Page 49 of His Unforgettable Bride
“It’s kind of you to say so, ma’am. And you sisters spiffed up just right, as well.”
Livy waved a turquoise feathered fan before her face. Still, sweat beaded on her upper lip, probably from rushing around searching for her misplaced etiquette book. “Thank you, Juliet. However, ‘spiffed up just right’ is not only a common term but unacceptable in polite society.”
In a nut-brown dress that closely resembled the rest of her wardrobe, Tabitha nodded. “Please refrain from using it again.”
“Of course. Thank you for making me aware of such things.”
“I’m pleased you find our suggestions helpful.” Livy pressed her precious manual against her chest, covering a sapphire brooch as big as a fist. Was the bauble as expensive as it appeared? Juliet sensed the answer was yes and prayed Ruby never got her hands on the jewel.
“Shall we proceed?” Tabitha pulled out the wood-carved piano stool, sat, and tugged the seat forward until her feet reached the pedals. “Livy and Mr. Kelly will demonstrate the dance steps first. Afterward, Juliet and Gray will have their turn.”
Gray gestured to his head. “Due to my faulty memory, you may have two students learning to dance tonight instead of only one.”
Was he speaking the truth or merely attempting to ease her awkwardness? She hoped for the second possibility and longed for him to recall dance steps and so much more. All the big things—his name, family, and home. And the smaller memories, like his first kiss.
Her trivial worries about making a fool out of herself dimmed in comparison.
Livy turned the pages in her trusty manual. “Thankfully, there is a whole chapter devoted to dancing. Isn’t that sublime?”
Unfamiliar with the word’s meaning, Juliet simply nodded.
“Let me see here.” Livy turned another page, then cleared her throat. “‘Dancing is a beneficial and popular amusement. It is to be performed with grace, ease, and modesty of movement.’”
“Wait one minute.” Cy rested one hand on the piano. “Nobody mentioned gracefulness when you roped me into this lesson. I said I could dance, but I didn’t say I had a lick of talent.”
“My sentiments exactly.” Gray slipped his hands into his trouser pockets.
“Nonetheless, we shall continue.” Livy’s cheeks were already flushed, giving her a youthful look. “‘Never entertain a flirtation on the dance floor. Never romp. Never devote solitary attention to one individual. Never cross a dance floor alone if you are a woman. And if you only concentrate on your steps and carriage, you may be mistaken for a dancing instructor.’”
For Juliet, such a scenario wouldn’t happen in a dozen leap years. “We can’t have that, now can we?”
“Bravo, Miss Dash.” Livy glowed as if Juliet had uttered something brilliant. “We expect you to learn the following dances—quadrille, polka, schottische, and waltz.”
At the daunting task, Juliet’s new and improved positive attitude and shoulders wilted. “All tonight?”
“Of course not.” Tabitha straightened her music on the piano stand above the keys. “We’ll start with the waltz.”
“Come along, Mr. Kelly.” Livy lowered her fan and manual to the small table next to where she stood before moving to the center of the cleared space. Her stiff crinoline expanded her skirt and narrowed her waist. “Let’s show the young people the box step.”
“By all means.” Cy followed to where Livy stood and faced her, his posture more erect than his usual stoop. Since his gout had improved, he now walked with ease. “Will you allow me to lead?”
Livy smiled up at him sweetly. “Yes, because that is how a lady behaves, Mr. Kelly.”
“I’m happy to hear it, Miss Sherwood.”
Once they placed their hands in position for the dance, Tabitha’s fingers stroked the piano keys. An unfamiliar yet pleasant tune filled the air. Cy waltzed Livy around the room as she continuously counted. “One, two, three, one, two, three.” They rose onto their toes slightly, then dipped again as they glided around the open area.
The dance struck Juliet as easy enough, at least from the sidelines. The couple’s movements and the music flowed until the song’s crescendo and final note. She glanced at Tabitha and Gray. Should they applaud the stellar performance? When nobody else clapped, she clasped her hands instead.
Far too soon, she followed Gray onto the makeshift dance floor, now abandoned by their predecessors. Juliet considered nibbling on her fingernail but doggedly fought the urge. Gray’s eyes lit with anticipation or amusement, and she wasn’t sure which one.
“The leader shall now place his right hand on the follower’s back or near her shoulder blade,” Livy instructed. “Go ahead, Gray.”
Even before his hand connected with the back of her dress, Juliet’s silly heart increased to a wild beat.
“Now, follower, place your left hand on the leader’s right shoulder or upper arm.” Livy raised her hand to an imaginary partner to demonstrate.
With a shaky breath, Juliet placed her hand on Gray’s shoulder. Unless mistaken, his muscles rippled under her touch. He had a handsome neck, thick and sturdy. The wound to his temple had left behind the start of a jagged scar, mostly hidden by his wavy hair.
