‘Madame,’ he said, bowing, ‘may I have the honour of asking Miss Hélène for a dance?’

Rosalie greeted him with a smile. The Barniers, like the Barrineaux, were local landowners and she had known them all her married life. She did not know Simon well, but he came of an impeccable family and there had been a time when she’d thought he might ask for Clarice. Lucas Barrineau had put paid to that idea, but she would not object if he transferred his affections to Hélène. Not immediately, of course – she was still too young to become engaged – but maybe, in a year or so, Emile might consider his suit and there could be an understanding. After all, she had become engaged to Emile at eighteen and married as she turned nineteen.

‘Of course,’ she replied. ‘I’m sure her card is not yet full.’

Other couples had now entered the dance floor and when Simon made his bow to Hélène, she took his extended hand and was led out among those already dancing. The band was playing a waltz and she was soon whirled away, Simon’s arm encircling her waist.

Rupert, who had decided to wait a little before presenting himself to Madame St Clair, saw her held in Simon’s arms as they waltzed past him. He could have kicked himself for letting one of the local beaux steal a march on him and get to her first. Immediately he made his way across to where Rosalie, sitting with her family, was talking with her sister. Determined not to miss another opportunity, he reintroduced himself and engaged both ladies in conversation until Simon returned Hélène to her mother’s side.

‘Monsieur Chalfont,’ Rosalie said, ‘I don’t know if you have met Monsieur Barnier, another friend of my son-in-law’s?’

Rupert bowed in the direction of Simon Barnier, who still had Hélène’s hand on his arm. ‘I believe I had the honour of being introduced to Monsieur Barnier yesterday, madame,’ he replied, adding with a smile, ‘and to Miss St Clair, of course.’

Hélène, feeling the colour rising in her cheeks, kept her eyes demurely downcast, but her heart skipped a beat when he went on, ‘Indeed, madame, I came to ask your permission to invite Miss St Clair to dance, if she still has a dance left on her card.’

Rosalie returned his smile. ‘I’m sure she has, monsieur. Please feel free to ask.’

Simon, having danced with her once, would now have to wait. It would be considered improper to ask Hélène to dance again until, perhaps, much later in the evening.

‘Perhaps I might ask for the supper dance, Miss St Clair,’ Rupert said, ‘and then take you in to supper?’

‘Thank you, sir,’ Hélène whispered. ‘I should be delighted.’

‘Thank you, mademoiselle,’ he replied, and taking her dance card, he wrote his name.

At that moment Lucas appeared at her side and said, ‘I hope you’ve saved me at least one dance, Hélène. I have to have a dance with my sister-in-law.’