Page 64 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

Hattie and Mr. Merritt stood nearby, so I introduced Hattie and Lord Brookhaven. He spoke with her for a moment, welcoming her to London, then asked, “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

Hattie’s eyes widened and her voice cracked as she said, “Yes.”

I watched as Lord Brookhaven escorted her to the floor, my heart expanding in my chest as Hattie smiled at something Lord Brookhaven said.

“And now, may I have a dance with you, Miss Robbins?” Mr. Merritt was holding out his hand to me.

“Yes, you may.”

I happily danced, looking nearly as much at Hattie as at Mr. Merritt. When it was over, as he was escorting me back to Mrs. Drake, I said quietly, “Thank you for being kind to my friend. It is her first time in London.”

“She is a skilled partner, and I enjoyed dancing with her. But I admit, I enjoyed dancing with you even more.”

What could he mean by that? Probably just a little flirtation, as when we were at Lowndesbury House, although he’d never said anything quite like that before.

“May I fetch you some lemonade?” he asked.

“Oh, um, yes, thank you.”

Lord Brookhaven was looking at me at that moment, then he turned and walked away.

“There you are, Miss Robbins.” Mr. Anthony Welton suddenly appeared at my side. “Will you dance with me?” He was leaning quite close and gazing into my eyes.

“Of course.”

“I have been searching for you.”

He was a bit too close for comfort, so I took a step away from him. “You have not met my friend Hattie.” I introduced him.

After initial pleasantries, Hattie and Millicent began talking of the people they had met and of which of the ladies’ dresses they thought was the most beautiful.

Mr. Welton leaned close again and said, “You are looking particularly beautiful this evening, Miss Robbins.”

“I thank you.”

I couldn’t help enjoying his attention, even if I did think his behavior was a bit too forward.

Mr. Merritt returned with two cups of lemonade. He gave one to me and the other to Hattie as Millicent walked away to speak to an acquaintance she’d spotted on the other side of the room.

I knew Mr. Welton was waiting for me to accompany him to the dance floor, but I pretended not to notice as I sipped my lemonade.

The two men eyed each other, as they stood one on either side of me.

Mr. Welton said to Mr. Merritt, “Didn’t I see you at Hyde Park yesterday? Your horse had thrown a shoe, and you were leading him home.”

“No, you are mistaken.” Mr. Merritt looked away from him as if to signal that the conversation was over.

“It was you. Your horse was limping, and you were wearing a green coat and black hat.”

“It was someone else. I wasn’t at Hyde Park yesterday. Miss Robbins, would you care to get some air?”

Before I could speak, Mr. Welton said, “She is engaged to dance the next with me.”

I gave Mr. Merritt an apologetic look.

Mr. Welton said, “You will excuse us, as our dance is about to begin.”

“Very well. I shall see you later in the evening, perhaps.” Mr. Merritt bowed to me and to Hattie and excused himself.