Page 14 of Her Whole Heart
“Yes, dear?”
“I see Miss Loughty sitting and should like to greet her. We were introduced at Lady Ashford's ball.”
“And you were just dancing with her brother.” Lady Carlisle nodded. “Very well.”
If the countess had any notion what Elizabeth really thought of Miss Loughty’s brother, she might have insisted Elizabeth remain and accept Mr. White's hand for the next set. But Elizabeth did not mind missing a dance or two if she was able to make a friend. Surely Miss Loughty would be a better conversationalist than her brother who was little more than apeacock. Perhaps he was simply too young—but Mr. Bingley was about the same age, and his behaviour with Jane had been everything gentlemanly, though he was a little too eager to monopolize her time. Fortunately, Jane had already promised all her dances to others, for she liked Mr. Bingley and would have found it difficult to refuse.
As Elizabeth walked to the corner of the room where Miss Loughty sat, she saw Mr. Bingley and Jane lining up with other couples on the dance floor. The earl was speaking with a group of friends, but he had his eye on Jane as well. It was comforting to know that Jane was so well looked after, and Elizabeth allowed her pleasure to show as she greeted Miss Loughty.
“I see that you have been dancing with my brother,” the woman said, glancing warily at Elizabeth.
“Yes, I am afraid so.”
Miss Loughty smiled and shook her head. “So, you donotfancy him?”
“Forgive me, Miss Loughty,” Elizabeth replied, wanting to pull a blanket over her head. “I should not have said—”
“Do not apologise to me, Miss Elizabeth,” Miss Loughty said with a breathy laugh. “I of all women know what James is like.” She patted the chair next to her, and Elizabeth took it. “He used to be quite sweet, honestly.”
That was not what Elizabeth had seen, but she was willing to make allowances for the man’s sister. Was it not her prerogative to make excuses for him? “To tell the truth, Miss Loughty, he was only interested in gossip, and that interests me not at all. I would have liked to have more time to speak with you at the Ashford’s ball, but Lady Carlisle preferred to introduce me to every man in the building from eighteen to eighty-four.”
Miss Loughty’s laugh was a touch stronger this time. “You are fortunate to have such a sponsor. My brother accompanies me to balls but introducesme to no one at all. It is my third season, you see, and not one man has displayed a bit of interest.”
“Nor will one if you are always seated in the corner.”
Her new friend shook her head sadly. “I have not the looks that men prefer for their dance partner.”
Elizabeth took a good look at her. She was thin and wan, but perhaps it was the disappointment that ailed her more than anything.
They spoke for a time about what diversions town offered during the season, the shops, the theatre, the menagerie. Miss Loughty did not care for the last. “I should rather travel to where those animals live in the wild and view them there.”
This was not something Elizabeth had considered, never having been to the menagerie, but she found herself inclined to agree.
“Miss Elizabeth,” came a voice from behind her, “may I have this dance?”
It was Mr. Bingley. She glanced at Miss Loughty. “I will return, for I should like to know you better.”
Miss Loughty gazed at Elizabeth’s hand on Mr. Bingley’s arm and said, resignedly, “I shall be here, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Are you enjoying the ball, Miss Elizabeth?” he inquired, his tone all friendliness. He really was an affable young man.
“I am,” she answered simply as the dance began.
They completed the figures and stood awaiting their turn when he spoke again. “I arrived too late to ask your sister for her first—another man had that pleasure—but she is radiant.”
Elizabeth smiled. It was her lot, she supposed, to dance with the men who would rather be dancing with Jane. “My sister is beautiful inside and out, Mr. Bingley.”
“I was able to secure her second set, though, as you saw.”
“I did.”
“Has she always been as sweet and angelic as she is today?” His head was turned away, and Elizabeth could see that he was observing Jane with another partner.
This was rather more than enough. Mr. Bingley hardly knew her, and a gentleman ought to be paying mind to his current partner. Elizabeth wondered if he was made anxious by the number of men showing Jane attention. Too bad for Mr. Bingley if he had competition.
“Mr. Bingley,” she said quietly.
He turned back to her and flushed. “Iamsorry, Miss Elizabeth.”
