Page 11 of An Offer for a Spinster
“Yes, it has been a while,” Timothy said, laughing nervously. “William was concerned you might be getting tired, only he couldn’t get away from Lord and Lady Edrington, and…”
“I’m quite alright, thank you. I’m gathering my strength for the dancing, which begins soon.”
Timothy nodded. He glanced briefly at Lord Barwood, who was inspecting him with a long, blank stare. Not a particularly welcoming one, in Katherine’s opinion.
“Have you any dances spare, Lady Katherine?” Timothy ventured.
Katherine twisted up her dance card to look, and he craned his neck to see.
“I do believe I may have secured the final dance, my dear fellow,” Lord Barwood said, his voice pointedly jovial.
“No, no, I have a few slots spare,” Katherine said, trying not to let her heart sink at her packed dance card. She’d barely have a chance to breathe between sets, let alone rest.
“I see you’re quite busy,” Timothy said, his voice quiet. When she glanced up, his eyes were resting on the dance card. “Dancing all night is a tiring thing, I’m sure. Perhaps you’d like to rest a little.”
“Yes, thank you,” Katherine said, not quite able to hide her relief. That wasn’t kind, was it? Feeling relieved that she didn’t have to dance with her brother’s oldest friend.
Timothy smiled at them both, made a tight bow, and slipped away, leaving Katherine with Lord Barwood again.
“A quiet sort of chap,” Lord Barwood observed. “I daresay he’ll spend the whole evening melting into the background, hiding in corners and watching people.”
“He’s always been a good friend to William, but I can’t say I know much about him. Oh, I do hope he’s not offended. It’s just that this is our first hosted party since… since the funeral.”
Lord Barwood looked suitably sympathetic. “I am sorry. But your older brother is growing into his role as the new duke, I’ve heard.”
“Yes, he’s doing an excellent job.”
“I wonder, could I fetch you some punch, and perhaps find us a couple of chairs?”
Something fluttered in Katherine’s chest, and she snatched at it eagerly. What was this feeling? It was new. Was it attraction?
Well, why not? He was a handsome man, a charming one, and he was clearly interested in her. He knew her father, which wasn’t exactly a mark in his favour, but it did mean that he was known to the family. She needed to find someone, after all.
Before Katherine could respond, however, the musicians started up with a flourish. Couples started to take to the dance floor, chattering eagerly, pairing up. William materialized from nowhere. He looked pale and tired but kept a brave smile on his face.
“Ah, it’s Lord Barwood, is it not? A pleasure,” he said, in the voice that Katherine recognized as his Society voice, level and measured, with a hint of enthusiasm but not too much.
“Yes, indeed,” Lord Barwood responded. “I’d engage you in conversation, but I suspect you’ve come to claim your dear sister for the first dance.”
“I certainly have. Are you ready, Katherine? The ball won’t open without us.”
William offered his arm smilingly to Katherine, who took it, glancing back at Lord Barwood as she did so.
“I look forward to our dance, Lady Katherine,” he said, making a bow. “I do hope you won’t forget.”
“As if I could,” she said, laughing, and William drew her away.
“He seems nice,” William remarked, under his breath. “You’ve gone all red.”
“Have I?” Katherine’s hand flew up to her face. “He came up to me and introduced himself, you know.”
“Shocking. Don’t let Mother know.”
“I won’t, I’m not a fool. Did you speak to Timothy tonight?”
“Only briefly, I’m sorry.”
William clicked his tongue. “He’s too reserved for his own good. I do worry about him. He… he knows about the business of the will, by the way.”
