Langley was silent for a moment, and then nodded reluctantly. “I would prefer you were away from him at once. However, doing it your way may cause the least damage all the way around.”

“I think it’s for the best.”

“Aye, well, be as quick as you can about seeing if he has the birthmark, Chrissy. Do it tonight if you can manage it. I have a bad feeling that you might be in danger and the sooner you are away from him the better I will feel.”

Christiana smiled gently and squeezed the hand holding hers as they danced. “You always were a good friend, Robert. I have missed you this last year.”

He nodded acknowledgment of the praise, then drew them both to a halt as the music ended. They both took a moment to survey the people in the room. Christiana had just assured herself that her husband was not back when Langley murmured, “Your husband hasn’t returned, more’s the pity. If he had I would do my best to get him drunk so that he passed out the moment he returned home. Then you would merely have to take a quick look and rush out while he snored off the drink.”

“Dicky rarely does things in a convenient manner,” she said dryly as he led her to an empty seat along the wall . Christiana was grateful to drop into it.

She had been dancing nonstop for some time and was ready for a break. But she hadn’t forgotten her responsibilities and peered around now for her sisters. “I wonder where Suzie and Lisa are.”

“I shall take a look about for them,” Langley promised. “Would you like me to bring you back a beverage? You have been dancing quite a bit and must be thirsty.”

“Yes, please. A drink sounds delightful.” The effects of the earlier drink appeared to have dissipated as she’d danced. Besides, he would bring her punch, which probably wouldn’t have much alcohol, if any. At least it hadn’t at the few country events she’d attended.

“I’ll be back directly,” he assured her and moved off.

Christiana immediately began scouring the crowded ball room for Suzie, Lisa or her husband. Finding all three of them would be a good thing. While moments ago she would have been glad did Dicky not return, she was now rather hoping for it. If he did, and Langley did get him drunk, it would certainly make it easier for her to see if he had the birthmark or not. If that didn’t happen, Christiana hadn’t a clue how she was supposed to get a peek at his behind.

She suspected that was not normally a problem in a marriage and that were she to ask any other married woman in here if their husband had a birthmark or any other distinguishing feature on their bottom, they would know the answer.

“Finally, you’ve stopped dancing!”

Christiana gave a start as her sisters suddenly appeared before her. Eyebrows rising, she asked, “Finally?”