Page 29 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Eleven

Minta was thrilledthat she had been asked to stay and dance with the group, especially with the Marquess of Kingston.

The only problem was that she did not yet know how to waltz.

Mama had told her daughters of this beautiful, intimate dance and they were to learn it once they returned to London to make their come-outs years ago. The waltz had yet to arrive in Upper Canada and so the handful of assemblies she and her twin had attended had not seen it danced. Before she left Ontario, Mama had said Aunt Phyllis would hire a dance master in order for Minta to properly learn the steps.

When she had brought this up with her aunt, Uncle West had immediately spoken up, telling her that she didn’t need any dance master when he could easily teach her to waltz, something he enjoyed. They were supposed to start their lessons once they returned to town but she had been so busy the past few days they had yet to do so.

Now, she was confronted with an awkward situation. Though she longed to be in the marquess’ arms, how could she when she had no idea of the steps of the dance?

Before she could speak up and reveal her lack of dance knowledge, the Duchess of Camden had everyone on their feet, practically marching them to Lady Danbury’s ballroom as if she were an officer leading soldiers into battle.

They entered the ballroom and Minta saw a pianoforte sitting there.

Lady Danbury said, “I will play for you today since Owen is missing.” She made her way to the instrument and sat, starting to play a series of scales to warm up her fingers.

Drawn to the speed and complexity of the scales, Minta left the group and went to stand by Lady Danbury, watching her fingers fly across the keys. After a few minutes, the countess stopped, looking up and smiling.

“Do you play the pianoforte?” she asked.

Minta nodded. “I do both sing and play.”

“Then you will have to do so for us after dinner tomorrow night.”

Her Grace appeared and asked, “Are you ready, Louisa?”

Lady Danbury nodded and Her Grace led Minta back to the others. The duchess then elaborated on which dances they would practice and Minta noticed His Grace’s lips twitching in amusement. More than that, however, she saw the look of love the duke bestowed upon his wife. Minta had seen such a look pass between Lord and Lady Danbury and many times between her parents. It made her think that perhaps she should be open to finding love this Season. Mama had given up the many luxuries that a title would bring in order to marry Papa but Minta knew just how happy her parents had been over the years.

His Grace cleared his throat and said, “I think we understand the battle plan, my love.” He glanced to Minta and said, “My wife can be what the rest of us call a force of nature. She can become swept up in her plans. I hope you are not feeling overwhelmed, Miss Nicholls.”

Before Minta could reply, Her Grace said, “Miss Nicholls is a woman of quality, both intelligent and understanding. Of course, she is ready to face any situation, and that includes dancing.”

The duchess called out to her cousin, “The reel first, if you would, Louisa.”

They took their places, Minta standing beside Lord Kingston, and the music began. A few of the dances they ran through were meant for four couples and so they merely pretended another couple was there and danced with air during those few times.

They practiced another reel, followed by two country dances, and Minta was feeling slightly out of breath when a maid rolled in a cart. On it were glasses of lemonade and the servants distributed them to everyone. Minta tried to sip but wound up greedily guzzling her beverage instead.

“Now that we have had some refreshments, it is time for us to practice the waltz.”

Minta cleared her throat and said, “I am afraid I won’t be able to participate in this, Your Grace. I have yet to learn how to waltz. My uncle was to teach me once we came to town but we have only been here a short time and I have been involved in a flurry of dress fittings. I am sorry to disappoint you.”

Instead of disappointment, she saw the duchess’ eyes gleam with interest.

“Oh, that is even better,” Her Grace proclaimed.

Confusion filled her as the duchess smiled at her.

“The best way to test if you truly know something is to teach it to another,” Her Grace declared. Looking to Lord Kingston, she added, “You have learned how to waltz and now you are going to teach Miss Nicholls how to do so, Percy.”

Minta watched as the marquess’ face turned scarlet. She felt herself blush to her roots, realizing they both were mortified.

Lady Middlefield patted Minta on the back and said, “That is a lovely idea. But I believe it will go better if you do not have an audience watching your every move.” Turning to the others, she said, “Shall we return to the drawing for an hour and allow these two to have their lesson in private?”

By now, Lady Danbury had joined them and she agreed it was an excellent idea. The group exited the ballroom, leaving Minta alone with Lord Kingston.

“I . . . am sorry,” he sputtered. “Adalyn has a tendency to take charge of every situation. If you are uncomfortable with this idea, she did not give you a chance to express your opinion. I will understand if—”

---