“Yes. Caroline suggested I attempt to link those looking for certain positions with those in need of help. I’m still considering the details of how it might work. Would it be too much to ask for your opinion as well?”
“I’d be pleased to.” They had nearly returned to Richard and Caroline. “With that in mind, I shall scour the room to see who else might be helpful for you to meet.”
“Thank you. I must say attending the ball is much less unnerving with the agency in mind.”
He couldn’t help but smile. “You find it far too easy to place other’s needs above your own. Will you save me another dance?” He couldn’t dance with her more than twice without causing gossip when they hadn’t yet announced their betrothal.
“I look forward to it.”
As did he.
BEATRICE’S HEAD SPUN with names and faces as the evening lengthened. Caroline had done her best to introduce her to as many of the ‘right’ people as possible. But if there were any wrong people here, she had yet to see them. The sights and sounds of the evening would stay with her for a long while—ladies’ gowns in nearly every shade imaginable, gentlemen with cravats tied so intricately they could hardly turn their heads, music that made one long to dance, and a wide variety of conversation topics from the mundane to the Battle of Waterloo.
Given that Caroline wasn’t attending any additional balls until after she’d had the baby and so was intent on numerous introductions, the evening sped by as if on wings. The quick pace, along with Daniel’s presence, helped to calm Beatrice’s nerves.
She danced until her feet ached, her slippers pinching her toes. Most of her partners had been pleasant, one not so pleasant, and one rather painful as the man stepped on her foot not once but twice. No doubt she’d have a bruise to prove it come morning.
Despite that, she couldn’t wait to dance with Daniel again.
“Another dance?” Lady Granger, Caroline’s cousin who she’d also met this evening, teased when Beatrice returned to Caroline’s side after a reel. “You’re the most sought after lady in attendance this evening.”
Beatrice’s smile nearly slipped. It was never far from her thoughts that if everyone knew about her time in the brothel, none of them would speak to her nor would she be welcome in anyone’s ballroom. The worry that the information would somehow slip out concerned her, like a shadow hovering over her shoulder.
Was this how Annabelle felt with her writing? That at any moment, her secret life as an author would be revealed and she’d be ruined? Did Margaret feel this way as well? How did they stand it?
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Caroline asked with a worried look.
“Very much so. Thank you.”
“You say that now but wait until you’ve attended your sixth ball in three weeks. Then we’ll ask you again,” Lady Granger added with a smile. “It can be exhausting at the height of the Season.”
“My feet hurt even more just thinking about that,” Beatrice admitted.
Lady Granger was as delightful as Caroline. Her beauty hid a clever mind and a good heart. And it was obvious she dearly loved her husband.
Lady Granger had introduced Beatrice to several acquaintances as well and mentioned the introduction agency to everyone with whom they spoke. She suggested “it wasn’t for just anyone to use” much to Beatrice’s surprise. That had only made Lady Granger’s friends more intrigued by the idea.
Beatrice expected to have several positions for Sarah to consider upon her arrival in London. But she had to determine how to spread the word to other new arrivals. She and Caroline discussed an interview process to find those who seemed trustworthy and suitable for the types of positions Beatrice intended to focus on, namely companions, governesses, and nannies.
One step at a time, she reminded herself when the details felt overwhelming. But the plans she’d made thus far felt right—as if by aiding others, she was repaying fate for her own narrow escape.
“You’ve done amazingly well this evening,” Caroline whispered after they’d spoken with a marchioness, whose exact title presently escaped Beatrice’s memory. “Everyone adores you. Especially my brother-in-law.” A smile curved her lips as she looked over Beatrice’s shoulder.
Beatrice turned to find Daniel walking toward her. He looked especially handsome this evening in a deep blue tailcoat that emphasized his broad shoulders and buff trousers that molded to his muscled thighs. She noted the glances of several ladies who followed his progress toward her. But his gaze held on her, the intensity in his eyes making her wish they had a few minutes alone.
“I believe you promised me a second dance,” he said as he reached for her hand. “I’m here to collect.”
“I’m happy to pay.” His teasing always made her smile.
Their second dance was even better than the first, and her entire body was tingling with awareness by the time it ended.
He took her hand to escort her from the dance floor, but he turned in the opposite direction of where Caroline stood.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“I would like a moment with you away from all of these prying eyes.”
He smoothly escorted her toward an alcove along the wall, the recessed area hidden by a column and a floral display that scented the air with an exotic fragrance.
“What—” she began only to have him take her mouth in a heated kiss before she could finish the sentence.
All thought fell away beneath the passionate onslaught. Desire swept her under, and it felt marvelous. His lips were firm and sure, his hands holding her waist before shifting lower, his thumbs rubbing her hips, causing a longing deep inside her.
She slid her hands over his waistcoat, the hardness of his chest making her wonder what he looked like beneath his attire.
He slowly ended the kiss only to tip his forehead against hers with a sigh. “I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment
