Harrington’s eyes shot daggers in the baron’s direction. “Lady Mercy would never become a wallflower.”
“Tonight she nearly has been,” Mama chimed in. “She hasn’tdanced with anyone except Lord Bryant.”
Harrington turned to Mercy, and for the first time, their eyes met. “I’m sorry. I know how much you enjoy dancing.”
He was sorry? She didn’t know how to process his comment. “It’s no trouble.” But it was. Truly, it was. If this courtship ruined dancing for her, she would never forgive him.
The Duke of Harrington looked apologetic. “Is your next set free?”
“Yes.”
“Would you be so kind as to dance with me?”
Mama looked like she was about to faint with happiness. Mercy nodded at him.
Mama clapped her hands. “Wonderful. The two of you dance so beautifully together. I shall look forward to seeing it often this Season. What are your favorite dances, Your Grace? Our annual ball is fast approaching, and I’d like your opinion on the music.”
Every year Mama got excited about their annual ball, but this year felt different. She was sparing no expense and wanted to make certain everything would go according to her plan.
It was safe to say that Mercy dancing with the Duke of Harrington was high on Mama’s list of priorities for the ball.
“I’m certain I’ll be happy with whatever dances Lady Mercy chooses. After all, she is the expert.” The duke held his arm out, and she took it. If the only men willing to dance with her were Lord Bryant and the Duke of Harrington, she had better take the chance while she had it.
Besides, it would be a good opportunity to spy on his reactions to the women around them.
Harrington still danced perfectly, but with an edge of stiffness that seemed to convey that he was worried he would somehow make a mistake.
“You dance perfectly,” she said, hoping to relax him.
His eyes met hers suspiciously. “Somehow, that doesn’t soundlike a compliment.”
“It is.”
He pushed his lips together into a tight line. “Who is the best dancer partner in this room?”
“Mr. Beauford,” she said, without thinking. He was. “Lord Bryant is a close second.”
“And what makes them stand out above the rest?”
That was easy. “They don’t think about the fact that they are dancing. They simply dance.”
The duke nodded. “I think a lot about dancing when I am dancing.”
“And therefore, you dance perfectly.”
“But not well.”
She laughed. “I don’t mind dancing with you.”
“If I forgot I was dancing, you might like it better. Though, the last time I did that, I closed my eyes and almost caused a collision.”
“That was what you were doing?”
“I was trying to enjoy dancing as much as you do.”
“And did you?”
“I don’t think anyone can enjoy dancing as much as you do, but yes, I did enjoy it more. Until I realized I was about to crash into three different dancing pairs.”
