"Alexandra?"
"My older sister. His wife."
"Oh." Whatever scandal had afflicted Hawkridge, it must have happened while James was preoccupied by grief. Feeling an absurd rush of relief, it was all he could do to hold back a grin. Hawkridge wasn't Juliana's suitor—he was her brother-in-law. "I didn't realize he was married to your sister."
"I forgot you've met only Corinna. I shall have to introduce you to Alexandra." She caught sight of someone and frowned. "That man doesn't like you much, does he?"
Awestruck once again at her lightning-fast change of subject, James followed her gaze. "Occlestone?" He hadn't realized she'd overheard their conversation. "He doesn't like any of the bills I propose in Parliament. But I don't like him much, either, so we're even."
"Two hours," she said, looking impressed. "How was your speech received? Other than by Lord Occlestone, I mean."
He sighed. "I don't think the House of Lords is prepared to expend more money fighting smallpox. They awarded two grants to fund Edward Jenner's research—in 1802 and again in 1806—and they consider that enough. In addition, there are those who feel that making immunization obligatory would be a problem in itself. A matter of civil liberty. They believe imposing vaccinations isn't acceptable in a country with a tradition of freedom."
"They have a point," she said thoughtfully.
He nodded. "When it comes to weighing personal freedom against the greater good, I admit to some ambivalence." Very little in this world was black and white. "But I do wish there was more support for public funding of the effort to eradicate the disease."
"Has your bill come to a vote?"
"Not yet, but I fear I know the outcome already." His two-hour speech had been followed by four hours of debate—mostly not in his favor. "I shall try again next year. Perhaps for funding alone, given the resistance to making vaccination compulsory."
"You're a reasonable man, James."
He shrugged. "Merely pragmatic. No matter how strongly I feel about conquering smallpox, I'm coming to believe there's nothing I can say that will override others' desire to protect individual rights. And I'm not even sure their position isn't legitimate."
"But will money alone help? You're already paying for other people's vaccinations."
"Only here in London. My income, after all, though not insubstantial, is limited. But government funds would go towards more than doctors and supplies—they would also pay for education. If everyone learned the importance of immunization and therefore decided to have their children vaccinated, the end result would be the same as if it were required." Thinking this was quite a serious discussion for a young lady at a social event, he smiled and changed the subject. "Are you enjoying Lady Partridge's ball?"
"Of course. I didn't see you arrive."
"That's because you were dancing with Castleton." The ass had looked as stuffy as ever, even with Juliana in his arms, which had cheered James tremendously. "Can I convince you to dance with me instead?"
"You're here to dance with Lady Amanda," she reminded him. "Did you eat the macaroons before you came?"
"Absolutely. I assure you, I shall have enough stamina to dance with you both."
"Very well," she said with a laugh. "We can talk about your strategy as we dance."
James didn't want to talk about strategy. But he did want to get his hands on Juliana, with the intention of making more progress toward eventually kissing her, so he mumbled something that sounded like consent and drew her toward the dance floor.
TWENTY-ONE
"SO," JULIANA said to James as they waltzed, "have you decided how you're going to ask Lady Amanda's permission to court her?"
He pulled her closer. "I thought I'd start with 'May I have this dance?' and take it from there."
"That doesn't sound particularly gallant."
"I think it will work," he said dismissively. "After all, I bought her several gifts." He pulled her closer still, until their bodies were nearly touching, which had the odd effect of making her tingle. "Have I sent her all of the gifts yet, or just some?"
"Only the fan and the gloves so far," she said, feeling breathless as his hand smoothed slowly down her back. "And the flowers, of course. You'll send the rest next week."
"You'll see to that, I presume," he said dryly as he slid his hand back up. "Sending the gifts is a very gallant gesture, isn't it?"
"That's why I suggested them."
"Well, then," he said, skimming his fingers down again and making her pulse race a little faster, "shouldn't that be enough? They do say that actions speak louder than words."
His actions were speaking volumes. He shouldn't be rubbing her back in the middle of a crowded dance floor, but she expected the macaroons were to blame for such forward behavior—and she had to admit it felt very nice. If he did the same to Amanda, that, coupled with the gifts, could very well be enough to make her want to marry him.
As the waltz came to an end, she was pleased to notice her older sister conversing with Amanda. "There's Alexandra now," she said, maneuvering so that James would lead her off the dance floor in their direction. "Let me introduce you."
James told Alexandra he'd been delighted to learn Lord Hawkridge had wed—in fact, he seemed more happy about that than was warranted—and Alexandra was glad to meet the man who'd been discussed so avidly at Juliana's sewing parties, although she didn't say so, of course.
After the introductions were complete, it was a simple matter to suggest that James and Amanda dance. Unfortunately, the musicians struck up a country tune, not a waltz, but the two of them headed off, looking very good together. They were both tall, and James's dark handsomeness contrasted with Amanda's pale beauty. Anyone would agree they made a perfect couple.
Juliana turned and spotted James's mother gazing happily toward her son, clearly pleased to see him with the lovely Amanda. Lady Stafford looked different tonight—or younger, maybe—wearing a fashionable dress of deep rose with almond trim. Juliana recalled seeing something similar in
