He let out the breath he’d been holding. “Thank you.”

Her lips rose into a smile. “It was my pleasure. I enjoy dancing with you. However, I must warn you. The opening set is unlikely to be a waltz.”

Why would she say—of course they had only danced the waltz together. He hadn’t even thought of that. “It doesn’t matter. I assume the supper set will be a waltz.”

“Yes.” Her eyes sparkled. “I am certain it is.”

“Will you and your sisters be like Cinderella and disappear after supper, or will you remain until the ball ends?”

“Hmm. That is a good question. None of us have thought about when we will retire.” Her lips pursed as she considered his question, but all he could think about was kissing her. “I suppose we will remain until it is over, or until we’re too tired to stay.”

“You and your family don’t keep late hours. I can see Worthington running everyone off while other balls continue until the wee hours of the morning.”

Eleanor let out a tinkling of laughter. “I can as well. The children will be able to remain up longer. There is a place to watch the dancing and see all the ladies in their gowns.” She had a misty look, as if she was remembering it. “They will also be allowed to sample what will be served at supper.”

John and his sister would never have been allowed such a treat. Aurelia would have loved it. “Will your brother be as interested?”

“I do not know.” Eleanor had a thoughtful expression on her face. “I do remember Walter and Phillip liking the food. But Gideon and Elizabeth will not be alone. All the cousins will be there as well.”

Of course they would. This was the only come out ball in the family. He suddenly had a vision of his and Eleanor’s children watching with their cousins in the same circumstance. “It sounds like a great deal of fun.”

“It was.” She gave herself an almost imperceptible shake. “But this will be even more enjoyable.”

They’d driven through the gate and were immediately accosted. “Lady Eleanor.” Young Lord Brinkley smiled too widely at her. “Would you do me the honor of a set at Lady Fotherby’s ball?”

Lady Fotherby’s ball? When was that?

“Yes.” She gave the puppy a polite smile. “The first country dance.”

Before John could open his mouth to ask her for the supper set, Lord Holliwell was next to the carriage. “I say, Lady Eleanor, might you have a dance left for Lady Fotherby’s ball?”

“You may have the second country dance.”

“Jolly good, my lady.” He tipped his hat before riding off.

“Supper dance?” John barely got the words out before Lord Athersuch was upon them.

“Lady Eleanor.” He executed a credible bow from his gray gelding. “Are you free for the supper dance at Lady Fotherby’s ball?”