“It’s all right,” he murmured. “You’re not alone.”
“Let’s hope this night doesn’t end in utter disaster,” Olivia whispered.
“It won’t,” he said, hoping he spoke true.
Just then, Lady Granleigh and her daughter, Lady Fanny, swept towards them with bright smiles on their faces.
“Lord Wilton,” Lady Granleigh said sweetly. Too sweetly. “Is it not a fine evening?”
“Perfectly pleasant,” Richard replied.
“Fanny was just saying how beautiful the gardens are tonight,” Lady Granleigh continued. “Perhaps you might escort her for a stroll later?”
“I shall consider it,” Richard said with a courteous bow.
The ladies curtsied and moved on.
Olivia leaned in and said, “She didn’t even look at me. Her sights are clearly set on your title for her daughter.”
“Lady Fanny has a faultless reputation,” Richard replied.
“Yes, but Lady Fanny once spent twenty minutes telling me about lavender ribbon,” Olivia muttered. “Is that truly what you want? A woman who has nothing of interest to say?”
His gaze drifted towards Miss Theodosia, who was staring up at the chandelier with quiet wonder. No. That wasn’t what he wanted.
He wantedher.
He wanted the woman who made him laugh and made him think—who made him feel seen.
But she wasn’t his to claim.
Olivia nudged him again. “You’re staring.”
“I was merely woolgathering.”
“About Dosia, no doubt,” she said. “Why not end your misery and ask her to dance?”
Feigning ignorance, he asked, “With Lady Fanny?”
“Don’t be absurd. No—Dosia. You remember her. Dark hair. Opinionated. Beautiful,” Olivia said with amusement in her eyes.
Just then, Miss Theodosia turned back to them, eyes alight. “I’ve never seen a chalked dance floor before. It’s almost too beautiful to step on.”
“It won’t last,” Olivia said. “By the night's end, it’ll look like someone spilled a paintbox.”
“That’s a shame,” Miss Theodosia murmured.
The musicians struck the opening chord of the waltz to announce that the next set was about to begin.
Richard turned to Miss Theodosia. “Might I have the pleasure of this dance?”
She looked down at his outstretched hand, hesitant. “It’s a waltz.”
“I noticed. I’m very observant,” he said with a teasing smile.
“I’ve never danced it before.”
“It’s simple enough,” he said, wiggling his fingers. “Just let me lead.”
