“You look altogether too enthusiastic,” she murmured. “Should I be concerned?”
“I cannot imagine why,” Beatrice answered, feigning innocence.
Lark’s answering look suggested she had known Beatrice far too long to be deceived. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I am afraid I won’t be of much use to you tonight.”
Beatrice frowned. “Why not?”
“Lady Barrington has hinted—rather pointedly—that I have neglected my duties of late.” Lark’s mouth tightened. “Which means I am to remain especially close to Theodosia this evening.”
“Oh, Lark.” Beatrice’s expression softened. “You needn’t worry on my account.”
“I had intended to help,” Lark said. “Particularly after what occurred at the Covington ball earlier this week.”
“I’ve been taking lessons, remember?”
Lark gave her a pointed look. “You cannot have learned much in three days.”
“You forget,” Beatrice said, “I am a fast learner.”
“I hope so.”
Just then, Lady Barrington’s urgent wave cut their conversation short, and Lark had no choice but to hurry away, her posture already shifting into dutiful attentiveness.
Left alone, Beatrice allowed herself a slow breath.
The ballroom shimmered beneath the candlelight, music curling through the air, laughter rising and falling in soft, pleasant waves.
Time, then, to resume.
Her gaze lingered—just for a moment—upon the entrance.
There were any number of places he might be. A livelier gathering. A more interesting room. Or?—
No.
She was not looking for him, rather, she was noting his absence. The distinction was an important one.
He knew she would be here tonight. Her informing him had been part of their agreement.
And he had said he would come. Not might. Would.
And yet the doorway remained stubbornly free of broad shoulders, dark hair, and that infuriatingly steady gaze.
Beatrice straightened and returned her attention to the ballroom.
Well, then.
If this was a broken promise, it was at least a useful one.
It reminded her that no matter how vehemently a gentleman insisted he’d protect, no matter how calm his voice or competent his hands, one could not build one’s safety upon his arrival.
One had to be prepared when he did not come.
Beatrice straightened and jerked her attention back to the floor.
She was not here to speculate upon Gideon’s whereabouts. He had already done more than she might reasonably have expected in offering his instruction at all.
Tonight was simply an opportunity to put that training to use.
