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Mary had already agreed to a few dances and she had arranged with a few distant relations that they would dance as well. But this was her first opportunity of the evening to dance with someone new, someone she had never met before.
Although she was aware she ought to get permission from her stepmother, Mary had little doubt that Lady Rachel would object. After all, this gentleman was a duke. He would bring respect upon the family.
Yes, perhaps her stepmother would demand that he dance with Charlotte, but Lady Rachel had not mentioned this gentleman earlier in the evening when she was telling Charlotte about the men she was urged to intrigue. With that, Mary looked to Sarah and awaited her friend’s response.
“We would be delighted!” Sarah exclaimed. “I am sure we both have a few more empty spaces on our cards, no matter how limited they may be.”
Mary bit her lip and smiled once more, looking shyly at the handsome gentleman, who returned her expression in kind.
“Excellent. Then, I must insist that I dance with you, Miss Lambton. And Lord Hanbrooke, I am sure you would be pleased to dance with Lady Mary,” Harry said.
“Indeed, I would be delighted,” Lord Hanbrooke said, his tone even and peppered with the faintest hint of surprise, as though even he had not expected to wish for this dance.
But Mary was thankful. Not only was she able to dance with someone outside of the relations approved by Lady Rachel, but she was dancing with someone who had quite the dashing appearance. Someone who was every bit the gentleman. And even if they never spoke again after this, she was glad for the chance to enjoy herself for just one night.
Such joys were so rare to come across.
