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“Lord Dunsbourne,” she said, bobbing a curtsy even as her pulse raced.

“Good evening, Miss Hadford,” he said.

“I have loved watching you dance, Phoebe,” Emily said.

Phoebe’s heart went out to her. “That is very kind, but I shall not be truly happy until I see you on the dance floor.”

Emily’s face fell. “I am not sure I will remember the steps; I learned them so recently. It is better that I watch this time.”

Phoebe knew the look in Emily’s eyes all too well. Jane had attempted to conceal a similar hurt at every dance they had attended together. Phoebe was not going to stand by and allow someone else she cared about to suffer unnecessarily.

She slid her arm through Emily’s. “Will you allow me to help you through your initial fears?”

Emily hesitated. “I believe good friends do that sort of thing.”

“They do indeed.” Phoebe smiled. “And we have become the best of friends, have we not?”

“Yes. Yes, we have.”

Phoebe turned to face Lord Dunsbourne. “And you, my lord? Do you trust me to do all I can to help your sister succeed?”

The baron’s jaw tightened. “I do not trust easily, Miss Hadford.”

“That will make the situation harder for you, my lord, but no less necessary.”

He remained silent, his dark eyes searching hers. Phoebe was beginning to wonder if her heart would survive this encounter, but then he gave a slight nod.

“Very well. But I shall be watching,” he said.

“Good. Perhaps you will be reminded of what it means to socialize,” she said, and before Lord Dunsbourne could respond, she turned from his stunned expression and led Emily away.

A few deep breaths helped calm Phoebe but did nothing to remove the anxiety from Emily’s eyes.

“Where are we going?” Emily asked.

“There is someone I should like you to meet. People who do not know her well consider her a bit of a dragon, but I have come to discover she is not so bad as all that.”

“That is not terribly encouraging.” Emily was looking even more worried now than she had before.

Phoebe squeezed her arm. “I give you my word, she is not nearly as intimidating as your brother.”

“Adam?”

Her shock was so great that Phoebe laughed. “Yes, my dear Emily. Lord Dunsbourne would put a Spartan soldier to shame.”

Emily glanced back over her shoulder. “He is standing with his feet apart and his arms folded, with a rather large scowl on his face.”

“Exactly.”

Phoebe did not need to turn around to know that the baron’s gaze was upon her. She could feel it. Unfortunately, he was not the only one. As she and Emily made their slow walk along the edge of the ballroom, the eyes of everyone they passed turned to watch their progress. She heard the whispers and stiffened her spine. She could do this. For Emily.

As they drew nearer, the matrons ceased their chatter. Lady Bloxley raised her head and watched their approach curiously.

“Good evening, Miss Hadford,” she said.

Phoebe curtsied on trembling legs. “And to you, my lady. I am happy to see you in such good health.”

Lady Bloxley ignored the remark as if the sentiment were expected and looked pointedly at Emily. “Who is this you have with you?”