Page 35 of Leap of Faith
They danced like graceful swans. It was quite a sight to behold. Carew was evidently not prepared for the sight.
“The devil!” Carew exclaimed.
“By Jove!” Freddy added, even though he had seen them.
“Just so,” Dominic agreed. “I cannot ask just anyone for this favour.”
“I should say not. I do not envy you this task, though I fully intend to stay and watch now.”
“Far be it for me to overturn your plans, Carew.”
“Not at all.”
His mother exclaimed with delight when he strode in, not only with five dancing partners, but having secured the most sought after master in London.
“I will not ask how you made this happen so quickly, but I knew you would not fail me!”
He dutifully kissed her cheek, followed by bows from each of his friends.
“And you will all be on your best behaviour!” she warned his friends with a twinkle in her eyes as she returned to her sofa to watch. Many a school holiday had been spent at their country estate, Taywards, in their youth.
“Perhaps you could create a sensation by having them simply dance for everyone,” Rotham said, with an appreciative gleam in his eyes.
“Not a bad notion, but I fear there are not enough smelling salts for that combined with my mother’s mad notions.”
“Ah. A theme?”
“A theme,” Dominic confirmed.
“My sympathies.”
The song they were dancing to ended, and the ladies noticed they had an audience.
Charming blushes bloomed across their cheeks.
“It’s a shame to see them spoiled by theton. I suppose it must be done.”
“Ladies, may I make known to you Lord Carew. We are here to partner you.”
“Carew, perhaps you could partner Miss Joy?”
“Oh, I already promised myself to Miss Joy,” Freddy interrupted.
“Very well then. Perhaps Miss Grace?” Grace stepped forward and curtsied. “This is an old school friend, Lord Carew.”
When Dominic turned around, the others had paired themselves off.
“I suppose no further introductions are necessary?” he asked Faith, who was awaiting him.
“None at all, but I fear you are forced to suffer my company again,” she said.
“I shall contrive, ma’am,” he said with a severe bow.
“You mock me, sir!”
“Only a little,” he confessed as he took his place before her.
“I thought you might choose one of my sisters, who…”
