Page 78 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady
“Now is a great chance to share a dance with a fitting woman among those just relieved of their partners,” Mister Frank said.
“Do not worry, Frank. Ask a girl to dance so you can start with the next set. I will join you.”
Mister Frank tipped his hat and walked into the crowd. Dr Frederick tailed him not, his mind focused on the surprising appearance of Miss Helena. After a pause of a few minutes, the musicians started playing once again. It was the second dance of the day. Men led women to the floor once again. Dr Frederick looked towards the door, and he saw Miss Helena, coming into the room with her maid behind her.
She wore a pink gown with a high collar. Her maid wore a dress similar to hers but with a neckline that didn’t reach up to her shoulders. Dr Frederick started walking towards her. He had to manoeuvre between people to get to her. Her maid saw him first and spoke into Miss Helena’s ears. Miss Helena looked up and saw Dr Frederick. Dr Frederick was expecting a smile that matched his, but her reaction was far more subdued.
Is something wrong?
They were almost within speaking distance when an arm tugged at Miss Helena’s gloved hand. It was Lord Jeffrey. She wasn’t surprised to see him and spoke a few words with him. He started leading her to the dance floor. Anger bristled within Dr Frederick as he saw Miss Helena look longingly to him. Her eyes spoke apologies and a promise of an explanation.
I don’t need it. I have no claim to you.
Dr Frederick stopped walking. He stood riveted to the spot, but his eyes followed her till she stopped at the middle of the hall with Lord Jeffrey and curtseyed for the initiation of the dance. It wasn’t a difficult one, Dr Frederick noticed. Everyone seemed capable of doing it efficiently. Lord Jeffrey did it masterfully. Dr Frederick was vexed at the admiration he felt for the flawless manner Lord Jeffrey’s body moved. He glided through the air, making it easy for Miss Helena to follow. Dr Frederick turned.
It is a rather distasteful sight.
“Dr Frederick,” he heard behind him.
Dr Frederick turned back to see Miss Justina, standing just behind him. She had drawn closer while he had stared at Miss Helena as she left.
“You look wonderful,” Dr Frederick said after fulfilling his initial greeting devoir.
“Thank you, Doctor. I was of the thought that you intended to have a word with Miss Helena,” she said.
Dr Frederick did not reply immediately. He needed to craft his answer to make sense.
“I did, just for greeting, though, before she got taken by Lord Jeffrey,” he said.
“Yes, I noticed that too.”
“Was it you who chaperoned her here?” Dr Frederick asked.
Miss Justina laughed. She had a perfect set of small, white teeth. Dr Frederick wondered if he had another joke in store that could make her uncover those gems once again.
“I am everywhere with her. I do not think I would do as a chaperone. She came here with Lord Jeffrey. He, in fact, drove us here from home with his barouche.”
“A very fine vehicle, that barouche,” Miss Justina added in a reminiscent tone.
“I was of the opinion that she was engaged for the day,” Dr Frederick said.
“Engaged? I wasn’t aware of any such engagements. Why would you think that?” Miss Justina asked.
“Ah, do not be bothered, Miss Justina. It was probably a mistake on my part,” Dr Frederick said.
Why would she tell me she was engaged if she wasn’t?
“I am inclined to, but since you have requested that I shouldn’t be, I won’t be,” Miss Justina replied.
Dr Frederick said nothing. He felt a cocktail of wonder and anger cooking up inside him. He did not feel like dancing.
That is exactly what I should do to take my mind away from this disturbing discovery.
“Would it be a bother if you shared a dance with me?” Dr Frederick asked Miss Justina.
Her mouth was a tight line as her eyes opened wide. Dr Frederick smiled gently, soaking in the laughter that almost erupted at her shocked response.
“Of course, it wouldn’t be in the least,” Miss Justina replied at last when she managed to get a grip.
