The music for a Schottische started. Her fan finally dropped from her hand to her wrist, and Everton quickly looked away so she wouldn’t notice his reaction. Not only had her family forced her into a ballgown with a low bodice, but they had placed the most ridiculous chartreuse bow at the center of her bosom. The next time he had a chance to speak with Lady Emily’s mother, he would have some choice words for her.

Lady Emily started out the dance timidly. But within the first few bars of music, something changed in her. Her steps lifted higher, and when he pushed her out and then back into him, she actually smiled.

A smile.

A smile he could work with. He tightened his grip on her hand and, as a test, added an extra hop to their turn. It didn’t faze her, and on her following turn, she repeated the same hop. Her chin was finally raised, and her pale-blue eyes sparked with excitement.

He pulled her close as they performed a series of steps with her in his arms. “I didn’t know you could dance so well.”

“I don’t often get the chance.”

Her voice was a bit breathless, but he caught every word. Lady Emily was quite a different person when she was dancing.

“You don’t think that has anything to do with you hiding in the corner?”

She lowered her head, and without thinking, he put his finger under her chin to lift it. Her eyes immediately dulled, and he pulled his hand away as if he had been burned. Or to be more accurate, as if his touch would burn her.

“I don’t know anyone here,” she said, still not looking at him. She was the daughter of an earl. It shouldn’t be difficult for her to get to know people in this room.

“Would you like me to introduce you to a few of the women I know? Perhaps that would help. The Duchess of Harrington is here. She is one of the few very good women in London. Her son is a bit tedious, but he opted not to come, so there is no concern about speaking to him.”

“Perhaps.” Lady Emily didn’t sound interested. Most women he knew would be delighted to be introduced to a duchess.

“Don’t you want to meet people?”

“I’m not sure I like people.”

“But you like dancing.”

“Yes, I do like dancing and music, but I don’t like balls.”

This was more insight into his conquest than he’d had since she had whispered over tea that she was interested in geology. He had the sudden desire to agree with her. Dancing could be entertaining—a hand at a woman’s waist, a chance to move to well-played music. Really, it was the people at balls that disturbed him. But there wasn’t a way to be rid of them or else he would, for Lady Emily’s sake. He leaned forward, careful not to come too close to her pale-blonde curls. Distance seemed to be a key to keeping her comfortable. “Close your eyes.”