“Ha!” Juliet let out an exhausted laugh. “If we carry on like this, I fear my sides will cramp up.”
“Good,” Lord Rupert chimed. “You can never have too much laughter in your life.”
“I’m afraid you can, Uncle,” Juliet sighed as she finally relaxed, wiping away tears of laughter.”
“Fine.” He lifted his hands in surrender. “Not one more joke shall pass these lips for the rest of the night.”
Archer asked, “Would another game of cards occupy your mind then, Uncle?”
“No,” Juliet stopped Archer as he tried to pull out the deck of cards again. “I’m in desperate need of a dancing lesson, Lydia.” She turned to Lydia with a look of excitement and anticipation. “I have need of you.”
“Me? What for?”
“Well, you may have found yourself a willing teacher.” Juliet looked at her brother, “But my own one has refused to teach me. Apparently, the waltz is far too immoral for a girl like me.”
“Hogwash,” Rupert shouted. “Dash, fire this man immediately. Our dear Juliet has no need for such a small-minded tutor.”
“Indeed,” Archer agreed. “In the morning, I shall endeavor to find you a replacement.”
“That’s all jolly good, brother, but I can’t wait so long. Lydia, won’t you be my dance partner this evening?” Juliet gave her a hopeful stare.
“I would happily be of assistance but—” Lydia began.
“Then it’s settled,” Juliet clapped her hands in joy and was about to leap from her seat and head toward the conservatory before Lydia stopped her.
“Juliet, I have only just learned myself, and I am afraid I haven’t the first idea of how to lead.”
“Bless my heart,” Rupert dramatically grasped his chest like this was the most shocking news he had heard this year. “You have only just learned to dance? Surely not!”
“My father had no need for such things. If he had lived to see my debut, he would have more than likely sought a husband for me through business, an attempt at a merger, I would think. And, to him, dancing was a useless skill that would not enhance or excel a business venture.”
“My dear girl, you are not a tool for business,” Rupert sympathized. “You should be allowed to do whatever brings you joy. Dance if you want to dance. Paint if you want to paint.”
What are your dreams?Why had he asked her about her dreams and then pulled back. Her eyes found Archer’s, and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing.
Rupert’s next words pulled her attention away from Archer. “Dress up like a man if that is what makes you happy.” He winked at Cora, who flushed a deep shade of scarlet.
“I beg your pardon?” Lydia laughed as everyone else looked at Cora. “You cannot be serious.”
“Is that a problem?” Cora crossed her arms.
Understanding dawned on Lydia as she realized what the similarities between Archer and Cora meant. “You are the rake!”
Cora gave her a smile that was part utter embarrassment, part pride, and part confusion. “I wouldn’t say I am really a rake. I’m just… I like the freedom that comes with being seen as one.”
“You won’t tell anyone, will you? I mean anyone else.” Cora glared at her gathered family members. “I really have been on my best behaviour. I had no wish to make you look bad.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Lydia said squeezing her sister-in-law’s hand.
“Well, I still need to learn how to waltz,” Juliet pouted.
“I will teach you Jules, but I refuse to be the only ones dancing.” Cora gave everyone a look.
“I for one, am too sozzled for the waltz. Besides, it is a young man’s dance. I shall play the piano.” Rupert stumbled over to the piano and began to play a lively waltz surprisingly well.
Lydia swallowed and looked at Archer. His expression was dark. They had not been close to one another since that night. “You do not have to—” Lydia began, but Juliet rushed forwards. “Oh please. You know how much I want to learn, and Cora is finally in a helpful mood. It is only one dance. And you have already danced together.”
Lydia saw the muscles in Archer’s throat move.
