He looked about the room. “All we need—” he muttered to himself. He moved a stool and a small chest of drawers to the wall, effectively clearing the floor. “There.”

“What are you doing?” She sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for one of the shoes. “We need to get to the carts. Everyone will be waiting and—”

Chase took her hands and pulled her to her feet. “Leave your shoes on.”

“Why?”

He led her to the center of the room. “You are going to get your dance.”

She blinked. “Here?”

“And now.” He held her hand in his and clasped her gently about the waist. “Allow me to point out that I am not one of your brothers.”

“I—how can—with this dress?”

He grinned. “You can take it off if you wish. Actually, I think that is an excellent idea.”

“B-but there is no music.”

“We’ll pretend. I’ve noticed that your entire family is good at pretending. This shouldn’t tax your abilities in the least.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t think, Harriet. Pretend. Pretend you’re at a ball. Pretend you’re wearing a gown that goes with these shoes. Pretend you’re surrounded with soft music, flickering candlelight, and the glitter of jewels.”

She smiled, her eyes closing slightly. “Mmmm. A full orchestra. And the Prince is in attendance.”

He smiled down at her. “As you wish, m’lady.” He tightened his hold on her waist. “May I have this dance?”

She lifted her wrist and consulted an imaginary dance card. “Let me see. I danced the quadrille with the Duke of Devonshire and the country dance with the Prince Regent. I suppose we can dance the last—”

He pulled her tight, her body firm against his. “The waltz. It’s just beginning.”

She colored adorably. “I—I don’t know that dance.”

“Then I shall have to teach you.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Could you? I saw it danced once at the assembly rooms in Harrowgate and it looked excessively elegant.”

“It is. Now, put your hand like so, and rest your other hand here…there you go. Now, relax and just follow me.” He began to hum, swaying ever so slightly.

She followed him, naturally graceful. Her steps matched his so perfectly that he quickened the pace. She never faltered. He hummed a little louder, increasing the tempo. Her skirts flared out, her slippers glinting like dewdrops on the faded rug.

“How wonderful!” Laughter gurgled in the back of her throat as they spun around and around. “It’s even more enjoyable than it appear—”

“Harri!” rang a call from the foyer. “Are you ready?”

Harriet came to a complete stop. “Oh dear! That’s Stephen. They must be ready. And I don’t even have my boots on!” She whirled away, her skirts brushing his legs, before she plopped onto the edge of the bed and removed the silver slippers. She yanked her thick woolen stockings back on.

Chase watched, feeling strangely bereft. Of all the women he’d known, none had intrigued him so thoroughly or as quickly as the slip of a woman on the edge of her bed. He sighed. “I’ll go and get the basket from Cook.”