The next evening, Eleanor entered the Exeter ballroom more excited than she had ever been. Last night she knew Montagu had met all the requirements on her list. The way their eyes met and held, each searching the other’s soul, convinced her he loved her, and she loved him. Now that that was decided, there was no reason to wait any longer. Tonight she would encourage him. The only problem was that she was not precisely certain how to proceed. Eleanor gave herself a shake. There was nothing to worry about. She would know what to do when the time came. It would probably just come to her. Still, she wished she had spoken with one of her older sisters or Dotty. They might have been able to give her advice. As it was, Eleanor would simply have to make it up as she went along.

She was with her family’s circle when the familiar prickling started on her neck and raced down her spine to be followed by a warm sensation telling her that he was very close to her.

“Lady Eleanor.” As it always did, Montagu’s low voice caused tiny fires to burn within her.

She turned her head to him and smiled. “My lord. You are here early this evening.”

“I trust Lady Exeter not to attempt to find me dance partners with whom I do not wish to stand up.”

Happiness soared through Eleanor. He had said last night he did not want to dance with anyone but her. “What will you do until the supper dance?”

“Begrudge the other gentlemen dancing with you.” He held out his arm. “Shall we stroll?” Unfortunately, the violins started playing the prelude to the next dance. He let out a breath “That was poorly timed.”

She wished they could have walked together as well. “We will be able to stroll later.”

Her partner, one of the younger gentlemen, came up to her and bowed. “My lady.”

Eleanor removed her hand from Montagu’s arm and curtseyed. “Mr. Cornish.”

The country dance gave her a chance to review how she had arranged her schedule this evening. For the first time she had the set before the supper dance open. Eleanor wished she had left some others open as well. Still, she would have an opportunity to stroll the room with Montagu.

The next two hours felt more like four. If she had had a watch or a clock nearby, she knew she would have been looking at it every minute or so. Eleanor had not dreamed dancing, even country dances, could go so slowly. Then again, all she had been able to think about was Montagu. Finally it was time to be with him.