Magnificent creature, did she have any idea what influence and status her attendance would bring? Would she find it all too quaint and beneath her dignity? Or might she find a greater freedom to life in Cornwall than could be had in London, just as Harrison had?

“I think we can,” Harrison told her, smiling without reservation and with real fondness. “More than that, I think we should.”

“I quite agree.” She turned to Bodville with a bright smile. “We would be delighted to attend, Mr. Bodville. Do let us know the details when you have them.”

“Of course, ma’am. Thank you.” Bodville nodded and bowed in combination, no doubt still reeling from the exchange and revelations, and moved away from them toward the other guests.

Harrison looked after him, feeling rather rueful. “Poor Bodville.”

“What?” Adelaide asked in a low voice, leaning closer. “Why poor Bodville? Is something amiss with Miss Verran?”

“Not at all, she’s perfectly respectable and amiable. I think he’s feeling rather dazzled at the moment.” Harrison glanced back at her with a raised brow.

“Why?” Her fair eyes sought his and understanding belatedly dawned. “Oh, nonsense. I was extending hospitable politeness, and the sort of graciousness a woman in my position ought. Hardly remarkable.”

Harrison shook his head slowly. “On the contrary, my dear, it was entirely remarkable. You settled fears he did not know he had and confirmed a certain status for his bride in a few brief words.”

Adelaide scoffed a little. “You said he was our mine captain and we owed him greatly. Why should his bride not benefit from our appreciation?”

“You elevated a girl you knew nothing about for her own sake, despite the difference in status, and yet Emblyn cannot receive any such attentions from you.” His mouth curved in a smile. “I’ve never felt quite so hopeful that you and she might someday meet on equal footing.”

“You are being sentimental,” Adelaide grumbled, averting her eyes.

“Perhaps.” He took her hand, squeezing a little. “Even so, the statement stands.”

Adelaide did not tug away, which he felt meant something, even if it only meant tolerance of his person. “I am perfectly capable of seeing potential and adjusting my opinions and aims accordingly.”

“I know,” Harrison told her, running his thumb over her gloved knuckles. “But I wonder if you understand what potential I see in you, and the adjustments I am having to make because of it.”

His wife reared back, her eyes wide, her lips parting.

He brought her hand to his lips briefly, just a perfunctory kiss for his wife, but his heart pounded a single thunderous beat as he did so.

Odd, that.

“We’d best open the dancing, yes?” Harrison suggested quickly before his heart could do any other strange things in his wife’s presence.

Adelaide nodded, swallowing.

His heart moved in the exact pattern of her throat.