He had already taken a moment earlier in the evening to apologize for his less than honest introduction at the Headless Horseman, and now she seemed happy enough to carry on that discussion when the movements of the dance allowed.
“I don’t in the least blame you,” she said cheerfully.“It must be horrible to be constantly toadied and fawned over and cheated by innkeepers who imagine they can overcharge you.”
“It has not happened to me much,” he said cautiously.“In fact, I was merely playing truant and not ready to give up.”
“What changed your mind?Tabitha?”
He smiled.“Yes.Is it so obvious?”
“Men do fall in love with her very easily,” she said, a shade wistfully.
“And who is she in love with?”
She gave him a rather adult look, as she spun away from him.When next they came together, she said, “You will have to ask her that.Is that why you asked me to dance?”
“Actually, no.I believe you are aware that your papa and mine have placed us in an awkward situation.”
“Oh, that.Tabitha says we need not regard it.”
“And what doyousay?”
There was an annoyingly long gap as they danced with different people, before they again stood close enough to converse.
“You mean, do I want to be a duchess?”she said bluntly.“I’m sure it would have its advantages, and I do rather like you.But I have no intention of marrying anyone who is in love with someone else.Whether at eighteen or at eight-and-twenty.”
He smiled, not even embarrassed by her insight, and for some reason her breath caught.“What a very sensible person you are.”
“So are you,” she said generously.“And you dance well.”
They parted from each other in perfect harmony, and Jack, flooded with relief, looked about for Tabitha.Mrs.Saunders had replaced her in the chaperone’s chair, so he strolled back into the house.
Chapter Ten
More than an hour later, Jack came across Mr.Bartholomew Yeo sitting alone on the terrace and looking rather white in the lantern light.The moonlight dance had ended, and the young ladies swept inside for tea.Jack, unused to quite so much company, had taken his tea outside for a moment’s respite.
Tabitha’s brother was about Jack’s own age.Though clearly much more experienced in Polite Society, he seemed at that moment more like a struggling and anxious schoolboy.He didn’t even notice Jack’s emergence onto the terrace, until he sat in the other chair next to him.
