Page 75 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
A list of the dances that would be played throughout the evening was printed on her dance card, along with a space for a gentleman to write his name. Elliot picked the supper waltz, scrawled his name there with the small pencil attached to the card and winked at her. “I will see you later.”
He strolled away, stopping a couple of women, and writing his name on their cards. It amazed her how annoyed she felt when one of them batted her eyes at him. Mr. Glenmoor stepped up and requested a dance, and she walked to the line of dancers on his arm, all the time watching Elliot make his way around the room, chatting, and requesting dances.
* * *
Elliot triedhis best to pay attention to Miss Chalvers, whom he was partnering in the quadrille. The woman relentlessly chatted on about nonsense to the point that he blocked out the sound of her voice, and instead let his eyes wander toward Charlotte. After this set, the supper waltz was next, and he could not wait to hold her in his arms.
He’d missed her almost to distraction in the week they’d been separated. He’d had, as he’d told her, work that needed his attention. The time chasing down Talbot, and then recovering from the attack, and then the gunshot wound, had put him far behind in his law practice.
Several times over the past couple of years he’d considered dropping the investigation part of his business. His legal work was taking up more time each month, and it was far less dangerous. But, after his years in police work, he had enjoyed the investigatory part of his business, and had been reluctant to give it up.
Thankfully, the quadrille came to an end, and he escorted Miss Chalvers back to her mother, and wended his way through the crowd to Charlotte. Mr. Jones-Smith was just returning her to a group of her friends when he reached her. “You seem a bit flushed. Would you care for a stroll on the patio before the next dance?”
Charlotte waved her fan in her face. “Yes, that would be pleasant. It is warm in here.” After a slight nod to the ladies she was speaking with, he extended his arm, and she strolled with him through the throng and out the French doors to the patio.
“Ah, this feels much better. I was really quite warm.” Charlotte took in a deep breath of air.
“It’s stuffy in there, but you must be careful because it is chilly out here in the night air.”
When Charlotte had joined him in her entrance hall earlier, he’d decided that whatever it took, he would have her consent to his marriage proposal. He could see them having a very successful life together. A home, children, and all the love and warmth that came with it.
Once they had entered the carriage, he’d vowed to press his suit that very night. Now that the problem of the gruesome packages had been solved, he wanted to move forward with his life.
With Charlotte.
“It feels odd to be at one of these events and not see Mr. Talbot across the room, chatting away with someone.” Charlotte sighed. “I still have a hard time with it.”
Elliot took her hand in his, interlacing her fingers. “We never truly know anyone, sweetheart. Talbot had some sort of obsession that manifested itself in leaving things for you.”
“But why dead animals?”
He shrugged. “I’m afraid we will never know. But it is best if you put it all behind you.”
The musicians started up the waltz, and he turned to her. “My dance, I believe?”
They entered the room, and he swept her into his arms. This was precisely where he wanted Charlotte. They obviously suited. In every way.
The dance did not last long enough for his liking, and he released her with reluctance, but he had the privilege of escorting her into supper. The tables were set with platters of cold meats, bread, cheese, soups, and jellies. A separate table held sweets and fruit.
He filled two plates and made his way through the crowd to where Charlotte sat, conversing with Lord and Lady Monroe. Once again, his heart lifted at the sight of her. Yes, he was in love. Perhaps foolishly, but nevertheless, there it was. She was his.
Once he placed the plate in front of Charlotte, he settled next to her and waved to a footman to bring them drinks. Unfortunately, at the assemblies no alcohol was served, so he had to imbibe warm lemonade.
“Mr. Baker, I was just telling Mrs. Pennyworth about the new art collection that has arrived at the museum. I am sure the both of you would enjoy viewing it.”
Elliot looked at Charlotte. “Would you care to go??
“Yes, I believe I would.”
“Excellent. Perhaps the four of us can take the trip there. I haven’t been there yet, myself, but I hear it is spectacular.” Lord Monroe leaned forward, the enthusiasm in his voice contagious.
Elliot had never delved much into the art world, since it had never been one of his favorite types of activities. However, he’d found when he had escorted Charlotte, that it was rather interesting, and not at all as tiresome as he’d assumed.
“Shall we say Thursday, next, then?” Lady Monroe beamed at the two of them.
Elliot turned to Charlotte. “Is that acceptable to you?”
She nodded, and the date was set. They continued to chat amicably until the musicians started up again. He leaned toward her. “Do you wish to continue with the dance, or would you prefer to return home?”
