“Tell me what right away?” a voice asked, and Jenny whirled to see Cassandra standing in the doorway. She wore a smile, a tight, trembling smile that hinted more of hysteria than pleasantness.
Jenny was acutely aware of the picture they presented. Miles had nearly been holding her, and they were outside, in the darkness, alone.
“Excuse me,” Jenny said, and went swiftly into the house. She hoped Miles would take this opportunity to speak to Cassandra. They had to get this painful business behind them, and soon, before things got worse.
Lord Darlington approached her, seeming wary and penitent. “May I offer my apology, Miss Alt, for my behavior at our last meeting. It was inexcusable, but I only can plead my emotions got the better of my sense.”
“Thank you, Lord Darlington,” she replied coolly. “I accept your apology.”
His expression altered, and she could see he was filled with relief. “Then you have made my night. You are most gracious.”
Jenny peered impatiently to the open doors. Cassandra or Miles had not yet appeared.
Darlington looked in the direction of her stare. “You are very lovely tonight, Miss Alt. That shade of blue is most becoming.”
“Thank you. Would you excuse me?” She moved away from him, not registering the flash of frustration that hardened his boyish features.
He rushed to say, “Miss Alt, if you are dancing this evening, I would be most honored if you would consider me as a partner for one.” He tried to smile. “Or two?”
“Thank you,” Jenny said. She escaped the uncomfortable situation, giving him no more thought. Her mind was filled with what was happening outside.
When her cousin and the earl appeared a short time later, and Jenny knew immediately that Miles had indeed taken the opportunity to speak frankly to Cassandra. She lo
oked devastated.
It did not take long for Miles to find his way to her side. “I must speak with you,” he said.
“Not here.”
A country dance was announced, and several couples assembled themselves in the center of the room.
“Dance with me.”
“We cannot talk on the dance floor,” she protested, but she allowed herself to be pulled along with him.
“I know that, of course.” He shot her a smile over his shoulder that knocked the breath from her. “I simply wish to dance with you.”
She felt a surge of joy, followed by the sinking feeling of guilt. It would be wrong to flaunt dancing with Miles when her cousin was watching.
“I cannot, Miles,” she whispered, planting her feet on the edge of the dance floor and refusing to take another step. What made it all the more difficult was Miles’s visible disappointment.
He glanced about to make certain there was no one close to them who might overhear before leaning in to say in a low voice, “Cassandra understood completely. We parted on good terms, Jenny. Now, I wish to dance with you.”
“No.” Jenny shook her head. She spoke barely above a whisper. “You do not understand. I saw her face. She was only pretending so as not to embarrass herself.”
“You underestimate her. She even agreed to a dance later on. I think I am quite forgiven. And you have overestimated this entire affair.”
Jenny wished she could believe him. She had no doubt her cousin had put a great face on her grief, but she resigned herself to another ride home rife with hysterics, and God knew what else.
“Look, see, she is already talking and flirting, as good as new,” Miles prompted, nodding his head in the direction of her cousin, who was indeed bestowing one of her “looks” on a group of gentlemen.
Jenny relaxed. It was tempting to think that perhaps she had made too much of the matter. She laughed softly. “I fear I am too used to taking her moods seriously because they always upset Aunt Iris so. Sometimes I forget how transient they are.”
“Then, will you?” He cocked an arm, and she slipped her hand in his. Pausing, she glanced at Cassandra.
She was conversing quite intently with a young man. Jenny could not see who it was because his back was to her, but she could see her cousin’s face quite clearly. It was animated.
Relief flooded over her. Cassandra was already working her charms on other prospective suitors.