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‘I suggest we do a turn of the floor to satisfy the Gorgon at the door,’ Sir Jack said, glancing in Miss Sharp’s direction, ‘and then we leave quietly and take these beautiful young ladies somewhere they will truly be appreciated.’
‘I couldn’t agree more.’ Gervase smiled down at Nancy. ‘Does that suggestion appeal to you, Miss Sunday?’
‘I don’t know,’ Nancy said warily. ‘Where are you thinking of taking us?’
‘Don’t be such a baby.’ Eleanora shot a warning look in Nancy’s direction. ‘Jack and Gervase will take care of us. I, for one, am not prepared to stay here all evening.’
‘Miss Sharp is watching,’ Nancy said in a low voice. ‘I think she might have overheard.’
‘I’m prepared to charm the old harridan.’ Gervase turned to give Miss Sharp a disarming smile, which she ignored with a toss of her head. ‘Strange,’ Gervase added. ‘It usually works.’
‘Never mind her.’ Jack proffered his arm to Eleanora. ‘Shall we show them how it’s done, my dear?’
‘Someone needs to take control.’ Eleanora laid her hand in his. ‘Poppleton could not train a seal, let alone a herd of unruly girls.’
At a signal from Jack, the group of musicians launched into a waltz and Jack led Eleanora onto the floor.
‘Shall we?’ Gervase asked, smiling.
‘I think we should.’ Nancy allowed him to take her hand and they merged with the other dancers. She had never been held in such close proximity to any man, let alone moving in time to the strains of a waltz. Even through the gloves they both wore she was very conscious of the warmth of his grasp, and the scent of his pomade and expensive cologne was more intoxicating than wine. It was almost impossible to believe that this handsome, charming man with his devastating smile was the same person who had caused such a stir at Rockwood. Nancy was in a dream as they whirled together in perfect unison, and she barely noticed Jack leading Eleanora towards the door at the back of the studio. The rest of the girls and their partners had arrived and Miss Sharp was hidden from view.
‘Are you sure you want to go with me?’ Gervase said in a low, caressing voice.
‘Yes, please.’ At this moment Nancy did not care about anything. She had experienced all manner of emotions during her time in London with Patricia when she was attempting to pursue her operatic career, but this was something new and completely different. She did not protest when Gervase manoeuvred them around the other couples and they followed Jack and Eleanora as they left the studio.
It was very cold outside but the carriage was waiting and, once seated, with Gervase’s arm around her shoulders in a very familiar, exciting and totally improper manner, Nancy began to relax and enjoy the experience.
‘Where are you taking us, Jack?’ Eleanora demanded lazily. ‘I fancy a nice meal and some dancing afterwards.’
‘I know the very place,’ Jack said, smiling. ‘In fact, we’re already on our way to the Strand. I know you so well, my love.’
Eleanora yawned. ‘It’s a pity you’re just a baronet with limited means, Jack. Papa would have a fit if he knew we were consorting.’
‘Consorting sounds very risqué, Eleanora.’ Gervase squeezed Nancy’s shoulders. ‘Don’t you think so, my dear?’
A sudden twinge of conscience made Nancy edge away. ‘I don’t know why I agreed to come with you this evening. My family would certainly disapprove.’
Gervase laughed and drew her back to the shelter of his arm. ‘But that’s what makes it so exciting, Nancy. Admit it, you find it quite exhilarating.’
‘I do, but that doesn’t make it right. You caused a scene and upset my family. I shouldn’t even be speaking to you.’
Eleanora leaned forward. ‘Heavens! Do tell, Nancy. What did this rogue do?’
‘I simply told the truth, Eleanora,’ Gervase said casually. ‘Some people find it hard to take, that’s all. The Careys and the Greystones are two very old families with plenty of skeletons in their cupboards. They don’t appreciate having them brought back to life.’
‘I don’t want to hear it, Gervase,’ Nancy said angrily. ‘If you insult the Carey family you insult me and I want nothing to do with you.’
Jack laughed. ‘There, Gervase, you’ve been put in your place. I think you should apologise to Nancy.’
Gervase took her hand and held it in a firm grasp. ‘I apologise humbly, Nancy. I won’t say another word about your family. Am I forgiven?’
Even in the dim light Nancy could see the self-mocking expression on his handsome features and she relented. ‘All right. Just so that we understand each other.’
‘That’s settled then,’ Eleanora said with a weary sigh. ‘I’m famished, Jack. Where are we dining tonight?’
‘You’ll see, my love.’ Jack wrapped his arms around Eleanora and kissed her soundly on the lips.
Nancy instinctively moved as far away from Gervase as she could in the confines of the carriage. She was surprised by Eleanora’s forward behaviour and shocked by Sir Jack’s lack of restraint. She closed her eyes, forcing the image of Hester’s disapproving face from her mind, but an irrepressible giggle overcame her reservations and she covered her mouth with her hand.
