John tried to keep a polite smile on his face, but he was failing. By the time he got to Lady Eleanor, he was afraid he would be smiling widely. Lady Cowper glanced at him, and he straightened his lips. He could see Lady Eleanor clearly now. This was really going to happen. He was going to be able to waltz with her. Be able to hold her in his arms. Perhaps brush his lips against her hair. Speaking of which, her golden tresses seemed to glow more brightly in candlelight. Her pearl necklace barely touched the top of the plump mounds rising from the neckline of her bodice. What he wouldn’t give to be able to carry her off. But a waltz would have to do. For now.

* * *

“Lady Cowper is approaching with Lord Montagu,” Grace said.

Eleanor wondered what Lord Montagu was doing with one of the Patronesses. She and her sisters had renewed their acquaintances with the other Patronesses at Lady Bellamny’s soirée, but Lady Cowper had not yet arrived in Town.

“My lady, how good to see you again.” Grace inclined her head.

“It is nice to see you as well.” Lady Cowper also inclined her head. “I see you are again bringing out three ladies this Season.”

“I am indeed.” Grace smiled politely. “Of course you already know Ladies Eleanor Carpenter, Madeline Vivers, and Alice Carpenter.”

Eleanor, Madeline, and Alice curtseyed.

“What a difference just a year has made. I always knew they were very beautiful. Yet you have exceeded my expectations. I wish I had been able to attend Lady Bellamny’s event.” With an elegant motion of her hand, her ladyship called their attention to Lord Montagu. “Ladies, allow me to present Lord Montagu.”

They again made their greetings, and her ladyship then said, “Lady Eleanor, I recommend Lord Montagu as a suitable partner for the waltz.”

Eleanor made sure to put a polite smile on her face, keeping her much wider one to herself. “Thank you, my lady, my lord.”

He bowed as if he did not know quite what else to do. “Well, then, I will see you for the third set.”

She had always thought he was good-looking, but tonight he was extremely handsome. As with most of the gentlemen in her family, his jacket fitted perfectly over a set of broad shoulders that his riding jacket had disguised. The blue of his jacket and breeches brought out the red in his hair and the jade tie-pin almost matched his eyes. Eleanor had also not realized how tall he was. Then again, the only time she had seen him standing was at Lady Bellamny’s event. “I look forward to it.”

Grace glanced toward the crowd again. “I believe we have another request for a waltz coming.”

“At least one,” Matt said. “Dotty is walking this way, and she has her brother and Mrs. Drummond-Burrell in hand.”