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“You are surprised?”
“You never complimented me in the past.”
Owen stepped closed. “I plan on changing that, along with many other things.”
He let the insinuation hang in the air between them.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway. “Pardon me, your lordship, my lady. The carriage is ready,” Richards announced.
Wordlessly, Owen offered his arm. The couple walked to the carriage, where Owen handed Selena inside. They sat opposite one another. Owen was both nervous and excited.
“I had Tom give me a tutorial on some people I may meet tonight.”
“What did he tell you?”
They spent the rest of the ride reviewing what the valet had told him. Selena gave him additional information and told him about the wives and children of the guests. Most of them sounded like decent folk, but Owen would be wary. He had already promised himself not to commit to anything until he spoke with Selena. Even something as simple as a dinner invitation he would review with her first.
The drive did not take long. It was spring, and it had not rained in several days, so the roads were clear. They turned into the drive for the Bakers. As they neared, they saw a line of carriages in the front of the manor house. Ladies dressed in their finery and men in jackets of varying colors alighted from their coaches. Owen stepped down first, then handed Selena out.
“Are you ready?” Selena gave his arm a reassuring squeeze.
“Yes.”
They entered the grand foyer. Gas light sconces lined both sides of the entryway with a chandelier as the chief attraction. Guests milled about in small groups, pouring into the adjoining rooms. Suddenly, Owen felt closed in. Dozens of pairs of eyes fell on them the moment they stepped inside. No doubt his presence would be the talk of the evening.
Selena guided him over to an older couple. The Bakers, he assumed.
“Lord and Lady Fernsby.” Mrs. Baker, draped in pearls and purple lace, curtsied.
“Good evening,” Selena responded. Then she glanced at Owen. “My lord, may I present our hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Baker.”
“A pleasure to meet both of you. Thank you for having us this evening.”
Mrs. Baker’s lips trembled. “It was so nice of you to join us. We weren’t sure if you were up to social events.”
Owen smiled. “On the contrary, I am most excited to make new acquaintance.” He chuckled. “My apologies. I know I have met everyone here, but—well, I know my wife has explained.”
“She mentioned your injury.”
“Yes. A terrible thing,” Mr. Baker barked.
“Well, I hope you enjoy getting reacquainted with everyone.” Mrs. Baker motioned they could take their leave to mingle.
“Thank you.” Selena led him into the drawing room.
Owen leaned toward Selena and whispered, “How many oysters had to die for all those strands?”
Selena covered her mouth with her fan so no one would see her laughing. “You are in a mood tonight.”
“Not in the least, my dear. I intend to have a successful night. This is another step in my fresh start. Ah, there are Bran and Sarah.”
The Hughes waved from across the room. Husband and wife greeted their friends. They conversed over champagne until the dancing commenced. Owen watched the couples glide across the floor. He watched the men’s footwork, recalling the intimate lesson Selena had given him two days prior.
After the first quadrille was a polka. Owen turned and bowed to Selena. “May I have this dance?” He held out his hand.
“I would be honored, sir.” She slipped her gloved hand into his.
They walked as one into the space cleared for the revelries. He grasped her right hand while he placed his other hand on her back. The delicate material of Selena’s gown allowed him to feel the contour of her body better than when she had worn her thicker day dress. When he touched her, he could feel her muscles tense.
