Thankfully, Lord Hayling garnered her attention again.
“I have taken the quadrille.” Lord Hayling smiled at her as she took the card back from him. “I do hope that is acceptable.”
“But of course.”
The truth was, she did not want to dance with Lord Hayling, for he was known to be most unsteady when he danced and had trodden on many a young lady’s toes.
“I thank you.”
He smiled at her, and she almost sighed, when an interruption came in the form of Marcus’ voice.
“Am I too late to take any of your dances, Almeria?”
Smiling, she reached out and touched Marcus’ arm.
“Certainly not. You know I always have space for you, Marcus.” Suddenly aware of Lord Hayling’s lifted eyebrow, she coughed lightly. “I should say, Lord Coppinger.”
Marcus chuckled and cast a glance at Lord Hayling.
“You need not worry, Lord Hayling. Lady Almeria is not being overfamiliar. Rather, she and I have been as close as brother and sister for many years now.”
“I see.” Lord Hayling smiled quickly, his look of surprise disappearing. “How very blessed you are to have had such a beauty as Lady Almeria be one of your closest companions. Although,” he continued, a slight twinkle in his eye, “I am certain that one day there will be a gentleman who will be able to claim many more years of her company than even you!”
Heat poured into Almeria’s face as she darted a glance to Lord Hayling, wondering if he was hoping that he would be such a gentleman. Unfortunately for him, he wouldnotbe the one she considered, for while he was very amiable, she had not even the smallest flicker of interest in him. Given that she and her friends had promised each other that they would only ever marry for love, there could be no hope for Lord Hayling.
“Of course.”
Throwing her a wink, Lord Coppinger smiled briefly and then held out his hand. Quickly, she handed him her dance card, watching as he placed his name down before handing it back to her.
“You did not take my waltz again, I see.”
Why was it that she felt so disappointed? It would be wise not to dance the waltz with the same gentleman twice in a row.
“Alas, I did not ask.” Lord Coppinger chuckled. “I did not think it would be fair of me to steal it yet again. I am sure that there are many other gentlemen who would like to garner that privilege for themselves.”
Rather astonished with the great swell of dissatisfaction in her heart, Almeria lifted her chin and pushed the feeling away.
“How very gracious of you.”
“Is it not?” Lord Coppinger grinned, just as Lord Hayling excused himself, leaving her to stand with Lord Coppinger and her mother nearby. “I should warn you that I have heard that Lord Hayling is very heavy with his feet.”
Laughing ruefully, Almeria shook her head and took his arm, finding the warmth of his nearness filling her heart with a gentle sense of contentment.
“Alas, but what is a young lady to do if a gentleman seeks to dance with her? It is very unlikely that she might invent any suitable excuse for why she could not, especially if she wishes to dance with others, but not with him.”
Lord Coppinger thought for a moment, then offered her a half-shrug.
“I am afraid I can give you an answer.” A small smile curved one side of his mouth, giving him an endearing look as he leaned a little toward her. “Though you might simply slip to the powder room during his dance and avoid it altogether – and then pretend to be the most upset, apologetic creature that ever lived when he finds you after the dance ends. I am certain he should forgive you.”
Almeria’s heart seemed to swell as she smiled up into his face. How well they knew each other! How good it was to be able to laugh and tease one another in such a friendly fashion. With Lord Coppinger, she did not have to be as proper as she ought to be the rest of the time, and even that was something of a relief.
A sudden thought had her smile slipping and instantly, Lord Coppinger looked at her with concern.
“Whatever is the matter?”
Shuddering lightly, Almeria scowled.
“It is not something which I have told you about, as yet, given that I have not seen you, but a gentleman has sent me some bouquets of flowers.”
