Spinster Ever After (The Spinster Chronicles #7) - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,58

with your apparel. Quite smartly dressed, you are. A marked improvement.”

Had they not been in public, Michael would have thrown his hands up in exasperation. “Nearly all the men in here are dressed the same, Sterling.”

Hugh held up a finger. “There are many differences, Sandford, if you would really take a look. And it is your failure to notice such things that led to her interference anyway. But all is mended, and you are undoubtedly the best dressed gentleman in the room.”

“I feel so comforted by that,” Michael told him dryly.

They reached the ladies then, and Michael bowed to Elinor and Diana as one. “Ladies, I hope your evening has been enjoyable thus far.”

Elinor smiled up at him. “It has, Mr. Sandford, thank you. Though, shockingly, Miss Palmer has not danced a single dance yet this evening.”

Michael looked at Diana for confirmation and found the lady blushing just enough to be even more maddeningly attractive than she already was. “Is this true, Miss Palmer?” he demanded.

“I’ve not been here long,” Diana insisted in her soft manner, “so it cannot be so very shocking.”

“It is shocking,” Michael insisted playfully, forcing himself not to smile. “I must see this remedied at once. Will you dance the next with me?”

Diana smiled prettily and dipped her chin, her golden hair plaited into a sort of crown around the top of her head, small white flowers interspersed throughout. “I thank you, yes, Mr. Sandford.”

He smiled in return. “And, if it is not too bold, the supper set as well?”

Her fine lips parted in surprise, then formed a beaming smile that stole his breath. “I would be pleased to, Mr. Sandford.”

Pleasure spread from the center of his chest to the tips of each finger and toe as he nodded. “Good.”

Michael and Diana clapped with the rest of the dancers as the supper set finished, grinning at each other with the breathless amusement that comes from exuberant dancing.

He’d never enjoyed a dance more; he was convinced of it.

He’d speak to Greensley about courting her tomorrow. Perhaps the day after, if the ball went far into the early morning hours. But he was determined now that he would do it, and the anticipation of it was exhilarating.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you will please proceed into the dining room, we will have supper momentarily,” Lord Eden announced from somewhere in the room.

“Good,” Diana gushed, moving a golden ringlet from her brow to behind her ear. “I am famished. Is that improper to confess?”

Michael shook his head, grinning. “Not to me.” He offered her his arm, and she took it, the feel of her hand on his arm so natural it ought to have been a sign.

A sign of what, he couldn’t say. That she was perfect for him? That he was right to pursue courtship? That all of this had been worth it to have her in his life? It could have been any of these things, or all of these things. Only time would tell.

The dining room was full of splendor, the plates and bowls rimmed with gold and the cold meats already set out for their consumption. Crystal goblets waited pouring for the guests, and a dozen or more footmen stood at the ready along the walls.

Michael gestured to a chair for Diana, pulling it out and helping her to sit before sitting beside her and looking at the meal before them. “White soup. That’s quite a treat indeed!”

“Perfection,” Diana murmured as she discreetly inhaled the scent. She glanced up and down the table shaking her head. “Ham, goose, salmon, cheeses, glazed vegetables, fruit… How will anyone be able to dance after this?”

“And we are destined to have desserts, too,” Michael pointed out. “What can I get you to drink, Miss Palmer?”

She pursed her lips, considering the options. “I think ratafia, if I may.”

Michael chuckled and gave her a look. “I think you may.” He reached for the decanter of ratafia to find another hand there first. “Oh, pardon me.”

The gentleman across smiled and gestured. “Please, you first.”

He nodded and filled Diana’s glass before handing the decanter across the table, freezing as he caught sight of the woman directly across from him.

Charlotte.

She was already staring at him, eyes wide and round, the white ribbon with a cameo at her throat bobbing with a swallow.

He would have given anything not to have seen her.

But dash it all, she was stunning. A little pale at the present, but her dark hair had been dressed in the most attractive manner