Constance laughed softly.
“It seems that dancing is what one does at a ball, my Lord.”
Lord Seaton’s answering laugh had Constance’s breath quickening, for his blue eyes lit with a sparkling light when he did so, and she found herself thinking him to beveryhandsome.
“I do hope that you are eager to give me your dance card?” Quickly, she slid it from her wrist and handed it to him. One eyebrow rose. “Very eager, it seems.”
His twinkling smile made her laugh.
“And again, Lord Seaton, I would remind you that it is the requirement of every young lady to dance as often as she can at occasions such as this.”
The smile danced in his eyes.
“That is quite true, I suppose. I think I shall take two of your dances, so you might have an evening full of nothing but such an entertainment.”
“How very kind of you.”
Constance could not deny that her heart rose in a thrill of delight as he handed her back the card. She glanced at it quickly, attempting to find his initials, but could not. Almost all of her dances were now filled, but she did not want to appear rude by searching eagerly for his name.
“I have not danced the waltz in some time, I confess.” Lord Seaton shrugged. “Let us hope that it is not a disaster!” Her breath caught as she lifted her gaze to his face, then dropped it back again to her card, searching through her dances, wondering whether or not he spoke the truth. Was the daughter of a Viscount truly to dance the waltz with a Marquess? Finding his initials there, her breath came out in a loud sigh and warmth immediately poured into her face. “You are displeased?”
“No, not in the least!” Searching for an explanation, she dropped her hands to her sides again. “It is only that I have not danced the waltz in some time either.” Her heart beat furiously, the words sticking in her throat. “Perhaps we shall be the most embarrassing of couples, and then what shall we do?”
Thankfully, her words were taken as gentle teasing, and Lord Seaton grinned back at her.
“That certainly would not do! Therefore, we must hope one of us is able to dance acceptably.”
“Indeed!”
Her composure returned, and she smiled at him, only for it to fade away as her eyes caught her mother returning to them. Evidently, the private conversation had gone on long enough.
“Lord Seaton.” She smiled warmly as he bowed. “How very good to see you again, and under better circumstances also!”
Much to Constance’s relief, Lord Seaton chuckled.
“Lady Hayman. Yes, I am doing no injury to your daughter, I can promise you.”
“I am very glad to hear it!”
Lady Hayman laughed as Constance resisted the urge to sigh and turn her head away, a little embarrassed.
“I was hoping that either Miss Millington or I would be able to recall the steps of the waltz,” Lord Seaton continued, as Lady Hayman’s eyebrows lifted high as she turned her gaze towards Constance. “It has been some time since I danced it, but I look forward to stepping out with Miss Millington.”
“As I am sure she will be glad to step out with you.” Her mother then looked directly towards Constance, her gaze growing fixed until Constance was forced to murmur that yes, she was looking forward to it very much. “Although I was sorry to hear of your recent disappointment.” Lady Hayman sighed. “That must be very difficult for you.” Constance frowned, then glanced at Lord Seaton only for her breath to swirl in her chest. Lord Seaton’s expression had grown cool, his jaw a little tight. When he smiled, there was not even a hint of happiness in his eyes. Whatever it was that her mother was talking about, Lord Seaton was clearly not at all eager to discuss it. “I am assuming that this will not set you back for the rest of the Season, however?” Lady Hayman continued, evidently entirely unaware of the effect her words were having upon the gentleman. “There aremanyyoung ladies in London more than willing to tie themselves to a gentleman such as yourself.”
Lord Seaton coughed lightly, then clasped his hands behind his back as tension thrummed through the air between them.
“Yes, of course. You are quite right.” He said nothing more, and silently, Constance begged her mother to remain silent also. Whatever it was they were discussing, it was clear that Lord Seaton had no desire to speak of it himself. Thankfully, she finally managed to catch her mother’s eye, at which Lady Hayman merely laughed and clapped her hands together, shattering the strain. “Forgive me, I will not interrupt your conversation any longer. Do excuse me.”
Lord Seaton nodded, murmured a good evening, and then returned his attention to Constance, whilst still clasping his hands behind his back.
“I will take my leave of you also. I am sure that you have many other gentlemen to dance with, and I should not like to intrude.”
Urgency rose like a fire within her.
“Wait a moment.” Without thinking of what she was doing, Constance put out one hand on his arm. “I do hope that my mother did not embarrass you in some way. I confess that I do not know what she spoke of, but I can see that it was a little distressing for you. I can only apologize on her behalf.”
Lord Seaton immediately twisted his head away, his shoulders lifting in a shrug.
