling Beaumont’s attention back to her. “And are you accompanied by any other of your family members?”
“Our mother came with us, but only for a short time. She prefers the hustle and bustle of the city, and I am sure will soon tire of our quiet and solitary life in Dorset.”
“Did she accompany you this evening?”
“No, she was tired from our journey down and is resting.”
“Then you must bring her quite soon to tea. Any afternoon would do. We are almost always at home.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the next course—delicate filets of pheasant with a shallot, burgundy sauce, potatoes au gratin, and a wild salad with an orange and champagne vinaigrette.
