Oh, what blessed relief.
“Of course, not war,” he said simply, surprised that the tone of his voice had not changed as well, so different was his present feeling of existence. “Only separation. So find me a string of young ladies to dance with, and let my life begin.”
Tyrone snorted once. “Steady on, this isn’t some Shakespearean play, and you have no lines. More than that, I am not your nanny.”
Sensing his new friend was not at all inclined towards romantic sentiment, Michael nodded and thought it best to move on. “Very well. I will still require your assistance. I haven’t been particularly social at a ball in years.”
“You don’t say,” Tyrone replied without concern, the lack of surprise in his tone bordering on the impudent. “How astonishing.”
“You needn’t make me sound like a bore,” Michael muttered as he downed the remnants of his glass and handed the empty vessel to a nearby footman.
Tyrone smirked at him. “You’re only a poor git who never got past being a puppy, but never you fear. The Sterlings and I will correct your course.”
“How very reassuring.” Michael shook his head and looked around the ballroom with some curiosity.
He hadn’t really looked about a ballroom before. Likely not ever, unless he was looking for Charlotte. But now, he could freely look and act as he saw fit.
But why would a gentleman without any particular interest dance with any lady? Michael had no interests at present, would need several rounds of introductions before he could dance with anyone worth pursuing, and he wasn’t entirely convinced he wanted to pursue anyone at all for now. So what did he do?
Why in the world had he come?
“Gads,” he grumbled to himself, wishing the situation were less formal so he might slump against the wall. “This would all be so much easier if Charlotte were ordering me about. She could strategize the way in three minutes without leaving me lost and uncomfortable.”
“Oh, stop whining and ask a lady to dance,” Tyrone groaned mercilessly. “Or find someone for me to introduce you to. Either way, you decide. I am perfectly content to remain here and do nothing all evening.”
That did not sound very promising, and Michael wondered about the wisdom of having Tyrone Demaris as his friend at a time like this. He wasn’t sure the man would have stopped him gambling away his fortune, if the opportunity arose.
“Ah, Mr. Sandford!” a young and bright voice chimed in, turning his head.
A tall young woman with hair the color of gold and eyes the shade of rich chocolate approached him, the warm smile on her face almost startling him. He bowed quickly, his mind spinning for her name, though the pure beauty in her countenance was rendering him more than a little befuddled.
“Have you already forgotten that you engaged me for this dance?” She laughed and put her hand on his arm. “How many ladies have begged for your partnership already? Come, I insist on my claim.”
No fool to an offered opportunity, Michael went where he was tugged, forcing a smile on his face for the benefit of any watching, given that this woman had taken no trouble to keep her voice down while addressing him.
“I do hope you don’t mind a quadrille,” his partner said in a lower, much more companionable voice. “Hugh only said to dance with you, and I didn’t see a need to wait.”
Alice Sterling.
Of course, why hadn’t he remembered?
In an instant, he knew that Hugh had been precisely right in warning him away from any intentions where she was concerned. Any man with a working set of kneecaps would have fallen for Alice if left alone and unawares with her for more than ten minutes. Less, if she had an interest herself. Fortunately, Michael was well aware, and thus they were both safe.
In theory.
“I do dance the quadrille, Miss Sterling,” Michael assured her as he was finally able to draw a full breath. “Thank you for the rescue.”
“Rescue?” She laughed once. “Mr. Sandford, I was just as in need of a partner as you, and any excuse to have one without going through the trouble of waiting to be invited is welcome here.”
Michael grinned at her as they took their position on the floor. “I give you the freedom to claim any dance you please with me at any time. No invitation required, no commitment expected.”
Alice’s smile turned crooked. “I think you might call me Alice for that, Mr. Sandford. Unless it will shock you.”
“Not in the least.” He inclined his head at the start of the music.
“We’re going to be great friends, Mr. Sandford.” Alice glanced over at her brother, now joined by Lord Sterling as well. “But I think we had better tell my brothers that we have no intention of starting rumors or being lovers in truth.”
Michael chuckled as he began to promenade with her, following the lead couple. “We had better. They would kill me otherwise; I’ve already been forewarned.”
Alice shrugged and parted from him to move to her next position. “At this rate, everyone they know will be forewarned, and I’ll be the next generation of the Spinsters with a capital S.”
“That would serve them right.” Michael smiled at the woman he crossed to, bowing before her and taking her hands as they moved in a circle before retreating back. “Though I must say, I have some sisters myself, and we really cannot help our protective natures.”
“So long as I am not protected into a glass box for eternity, I should not mind that.” She mirrored his action to the gentleman beside him, turned with him, then returned to her spot.
Crossing to her now, Michael felt himself relaxing more than he had done in some time. “Are you eager to make a match for yourself?”
“Not particularly,” she replied, surprising him with the ease of her answer. “I would like to, eventually, but at the moment, I would simply like
