First Season / Bride to Be by Jane Ashford Page B

a final turn to the conclusion of the music. Bowing over her hand, he said, “I believe they have shortened the length of the sets tonight. I never knew one to go so fast. Will you honor me again later?”
    â€œPerhaps. If you ask me.”
    â€œYou sound as if you do not think I will.”
    â€œI have been hearing a great deal about your reputation, Sir Charles. It seems that a woman mustn’t set her heart on your promises.”
    â€œAh. That depends on the woman.” Another acquaintance had come up to ask Anabel for the set just forming, and Norbury stepped back. “I will see you later.”
    Anabel merely smiled, moving off on her new partner’s arm. Norbury, watching her go, was surprised by the strength of emotion she had aroused in him in one short dance. She really was extraordinary.
    From the doorway, another pair of eyes also followed her. Christopher Hanford had arrived in time to see Anabel dancing with Norbury, and apparently enjoying herself very much, and to observe their parting. It made him frown.
    â€œThat must be Anabel,” murmured his sister. “She is very pretty, but what is she doing with Norbury? He is…” Christopher’s frown had deepened at the name, and Amelia saw it. “Oh. I begin to understand. But, my word, Christopher—Norbury! A new coat is one thing; rivaling a noted Corinthian is quite another.”
    â€œNo doubt,” he said between clenched jaws.
    His sister looked sidelong at him, then out over the ballroom. “Well, you cannot dance with her now. Come, I will present you to some of my friends.”
    She did so, including a number of the season’s most charming debutantes. Hanford planned to flirt mildly with any who would respond, to see what Anabel made of that. But he found the girls very tiresome, and even before the set had ended, he was bored and irritated.
    He looked around the room, his eyes lingering on Anabel before passing on. Lady Goring was surrounded by a group of her friends; he would greet her later. The few others he knew were dancing. His gaze came to the archway leading into the supper room, moved on, paused, and returned, recognizing a solid figure half visible there. “I am going to speak to someone, Amelia,” he said.
    â€œWho?”
    â€œAnabel’s cousin, Miss Goring. She is over there.”
    â€œThat very large girl? But, Christopher, you mustn’t be seen with a creature like that. Everyone will think you—”
    â€œI may have put on the clothes of a popinjay, Amelia, but I refuse to take on their manner as well. Miss Goring is an intelligent girl, unlike those you have presented to me, and she is obviously having a very unpleasant time. It is simple kindness to speak to her.”
    Amelia acknowledged the truth of this with a sigh. Her brother would never change, and what was more, she was not sure she wanted him to.
    Christopher grinned. “She is extremely fond of novels, Amelia. I imagine you have a great deal in common.”
    â€œI shall ask her to tea,” replied his sister firmly. “But, Christopher…are you going to dance with her?”
    He hadn’t thought of it, but her tone made him rebellious. “Why, yes.”
    Georgina had disappeared when he turned to walk across the floor, but he found her inside the supper room, holding an ample plate of delicacies from the buffet and watching the entrance uneasily. When she saw him, she looked surprised, then cautiously pleased.
    â€œGood evening, Miss Goring,” he said. “I thought I saw you come this way.”
    Georgina’s smile faded, and she lowered the plate a little while keeping a firm grip on it.
    â€œWould you do me the honor of dancing this next set?” he continued.
    The girl’s mouth dropped open a little, and she stared at him.
    â€œYou do remember me? Christopher Hanford? I dined at Lady Goring’s last week.” Her stupefaction made him