“Yes.” She was looking forward to her friend’s ball. Her own ball was not for another three weeks. By the time her mother had thought about it, it was too late to hold it earlier. If she ever had a daughter, Adeline would plan her come out ball months in advance. Nevertheless, this evening would give her an opportunity to see how everything was supposed to be done. When she arrived in the hall, her family was already waiting. Even Mama and Papa were attending.
Taking Mama’s hand, Papa led them out the door. “I’m hoping I can talk to Worthington, Rothwell, and some of the others about the bill I’m sponsoring.”
“It is Augusta’s ball,” Adeline muttered. “They might have other things to do.”
“Nonsense.” He helped her into the coach. “They’ll find time.”
She caught Eugénie’s eye and gave a disgusted shake of her head. Surely every gentleman did not live and breathe politics. Lord Littleton had not mentioned the subject at all. Then again, he was not an ideal example.
Before long they were in the line of coaches letting guests off at the front of Worthington House. “I thought the ball was at Rothwell House.”
“It was,” Mama said. The coach drew up and the door opened. “But there was some sort of problem in the ballroom and the venue was changed.”
It must have been a great deal of work to change the location. As soon as she reached Augusta in the receiving line, Adeline took her friend’s hands. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” Augusta pulled a face. “The central chandelier in my sister’s ballroom crashed and damaged the floor. Not only must the chandelier and the pulleys be replaced, but the entire floor will have to be refurbished.”
Goodness. There must have been crystal shards everywhere. “Was anyone hurt?”
“Thankfully, no. It occurred after it had been cleaned and the servants had left the room.” Augusta squeezed Adeline’s hands, and she went on to the duke and duchess.
When she and her family reached the series of rooms that had been made to resemble a ballroom, she quickly found Georgie and the others. Gentlemen were crowding around them, and the instant Adeline arrived, she was besieged for dances. This was not at all what she had expected.
She glanced around, taking in the decorations, and from across the room, Lord Littleton lifted a glass of champagne to her in a salute. A stab of guilt pierced Adeline as she slid a look at Dorie. Should Adeline have agreed to dance with him at all? Not that she could have known it ahead of time, but she had enough offers, she could have danced each set twice. If she’d had any idea, she would not have accepted Lord Littleton’s request for a set. His bright-green eyes captured hers, and she swallowed, hoping that her friend would forgive her for standing up with him.
Then Adeline remembered she’d given him the supper dance, and all her friends had just agreed they would spend supper together. Well, drat! Now what was she supposed to do?
The orchestra was still tuning their instruments when she caught Henrietta by the arm and pulled her aside. “You are closer to Dorie than I am. Do you know exactly what happened between her and Lord Littleton?”
“No.” Henrietta bit down on her lip. “She will not speak of it.”
“It must have been truly dreadful.” Adeline flicked a look across the room. He was still there. He had been so nice to her. Perhaps it was his way of drawing a lady in.
“That’s the only thing I can think,” Henrietta agreed. “Has he asked you to dance again?”
“Yes.” Adeline closed her eyes. The admission felt like it was being pulled from her. She’d rather keep it her secret. That though was impossible when they were all here, and everyone would see her standing up with him.
“There is really nothing you can do.” Henrietta’s prosaic tone had a soothing affect. “After all, we are at the mercy of gentlemen to ask us to dance.”
“Very true. I feel as if I am betraying her.” Just the admission made Adeline feel better.
“I am sure she will understand.” The corner of Henrietta’s lip quirked up, giving her a rueful look. “Until ladies can ask gentlemen to dance, we are all in the same position.”
That was something to salve the conscience. Adeline would simply refuse to enjoy dancing with Lord Littleton. The violins began to play the prelude to the first dance. “Come, our partners will be here soon.”
They took the few steps back to their circle, and Lord Bottomley bowed to her. “My lady.” He held out his arm.
“My lord.” After curtseying, she placed her hand on his sleeve and could not help but notice that it was not as firm as Lord Littleton’s.
The first dance was the cotillion, and she sent a silent thank-you to Will for practicing the steps with her. Despite her complaints about him, he had been fantastic about making sure she would not embarrass herself on the dance floor. Of course, he phrased it as not embarrassing him. With their parents present, he was finally able to dance with Eugénie, and he winked at Adeline when he looked at her from down the line.
“Why is Wivenly winking at you?” Lord Bottomley glanced at her.
“It is just his way of teasing.” When he did not respond, she added, “When I was a child he taught me to wink.”
His lordship looked aghast. “I shouldn’t think winking was something I would wish my sister to learn.”
Adeline smiled politely when she would rather have rolled her eyes.
