* * *
Dom escorted his mother and cousin to Almack’s. After showing them to a group of chairs, he scanned the room. Worthington and his wife were present but Dom did not see any of the young ladies. Then a flash of shimmering white caught his eye. There she was, Miss Stern. He sucked in a breath as if he’d been hit by Gentleman Jackson himself and couldn’t help but stare.
God, she was lovely. Dressed all in white with a simple strand of pearls, she was easily the most elegant woman in the room. When the pattern of the dance brought her closer he could make out the silver thread embroidered on her gown. That’s where the shimmer came from.
“Dominic?”
He turned to his mother. “Yes?”
“Who is that young lady you’re looking at so intently?”
“I am not doing any such thing.”
She raised a brow.
A flush rose in his neck. Thank God for cravats. “It is Miss Stern. The lady I told you about. I met her the other day at the Park. Nevertheless, I am not watching her. That would be unseemly.”
His mother’s lips twitched slightly. “What do you know of her?”
That was a question he hadn’t even asked himself. Somehow it had not been important. “As I said before, she is residing with Worthington for the Season. Some friend of Lady Charlotte’s.”
“Well, she ought to be unexceptional then. I shall be pleased to make her acquaintance.”
Much to his annoyance, he found himself shuffling his feet. What the devil was wrong with him? “Mama, you don’t expect me to introduce her?”
Why had he said that when he had asked his mother to form the opera party? Naturally, she would expect to have Miss Stern presented to her. He wasn’t making any sense, even to himself.
Mama’s eyes started to sparkle in a way he’d never noticed before. “Could you procure Matilda and me glasses of lemonade, my dear?”
“My pleasure.” He was glad to have something to do, besides stare at Miss Stern. As he made his way to the refreshment table, he wondered if she had been approved for the waltz and strode toward Countess Esterhazy.
“My lady.” He bowed over her hand. They made small talk for a few minutes, before he judged it safe to ask his question. “There is a young lady, a Miss Stern who has arrived with Lord and Lady Worthington. Can you tell me if she is allowed to waltz?”
Lady Esterhazy gave Dom a curious look. “Not yet.”
He resisted a strange urge to run a finger between his neck and cravat and wondered how it would be taken if he requested Miss Stern be given permission. It might look too singular. He bowed again. “I see. Thank you.”
He was about to turn away when she placed her hand on his arm. “I am happy to perform the introduction, if you would like.”
Well, as long as the countess offered, it would be rude to refuse. He would not wish to harm Miss Stern’s reputation by not dancing with her. “You are very kind.”
Countess Esterhazy raised a brow. “I am rarely accused of that, but I will forgive you. Meet me at the end of this set.”
He bowed for the third time. “Thank you, my lady.”
Resuming his way to the refreshment table, his steps were lighter. Dom shook off any thoughts that he was singling Miss Stern out. He was simply going to be the first gentleman to waltz with her. Someone had to be. Why not him? He hadn’t been this pleased since he’d popped his first hit against Jackson.
* * *
Dotty curtseyed to Mr. Featherington when the dance ended, and he escorted her back to Grace.
“Miss Stern, may I fetch you a glass of lemonade or orgeat?”
She smiled. This was all going so well. “Lemonade, please.”
Charlotte and Louisa returned and their escorts also offered to fetch drinks.
“How do you like it so far?” Charlotte asked.
