Guy, for his part, was a genial host with an appropriate word of welcome for every guest. But he kept a hand resting on Petra’s arm, a proprietorial gesture she found reassuring. He was obviously not oblivious to the questioning glances or the whispers. But he had warned her to expect something of the kind and she understood now his insistence on forestalling prolonged rumors and speculation by facing them down.

It was ten thirty before there was a pause in the stream of ascending guests and Guy said softly, “Have you had enough?”

“I’d like to dance,” she responded. “The music is so inviting.”

“Then to hell with this. Let’s dance.” He swept her ahead of him into the ballroom, where a waltz had taken the place of the polka.

Guy led her onto the floor and Petra was again aware of the curious glances directed their way as they moved into the dance. Guy was a superb dance partner and she was content to let her feet follow instinctively as he held her. She was acutely aware of his body, of his scent and the pressure of his hand against her back in the low-cut ball gown. She caught sight of Diana dancing with Charlie Aldershot, whose arm was finally out of its cast and pathetically thin.

“Can we move closer to Diana and Charlie?” she asked. “I haven’t seen him properly since he returned from his country convalescence.”

Guy obligingly steered them both around the floor until they were dancing next to their quarry. “How’s the arm, Aldershot?”

“Feeble,” Charlie replied with a grimace. “But I’m working on it. Petra, I’m heartbroken, of course, but I wish you every happiness. And you, Granville. I’d give much to be in your shoes.”

Petra laughed, and blew him a kiss. “You won’t be a lovelorn swain for long, Charlie. Eager debutantes are lining up three deep with their tongues hanging out for your attention.”

“Much as I deplore my betrothed’s vulgar way of expressing herself, Aldershot, I suspect she’s right,” Guy said. “Do you care to exchange partners? If Diana is agreeable.”

“Certainly,” Diana said. “Charlie’s been longing to dance with Petra ever since he arrived. And there’s something I want to discuss with Guy, anyway.” She gave Charlie’s hand to Petra and herself took Guy’s, moving easily into his hold.

“I wonder what Diana wants to talk about with Guy,” Petra said, then dismissed the question. “It’s so lovely to see you back in town, Charlie. Does the arm still pain you?”

“A bit achy now and again,” he confessed. “But not too bad. So, you’re marrying Granville.” He looked at her closely. “Do you love him, Petra?”

“Yes, of course I do,” she returned with a frown. “Why do you ask?”