A few other people entered the assembly room, including Theo and her brother and sister. She wore the gown she’d told him about. Her skirts seemed to float around her as she strolled in. He was pleased to see that the gold pins gleamed in her chestnut hair. No matter how many times he looked at her, she was still the most beautiful lady he’d ever seen.
“Come along, your grace.” Lady Cowper placed her hand on his arm.
Theo was speaking with Alice when her ladyship led him to Theo. “Lady Theo.” She turned and her eyes widened in surprise as she curtseyed. “I recommend the Duke of Chandos as a suitable partner for the waltz.”
She smiled politely, but there was a look of amazement in her lapis-blue eyes. He had surprised her. “Thank you, my lady, your grace.”
For a second their eyes met, and he wanted to tell her how he felt. That he wanted to marry her and for them to spend the rest of their lives together.
Then Lady Cowper said, “Now I will introduce his grace to his first dance partner.”
“Yes, my lady.” Leo went along with her ladyship to meet a young lady newly come out.
“Miss Cunningham. May I present the Duke of Chandos as your first dance partner?”
Her hair was pale blond, and her skin was like milk. What little color she had drained from the lady’s face. For a moment, Leo thought Miss Cunningham would faint. He bowed. “Miss Cunningham, I am delighted to partner with you.”
“Th-thank you, your grace.” She curtseyed. “It would be my pleasure to stand up with you.”
“I will come for you when the opening notes begin.” Leo bowed and left with her ladyship. “I am at your disposal for all sets except for the first waltz and the supper dance.”
“I am glad to hear it, your grace.”
Just then he saw Lady Giselle strolling across the room. “The only lady with whom I will not dance is Lady Giselle Darnel.”
“Indeed.” Lady Cowper appeared surprised. “May I ask what you have against her?”
“She has been unkind to a couple of ladies I know.” Ever since her brother had told him she wished to wed a duke, Leo had decided to stay far away from her.
“Very well. I shall inform the other Patronesses.” She curtseyed.
He bowed. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“I will leave you here. I wish you a good evening.” She strolled up to another gentleman.
Leo immediately rejoined Theo’s family, and she came up to him. “What made you decide to ask for permission to waltz with me?”
Because I love you. “I could not allow a lady who dances the waltz so exquisitely to languish by the side of the room or stand up with someone who is not as skilled.”
“I am thrilled that you did.” Her cheeks colored and her eyes glowed. “There is no one with whom I would rather waltz.” There was no other word to describe her countenance than radiant.
If only he hadn’t promised not to begin courting her in earnest until after her come out ball. Still, it wouldn’t be long now. There was only one more ball before hers.
He led Miss Cunningham, who seemed to have regained her countenance and did not faint, to the dance floor. She was surprisingly graceful as they went through the movement of the steps. Leo was unhappy to see Bolingbroke lead Theo out. “I thought I’d got rid of him.”
“Did you say something, your grace?” Miss Cunningham asked.
“No. Nothing at all. From where do you hail, Miss Cunningham?”
“Not far from Harrogate. My father wanted me to attend the Season there, but my mother prevailed and”—she smiled—“we are here.”
“I hope you are enjoying yourself.” Perhaps she would be a good match for Bolingbroke.
“I am. We have mostly seen the sights, but I attended my first ball the other night. Unfortunately, I have not met many other ladies.”
Leo could help her there. “I know two ladies who are also making their come out. They are both kind. Perhaps in between sets I could introduce you.”
“Thank you, your grace. That would be very nice.”
