“You mean to ask me to dance?”
Gideon chuckled, pushing away the slight discomfort which came with her surprise.
“Yes, Lady Sara, if you should like to dance, I would be glad to step out with you. And you also, Miss Cartwright.”
The latter smiled and immediately pulled her dance card from her wrist, handing it to him without a second thought. Relieved that at least one of the two showed happiness at his request. Gideon took his time in selecting the dance. His arm was already stiff and sore, and perhaps even more pain would come to him because of the dancing, but it would be worth it. He had not stepped out with any young lady in some time. It was all too easy to forget that he no longer had the fortune he had once possessed, far too easy to simply imagine himself back in a position of wealth and fortune, and able to give himself and any young lady he chose a happy and contented future. Now, this could only mean a dance, and nothing more. He was not in a position to be able to offer anything else.
“What say you to the country dance, Miss Cartwright?”
“An excellent choice, my Lord,” came the eager reply and he smiled as he signed his name and handed it back to the lady.
He then turned his attention to Lady Sara, not blinking when he looked into her eyes, and steeling himself for her refusal. She had not even taken the dance card from her wrist.
“Lady Sara? If you have no wish to dance this evening, then –”
“No.” The slight lifted to her chin spoke of a sudden and fierce determination as she slipped her dance card from her wrist. “Forgive my tardiness, Lord. Stoneleigh. You find me a little on edge this evening, which perhaps has not made for the best of introductions. Forgive me. I should be very glad to dance with you. Thank you for your invitation.”
Having carefully considered the dances, it did not take him long to sign his name.
“The quadrille, Lady Sara. I hope that pleases you.”
“It does, Lord Stoneleigh.” Taking it back from him, she gave him a brief smile, although there was a slight glint of steel in her gaze. “I look forward to stepping out with you.”
They took their leave, and left Gideon and Miss Lawrence standing together.
“So that is Lady Sara, who has been pushed aside by Lord Coatbridge,” Miss Lawrence explained.
“Which is nothing but foolishness as far as I can see,” Gideon replied, speaking without consideration or having any desire to keep his thoughts to himself. “She is certainly quite beautiful and from a suitable family. I am certain that she would have made him an excellent wife.” Miss Lawrence turned her head and gave him a slightly surprised look, with wide eyes and eyebrows that lifted momentarily. Heat burned in his chest, and he turned his gaze away. “I am being nothing but complimentary.” He forced the words out of the corner of his mouth. “Nothing other than that.”
Miss Lawrence laughed.
“I think that you have done her a great service. This will bring a little joy to the evening, although I must confess that I myself am a little upset.”
“You are upset?” His eyes rounded as she nodded. “Goodness. Whatever have I done? Pray tell me at once, so that I might rectify it.”
Much to his relief, Miss Lawrence only smiled at him, making him realize that she was teasing.
“Why, Lord Stoneleigh, you have asked Miss Cartwright to dance, and Lady Sara also, but you have not asked ifIshould like to do so. I know that I am betrothed to your friend, but that does not mean you cannot step out with me also, does it?”
Chuckling, Gideon held up both hands.
“That is a grave mistake on my part. One which I think to rectify at this very moment, if you will forgive me?”
Miss Lawrence considered for a moment, then laughed.
“Of course.” Her smile faded. “So long as your arm does not become further injured.”
“I shall be quite alright,” he assured her, grateful for her consideration. “You must pray that I will remember all the steps. If I tread on your toes, then you shall have to forgive my forgetfulness.”
Miss Lawrence smiled, the brightness in her eyes returning.
“It cannot be as bad as all that, Lord Stoneleigh.”
He offered her his arm.
“There is only one way to find out, Miss Lawrence. Let us go and see.”
Chapter Three
