“Yes, but doing it first allows you to request the next dance. It is not a formal rule. As a practical matter it will stop other gentlemen from interrupting.”
That was excellent advice. Leo would have to keep it in mind. At some point, he would be able to have two sets with Theo.
Kenilworth and his lady joined them. She raised a brow at her sister. “Are we minding him?”
“Yes. He was staring at Theo.”
“I am in complete sympathy with him,” Kenilworth said with feeling.
“We all are,” Rothwell said.
Slowly, with the exception of Worthington and Lady Worthington, who were still being made known to gentlemen wanting an introduction to Theo, the rest of the family joined them. The minuet came to a close, and Rochford, following Lady St. Albans’s advice, secured Theo’s third set. Leo moved so that he was once more standing next to Theo.
Miss Pettigrew and Marrow came over as well.
“I am not at all unhappy to have missed the minuet,” Marrow said.
“It is not my favorite dance,” Miss Pettigrew agreed. “But it is very elegant.”
“It is,” Theo added. “I suppose it is helpful if one does not really wish to speak much to one’s partner.”
The strains of the orchestra announced the next set, which was the first country dance. Leo bowed to Miss Pettigrew and Marrow bowed to Theo. The four of them strolled to the dance floor. The tension Leo had been feeling faded away as they took their places. Even if he wasn’t dancing with her all of the time, at least he could touch her hands and was with her. When the set was over, they returned to their circle.
Another gentleman was given permission by Worthington to be presented to Theo. Leo recognized him as the Earl of Holland, Lady Thornhill’s nephew. “My lady.” He bowed. “May I have the next set?”
Theo curtseyed. “I already have a partner, however, my fourth set is available.”
Holland smiled. “I would be honored.”
That left one more set she would dance with another gentleman. Leo didn’t have long to wait before one arrived. He’d known the Marquis of Crewe since school. He had only recently come into his title. After Worthington presented Crewe, he secured Theo’s fifth set. Leo didn’t think Holland would be much of a rival. Crewe, on the other hand, was another matter. He had no known heirs and must be desperate to wed and start a family. The man would bear close scrutiny. Fortunately, the set was a quadrille. Unfortunately, Holland had secured a waltz. Leo’s teeth clenched each time they twirled.
“You’re going to do your teeth permanent damage,” Marrow said as he watched Miss Pettigrew dance with another man.
“I don’t understand how you can be so calm.” Leo wanted to go to Theo and snatch her away from Holland.
“You must keep this between us.” Marrow kept his voice low. Leo nodded.
“She and I have an understanding. However, I have agreed we would not make a formal announcement until her come out ball. Next week, I will be able to stand up twice with her.”
Lucky dog. He wished he could have an understanding with Theo. “I wish you both well.”
“Here they come.” Marrow held out his hand to Miss Pettigrew. Smiling, she took it.
Leo did the same to Theo, but after touching his fingers, she went to one of her sisters and they left the room.
“Are you having a good time?” Alice asked as they skirted the room.
“I am.” Theo would not have believed how much fun a ball could be. “Although Lord Holland is not the best dancer, he did make interesting conversation.”
“That is important. You will spend much more time talking with the gentleman you wed than dancing with him.” Alice wrinkled her nose. “On the other hand, marrying a man who can make conversation and dance is the best option. Even Phinn is an excellent dancer.”
Theo did not want to tell her sister that she had not really looked at any of the gentlemen she had stood up with, as prospective husbands. “That makes sense. Even Grace and Matt still like to dance together.”
Alice unerringly led them to the ladies’ room. Three screens were set up, as was a mirror with extra hairpins and pins for one’s clothing if needed. A maid was present to help any of the ladies. Theo went behind one of the screens. Alice selected another.
The door opened and closed.
“I am shocked to see the Duke of Chandos here,” one lady with a slightly nasal tone said.
