Page 126 of Winterset
I could hardly believe we were standing in this crowded ballroom together, taking our places across from one another. The first dance was a reel, and we had but a moment alone to talk, with all the turning. We managed a few well-timed touches, but that was all.
The second dance was a country dance. We stood in two lines, women on one side and men on the other. When the music began, Oliver bowed, and I curtsied. We danced only a few forms together, but he was an excellent dancer. He executed everything perfectly and even seemed to enjoy it. I suspected that might be because he’d had many opportunities to dance and with whatever woman he desired.
Women were always watching him. Did he feel their stolen stares? Did he enjoy their attention?
Then it was time to move down the line and dance with the next man. Frederick. He was also a graceful dancer, though he did not seem to enjoy it. Poor fellow.
And down the line I went, moving farther and farther from Oliver.
Finally, I reached the end of the line. I curtsied to my last partner, and the stranger stiffly bowed. I felt his eyes upon me, hot as a brand. He did not say or do anything untoward, but I was so unaccustomed to the attention of men that I felt uncomfortable.
After we executed our last forms together, I was glad to resume my original position across from Oliver. Standing with him, I felt safe and serene again.
When the dance was over, Oliver offered me his arm and led me back to our group.
Amelia’s brother, Frederick, asked for my next set. He was a proficient partner and an excellent conversationalist, but my gaze kept drifting to Oliver, who was dancing with Amelia. They seemed to converse continuously. They had an easy rapport, so I thought they must know each other quite well.
After their set, Oliver returned her to our circle and stood beside me. Too soon, though, the next set was announced. I didn’t wish to dance with any other men, but Oliver continued dancing with other women. He was doing his duty as a gentleman, and as a favor to Hannah, but I still did not like watching it. Now, for a waltz, he partnered with a blonde-haired woman who had a petite figure and low-cut dress.
Amelia and Lady Margaret shared an annoyed look across our small circle.
“I do hate seeing Miss Digby claw at Oliver,” Amelia said.
Frederick sighed theatrically. “Well, had you accepted his proposal, you would not have to.”
I stiffened. Oliver had proposed to Amelia too?
Amelia took notice of my discomfort; everyone in our group did.
“You know that it was more of abusinessproposal,” Amelia said to her brother, but it was obvious her words were meant for me.
I blew out a breath. First, he’d proposed to Hannah, then later to Amelia. “Is there anyone Oliver hasnotproposed to?”
Amelia winced. “Well ... he has not proposed to Miss Digby.”
“Notyet,” Frederick said. “But the night is still young.”
I liked Frederick’s teasing tone nearly as much as his foppish fashion, but it was not enough to distract me from watching Oliverwaltzwith this Digby woman.
“You don’t think he would marry her, do you?” Lady Margaret said.
“She would like nothing better,” Amelia said. “But no matter how large her dowry, I don’t think he would make the mistake of courting her again.”
“He courted her too?” Was Oliver something of a rake?
I felt faint. No. I felt like I was seeing Oliver’s future play out in front of me. One day, he would marry. He would take a woman to wife, a woman who was not me.
I looked around the room for Hannah. By some miracle, I caught her eye, and she must have seen my distress, because she excused herself from her current conversation and came to me.
“Is there somewhere quiet I can sit? I need a moment.”
Hannah glanced to where Oliver was dancing with Miss Digby and frowned. “That woman.” She took hold of my hand and led me from the ballroom. But the entrance hall was nearly as crowded as the ballroom, so we continued toward the library.
As soon as we stepped inside, Hannah shut the door, and I removed my mask and placed it on a settee. Without the cloth on my face, I felt like I could breathe again. The air was much cooler, and silence surrounded us.
“You mustn’t let Miss Digby disturb you,” Hannah soothed. “I know how irksome she is, believe me I do, but I’ve known Oliver my whole life, and he hasneverlooked at anyone the way he looks at you.”
“If only that were enough.”
