Not for the first time, he wondered why he’d thought it best to give her time before they announced their betrothal.
Yet a pang of guilt sliced through him. Was it selfish of him to not allow other men to court her? How could she know if she’d made the right choice by accepting his proposal when she was new to the city?
He started forward and the movement must’ve caught her gaze, for she looked directly at him, her smile growing even brighter.
His heart did a slow roll in his chest and made it easy to shove aside his concern. Thank heaven he’d already claimed her as his own. He hoped that soon she’d be ready to tell the world she was marrying him.
“Good evening, Beatrice.” He greeted her with a smile, drawing in her presence.
“Daniel. How nice to see you.” She curtsied with grace as he bowed. Her wide grey eyes sparkled, sweeping over his face intently as if she wanted to know everything that had happened since they’d last been together. As if she truly cared about how he was. Surely that was more than merely friendly interest in her expression.
Wasn’t it?
“You are beautiful.” He held her gaze as he said the words, loving the delicate shade of pink that stole up her cheeks.
“Humph.” The not so subtle clearing of his brother’s throat reminded him of his and Caroline’s presence. “Good evening, Daniel.”
He greeted Richard and Caroline before returning his regard to Beatrice.
“Dear Daniel,” Caroline whispered, “your attention to Beatrice is gathering notice. If you’re not careful, you’ll have everyone talking.”
He didn’t care. He wanted her all to himself. But he gave himself a stern reminder that what he wanted didn’t matter. “My apologies. I thought it best to inform the other eligible men of my interest.”
Beatrice chuckled. “I hardly think that is necessary.”
Caroline was having none of it, made clear by the way she elbowed him none too gently in the side, just missing his still sore injury. “This is her first London ball. We are all going to make certain she enjoys herself. Aren’t we?”
“Of course.” He and Richard said the words at the same time.
Caroline nodded with a satisfied smile. “Excellent. Now, who shall we introduce Beatrice to first?” She studied the crowd like the experienced lady she was. “Perfect,” she declared though Daniel wasn’t certain who her target was. “Excuse us, gentlemen.” She nodded at Beatrice and the two ladies moved into the crowd.
Richard sighed. “Caroline is intent on introducing Miss Linfield to as many people as possible. Something about an introduction agency and how important it is that she meets the right people.”
“Introduction agency?” Was that what Beatrice had decided on? “Why haven’t I heard more about this?”
“Perhaps because you haven’t come by for the past two days.” Richard raised a brow. “Do you think it wise to abandon your courting of her?”
“I haven’t. Other...activities have taken my time. But need I remind you that we’re betrothed?” Daniel made certain to speak quietly.
“Dear brother, allow me to give you advice. A betrothal doesn’t mean the courting ends. Nor do marriage vows. In fact, I recommend it never ends, for the benefit of you both.”
“Truly?” He hadn’t considered that would be necessary.
“Truly. You’ll thank me one day. Now then, let us see if we can lend any support to their mission.”
Daniel followed as Richard led the way to where Caroline and Beatrice now stood, speaking with the Duchess of Torbridge. The woman was known to be selective in her narrow circle of friends, though Caroline often spoke with her and had been invited for tea several times.
Beatrice appeared nervous, though she hid it for the most part. If not for how well he knew her, he wouldn’t have noticed the tightness of her smile or the slight stiffness in her movements.
Richard joined the group, speaking with the duke, who stood at the duchess’s side. Daniel remained nearby but could see he wasn’t needed at the moment.
He was dismayed that she hadn’t told him more about her idea for the introduction agency. He wanted to be the one she told such things to. He wanted to be her friend, confidante, and her lover.
With a sigh at his lack of patience, he turned away to survey the crowd, wondering who else might be good for Beatrice to meet. Someone bumped him, and he looked back to see that several men now surrounded Beatrice, including Chivington. Daniel stepped closer even as the hostess signaled for the first dance to begin.
“Pardon me, but I believe Miss Linfield promised me the first dance.” Daniel smiled politely at those around her with an extra glare at Chivington then reached for her hand. He refused to allow anyone else to have the honor of partnering her first dance in London.
“My goodness,” she said as she walked with him to the dance floor. “There are so many people in attendance.”
“Quite the crush considering the time of year. Wait until you attend one at the height of the Season.”
“I can only imagine.” She glanced up at him. “Thank goodness you’re here this evening.”
“I’m the lucky one.” He smiled as they took their places with the other couples for a cotillion.
Beatrice watched the other dancers as they completed the first few steps, and he could sense her nervousness. She hesitated and nearly made a misstep.
He took her hand, willing her to focus on him rather than the dance. When her attention shifted, she relaxed, and their steps together took on a life of their own as they moved to and fro. It seemed as if the connection they shared allowed them to move as one.
After a lively set of footwork, Beatrice grinned, her eyes alight with joy.
“I have never enjoyed a dance more,” he said when the final notes of the music played.
“Nor have I.”
He easily spotted Richard and Caroline, and
