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“The carriage should be waiting,” Mabel said to her cousin. “I am going to remain behind and ride with Giulia.”
“And Gram?” Charles asked.
“Gram may come with us.”
He nodded.
A throat cleared behind her. “May I escort you to the ball, Miss Sheffield?”
She turned, bestowing a benevolent smile on Mr. Wright. “Your carriage will be ahead of mine, sir, but I thank you for the honor of your request.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “Then may I have the privilege of the first dance?”
“I am afraid the first set has already been claimed,” Mac said, stepping forward. His imposing figure towered over Mr. Wright, and the shorter man’s face grew tight.
“I shall see you at Halstead,” Mabel said, stepping forward. “I plan to wait here for Giulia.”
“Splendid.” Miss Sophy snapped her fan shut. “Shall we be off?”
Mr. Pemberton offered his sister his arm, and they led the way outside. Charles led Miss Pemberton out behind them, followed by Mr. Wright and Mrs. Boucher. Gram started to rise but Mabel put a staying hand on her shoulder. “Would you like to ride with me and Giulia?”
Gram nodded, sitting again.
Mac hovered before the door, his hat in his hands. “Shall I remain behind? I might accompany you.” The man was striking in his crisp black jacket, the stark white cravat at his throat tied perfectly. His hair was still damp, and she watched a water droplet fall onto his shoulder and trail down his arm.
Mabel swallowed hard. Mac was not making it easy to fall out of love with him. He looked as though he intended to step toward her, and she moved back, beside her grandmother. “We will see you there, Mr. MacKenzie.”
He nodded and left, allowing Mabel the space to breathe. She leaned against the wall, her hand coming to rest on her heart.
“That MacKenzie boy has grown into a handsome lad,” Gram said, startling Mabel. Her periods of awareness came at the oddest times.
She followed Mac’s sure, smooth steps out to the carriage and watched him slip inside. “Indeed, Gram,” she whispered. “He has become exceedingly handsome.”
