The movements of the dance separated them, and she started to think about the duties of a peer. If their estates were to prosper, they could not be gone for long periods of time. That reminded her of what Montagu had said about business to which he had to attend. Which meant he did care about his estates and dependents, even if it made him late to an entertainment, unlike some gentlemen, who came late and left early only to draw attention to themselves or to avoid dancing with young ladies. Eleanor had seen him stand up with a young lady she had met at Lady Bellamny’s soirée, a Miss Battersley. A thread of, oh, not unhappiness, had wound its way through Eleanor, but there was something she had not liked about seeing them together. She gave herself a shrug. One of her goals this evening was to discover more about him.

The set ended and the next one was the supper dance. Montagu was speaking with her older sisters and brothers-in-law when Lord Harrington returned her to her circle. Harry Stern, Dotty, and Merton had also joined them. As usual, St. Albans was there as well. Augusta and Phinn had drawn in their group of friends. How much larger would their circle be once Eleanor and her sisters married? And, eventually, her brothers too. It was comforting knowing so many people for her first Season.

“My dance, I believe.” Montagu’s tone was warmer than she had heard it before.

“It is.” Eleanor placed her hand on his arm. “I have been waiting all evening for this.” The look in his blue-green eyes caused her breath to stop.

He was absolutely serious. “As have I. My partner for an earlier waltz was not nearly as skilled are you are.”

The frissons that started when he placed his hand on her waist were even stronger than before. That was a surprise. She had come to the conclusion that the only reason she had had a reaction to Montagu before was because it was her first waltz with someone she had not known most of her life. The first waltz with the other gentleman had caused no feelings at all, except the desire to take care of her toes. Obviously, that was not the case. Carefully, she touched his waist, and almost jerked her hand back.

“Is anything wrong?” He appeared concerned.

“Nothing.” Steeling herself, she took his hand. It was firm and warm. Her heart was beating as if she had been running.

Stop it! You are acting like a peagoose.

The dance began, and she decided talking was a good way to get rid of these unwanted sensations. “Did you make a Grand Tour?”

“No. My father was ill for several years before he died and I stayed with him.” Well, drat. She hoped she had not made him sad. “I understand your brother recently returned from his.”