Page 43 of A Lovely White Christmastide
Miss Julianna snickered, but quickly quelled her mirth as the dance led them apart again. She circled the gentleman to his left, then returned to her position to wait for the other ladies to complete their turns. He gave her two quick eyebrow raises and she raised a gloved hand to cover her smile.
After one more formation, the set came to an end and he escorted her off the floor… in the opposite direction of said dragon.
“Where are we going?”
“I thought to get you some refreshment. Truthfully, I would rather not get singed by your companion who has yet to simmer down even with my efforts in the carriage.”
A tall man misstepped and bumped into Daniel as they passed.
“Pardon me,” he said as he turned to face them, then his eyes lit with recognition. “Lieutenant Kaye, is that really you?”
Daniel tried to place the older gentleman. He’d known many men in the army and he had not always been the best with learning their names. Light from the candles illuminated a long scar on the man's right cheek and a flash of memory surfaced in Daniel’s mind. This was the surgeon who had worked on Bingham after his injury.
Thankfully a passerby greeted the man, blessedly reminding Daniel of the surgeon’s last name.
“Miss Julianna, might I introduce Mr. Baitman? He is the man responsible for saving Lord Bingham after the battle at Waterloo.”
“Oh, I doubt that. It was you who brought him from the battlefield and then insisted we continue to try after Bingham contracted that fever. I do not believe he would have made it without your constant attention.”
“A true hero then,” Miss Julianna said.
Daniel ducked his head, a bit embarrassed by the praise. He’d done no more than his duty as a gentleman and fellow soldier. Besides, Bingham was his captain.
Mr. Baitman’s son stopped by before leading his partner to the dance floor and the older gentleman introduced him to Miss Julianna.
After he left, Daniel asked. “And where is Mrs. Baitman?”
“Gone to her maker these three years past. Died while I was away in France.” Mr. Baitman shook his head, his grey-streaked hair swishing back and forth with the motion. “I did not know until a full three months after the funeral. Thought my heart would give out in those blood covered fields of France when the word came.”
“Oh my,” Miss Julianna exclaimed. “My condolences.”
“Thank you, miss, I?—”
“There you are,” Mrs. Barker interrupted as she bustled up to Miss Julianna’s side. “I have been looking all over for you, child.”
Miss Julianna’s pretty face turned down and Daniel regretted stopping to speak to Mr. Baitman… until he saw the man’s eyes light with interest. A small smirk made its way onto Daniel’s face.
“Mr. Baitman, might I introduce theWidowBarker?”
Mrs. Barker’s lips puckered and her eyes narrowed at the insinuation until she glanced at Mr. Baitman. He was a decent looking fellow with broad shoulders and a square jaw. Old enough to be well settled, and young enough that a woman like Mrs. Barker might be interesting to him.
Her sour expression cleared and for the first time since the inn where they’d met, Daniel saw a genuine smile light the older woman’s face.
“Mr. Baitman, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Mrs. Barker.” With a practiced air, he lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her gloved fingers.
Was that a blush Daniel saw on her cheeks?
The music for the next set began.
“Might I have this dance?” Mr. Baitman asked.
Mrs. Barker’s smile dimmed. “I do not dance much these days, sir. Age has stolen my ease of movement.”
“Even better, for I do not dance much myself. Perhaps we might take a turn about the room so we can become better acquainted?”
“I would like that very much.”
