Page 54 of An Unholy Affair
‘You could always dance with me if you like?’ Eveline said.
‘I wouldn’t know where to start. Actually, I’m feeling a little tired. I think I’ll head back to my flat for a rest. Lovely to meet you, Eveline.’
‘And you too, Robert.’
She watched him go.Please God, I’m asking if you could give Robert a little more confidence. He seems like such a lovely man, and I think he could be so happy here.
Turning back to the room, Eveline smiled as she watched Jack and Shirley dance. He’d clearly had lessons at some point as he matched Shirley step for step. When the number finished, Shirley was elbowed out of the way by another woman who stepped with enthusiasm into Jack’s arms.
Eveline edged around the room to where Erica stood.
‘Wheredidyou find him?’ Erica asked. ‘And can we keep him?’
She laughed. ‘He grew up here, but now lives in the south of France.’
‘Explains the tan. Is he here on holiday?’
‘No. His father died last week, so he’s sorting out the funeral, then staying a few more weeks to support his mother and help organise the Manor’s Winter Ball.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. Are you sure he’s got time to help us out?’
‘I think so. He’s very good, so he’ll be far quicker than you or I.’
‘Well, I appreciate you finding him for us.’
The two women lapsed into silence as they watched the couples dancing. Jack was the only man, and every few minutes when the songs changed, a different woman grabbed him.
When he’d danced with every lady present, Shirley took his hand, but this time dragged him over to where she and Erica were standing.
‘Eveline, you need to dance with Jack,’ she said.
‘Me?’
‘Oh yes,’ agreed Erica. ‘Good idea, Shirley.’
Eveline caught Jack’s eye. He looked wary.
She lifted the arm that was in a sling. ‘I can’t.’
‘You’ve still got both feet,’ Shirley replied. She turned to Jack. ‘You’ll dance with Eveline, won’t you?’
He hesitated, then nodded. ‘It would be my pleasure.’
The way he said “pleasure” sent a shiver running through her. Was it safe to dance with him?What’s the worst that can happen? You drool?
He bowed deeply and held out his hand. ‘Eveline, may I have this dance?’
She swallowed.
‘Yes, she will,’ Erica said, pushing her towards him. She pressed the remote for the stereo system. ‘Let me just find something a little slower.’
Eveline placed her hand in Jack’s and he drew it forward and placed it on his shoulder, then carefully held her, making sure he wasn’t touching her injured arm.
‘Okay?’ he asked.
She nodded, memories from the bar in London flooding through her. A slow melody played, and he moved them into the room.
‘I don’t know any steps,’ she whispered.
