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“Well, we shall let you two be for a while,” Golda said, shooing her younger sisters away.
“There is no need for you to go,” Ellen protested.
“Nonsense,” Golda said, looking over her shoulder at Simon. “Besides, I see Thomas in a lonely corner. Perhaps I can convince him to dance with me, ‘old married man’ as he is,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Do not let him talk his way out of it!” Ellen called.
She settled beside Simon again, and he covered her hand in a loving gesture. She could not dare to hope that he was also beginning to fall in love with her. “Shall we follow your advice and dance another set?” he asked.
“Would that not be scandalous?” Ellen teased.
He leaned closer to her ear, and she could hear the smile in his voice. “You are my wife now. I may dance with you as many times as I like and not be looked down upon.”
His breath sent tingles through her ear and down her spine. Butterflies came to life and started swirling in her stomach as he drew her toward the dance floor once more. Indeed, she felt like she could dance with him all night long and never tire of his arms around her.
Chapter 22
Simon stood in the corner of the grand ballroom, watching contentedly from the side as he sipped a glass of champagne. Ellen had gone to freshen up for a moment, as there was an interlude at midnight before the next round of dances began.
Refreshments had also been served, and several groups had clustered around the drink table and the several dessert and hors d’oeuvre tables. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, and it was easy to think so since he was enjoying his time with Ellen immensely.
Everett cleared his throat, giving him a sideways glance. “I doubt you have heard a word I have said, judging by the distant look on your face.”
Simon turned his attention back to his friend, looking embarrassed. “Oh, were you saying something? Forgive me, old chap.”
“I have, but it is of no consequence. I can see that your thoughts are focused elsewhere.” Everett looked around the room. “Your parents have thrown yet another delightful party. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves exceedingly.”
“Yes, I am glad to hear it,” Simon replied. He spotted Ellen as she entered the room, and his heart skipped a beat. How was it that she grew more lovely every day? Everett laughed at him, shaking his head.
“You are done for, my friend. I can see it now as plain as day—you are in love with your wife!”
Simon grinned, feeling like a live-sick pup. But he did not care. “Yes, I suppose I am.”
“I am glad to hear it. However, does she feel the same way?”
Simon hoped so. “Things have improved significantly over the last few days. I cannot say for certain, but I believe she is starting to be more comfortable with me, at any rate.”
“It is only right. Husbands and wives should love each other,” Everett said with a decided nod. “Ahh, here comes my little cousin,” Everett said by way of greeting as Lady Genevieve made her way over to their party. “What kind of mischief have you been getting up to?” he asked.
“What makes you think that I have been up to mischief?” she asked.
“Oh, then you are behaving yourself? Very out of the ordinary—” Everett said, but Lady Genevieve interrupted him, turning to Simon so she could ignore her cousin.
“I believe the dancing is about to commence, Lord Simon, and we have not danced together all evening. Perhaps you may ask me for the country dance?” she suggested.
Simon nearly choked on the laughter that came bubbling to the surface at the look on Everett’s face.
“Genevieve, that is highly improper—” Everett started to scold her.
“What is? I did not think it wrong for a friend to ask another friend to dance.”
Everett placed a hand on her arm and was about to lead her away, no doubt to give her the sound tongue-lashing he thought she deserved. “It is improper for a lady to ask a man to dance at any time, let alone a married man,” he whispered harshly. Lady Genevieve shot him a pleading look.
Simon felt thoroughly backed into a corner. He did not want Genevieve to get in trouble, but he glanced about the room at Ellen. Would she take offence to him dancing with another woman? “She is right. We have known each other for such a long while. I do not see anything wrong with it, do you, Everett?”
Everett stopped, letting go of her arm.
“I suppose not, if you do not,” he said carefully. Simon offered her his arm, and he led her out to the dance floor as the music was struck up. They lined up opposite each other, standing in two straight lines with several other ladies and gentlemen. The ladies started dancing in unison on the right side of the ballroom while the men clapped in rhythm to the tune. Then it was the men’s turn to dance, travelling in a circle around their partners.
