Mr. Lundall stated, “and if Miss Perrin will provide me with the opportunity, I promise that she shall soon agree with me.”
Lady Cox looked appalled. “I did not mean to encourage you to seek out my daughter’s hand, sir.”
“I would consider it an honor.”
“I believe Mr. Lundall would make an exceptional dance partner,” my father interjected, laughter in his eyes.
“I dare say,” Mrs. Hargreaves broke in, “it would be a fine thing to see the young people dance. Perhaps we should provide them with the opportunity after dinner?”
Lady Cox looked as though she wished to smash her food in Mrs. Hargreaves’s face. “I think that is hardly necessary.”
“A dance sounds delightful,” Lady Williams agreed. “It has been too long since we have enjoyed one here. What do you think, Gregory?”
He seemed amused. “I have no objection to it, if Miss Perrin and Miss Brinton do not oppose.”
The humor of the situation evaporated. I did not wish to dance with either gentleman.
Mr. Lundall smiled at me. “Miss Brinton is a superb dancer. I have never known her equal. This meal cannot end soon enough for me.”
Lady Cox snorted, and my mind seized on a way to extricate myself from the activity. “You flatter me, sir. However, I must decline. It would be selfish of me to accept when I have, on a previous occasion, had the pleasure of dancing with you. As this may be Lady Cox’s only opportunity for such an experience, I shall relinquish my spot to her and relegate myself to the position of spectator.”
My father tilted his head in approval of my argument.
“I did not mean to give the impression that I wished to dance,” Lady Cox sputtered.
“Are you refusing to dance with his lordship’s guest, Lady Cox?” Mrs. Hargreaves asked.
“Of course not.” She glared at Mrs. Hargreaves. “I shall consent to a dance, though I think one will be more than adequate.”
“Then it is settled. Miss Brinton can take your place when you have finished,” Lady Williams concluded.
It was not quite the outcome I’d hoped for, as it did not release me completely from the obligation.
After we had withdrawn to the music room, Lady Williams said, “Miss Brinton, perhaps you will do us the honor of playing?”
It was just the excuse I needed. I sat at the piano and played the opening measures. When I checked to see if the couples were ready, I tried not to let the discomfort of seeing Miss Perrin standing opposite Lord Williams outweigh the gratification of observing Lady Cox standing opposite Mr. Lundall.
After the song had finished, Lady Williams rose from her seat. “I shall take Miss Brinton’s place so that she may dance.”
I rose and slowly made my way to the position across from Lord Williams. Miss Perrin had, with some alacrity, assumed her position across from Mr. Lundall with a rather determined air.
“Elisa, do not fatigue yourself,” Lady Cox called out sharply. “Come rest next to me.” She patted the settee.
“But Miss Brinton will not be able to dance if I do not,” Miss Perrin objected.
“Oh,” I said quickly, “I do not mind.”
“Are you certain, Miss Brinton?” Mrs. Hargreaves said. “It doesn’t seem fair that you should not enjoy—”
“Yes, quite sure.”
Lady Williams’s brows knitted together in concern, but she said, “Tea, then. And cards.” The group walked out of the room toward the drawing room, Miss Perrin quickly securing Mr. Lundall’s arm. Lady Cox scowled at him. Mr. Lundall glanced at me, but I smiled encouragingly and he turned his attention to Miss Perrin.
“I am sorry to miss the opportunity of dancing with you,” Lord Williams said quietly, walking beside me into the drawing room.
We paused just inside the room. “But you enjoyed your dance with Miss Perrin, did you not?” I asked.
“Of course.”
“Miss Brinton.” Mr. Lundall indicated an empty chair at his side. I sighed and walked over to it, annoyed at feeling disappointed that it wasn’t Lord Williams offering me a seat next to him.
Mr. Lundall immediately leaned toward me, though his gaze rested on Lady Cox. “I cannot abide an interfering parent.” He eyed her a moment before shifting his attention to me. “In all your magnanimity, you are too polite to mention the changes I have made to my person since we last met. I do not wish to embarrass you by bringing them up, only to illustrate that I am not above recognizing my mistakes and changing the presentation of the person I put forth.”