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The next morning, Selena was going through her correspondence when she opened an invitation for a party at Alistair and Fiona Baker’s home in a week’s time. Was Owen ready to meet more people?
At lunch, she discussed the invitation with Owen. “We are invited to a party at the Bakers’ in a week’s time.”
“Who are the Bakers?”
“They live in the county. Alistair Baker is a prominent banker.”
“Are we friends with them?”
“I would say more acquaintances.”
Owen wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Do you want to go?”
“I thought you would want to go. There will be many people there for you to meet.”
Selena knew it was important for Owen to mingle with the local set. He could not live as a hermit. Besides, he was an earl, one of the richest landowners in the area, and they would be expected to make an appearance.
“It would be nice to get reacquainted with the locals. How do you think they will treat me?”
Selena frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Do they know about my injury? Will someone try to take advantage of my memory lapse and say I committed to something or said something I did not?”
It was a good point. “I’m sure everyone will be understanding. But, if it makes you more at ease, when I write to accept the invitation, I can mention your memory loss. If I know Fiona Baker, the news will spread within days.” The woman was the worst gossip Selena knew.
Owen chuckled. “Very clever, my dear.”
The endearment was melodious coming from his lips. Damn her weak resolve.
Over the next week, Owen’s continuous tenderness toward her slowly broke down some of her defenses. During the morning hours, he worked with Victor Steele, conducting business. His agent from London, Able Hamilton, had come down one day to update Owen on his dealings in the city. The couple spent the afternoons and evenings together or with the Hughes. Some days they rode out, other days they played chess or cards. It was the type of life Selena had always pictured.
Two days before the Bakers’ party, Owen came into the music room where Selena was playing piano. She turned to him with a smile. It was becoming more difficult not to be happy to see him.
“Hearing you play made me realize something.”
“What?”
“There will be dancing at this party, will there not?”
“I would assume so.”
Owen cleared his throat. “Well, it just occurred to me. I don’t know if I can dance.”
Why hadn’t she thought of that? In the past, Owen had been passable with his dancing skills, never caring for the tediousness of the steps.
“I suppose dancing instruction is in order. We don’t have to do much: the waltz, the polka, and the quadrille should be enough. You won’t be expected to dance a lot.” Selena pulled the servant’s bell.
Richards entered shortly. “Yes, your ladyship?”
“Can you have Mrs. Finch come in? We need her piano skills.”
The butler scrunched his brows in question but went to fetch the housekeeper.
Selena turned to Owen. “It will be easier to do with musical accompaniment.”
As they waited for Mrs. Finch, Selena gave a brief tutorial of the quadrille. She explained that it required two couples who formed a square. The dance had five parts, with one couple doing a round, then the second couple repeating the moves. Owen was quick and should be able to follow the first couple. Just as Selena finished, the housekeeper entered. She explained what they required, and Mrs. Finch was happy to oblige.
For the rest of the afternoon, they reviewed the steps for the three dances. Owen proved an apt pupil. Selena even had Katie and Tom join them in a full quadrille. By the end, everyone was laughing, enjoying themselves. Selena’s cheeks were warm from the exertion. It seemed forever since she had danced.
