For Myself Alone: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel by Shannon Winslow Page B

company engaged in the spectacle of the dance. Once settled, I cast my eyes over the throng, looking for the gentleman I had encountered that afternoon on the street. I saw instead Mr. King approaching with quite a different person at his side. The young man had a pleasing countenance but was rather shorter than average, giving me one more reason to hope that he was intended for my petite friend instead of for me. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as I soon discovered. Mr. King, with proper formality, introduced Mr. George Ramsey to me as my partner for the next dance. I smiled as graciously as possible, and allowed him to lead me out onto the floor for a quadrille.
    Had I not already been entertaining thoughts of someone else, I would no doubt have found Mr. Ramsey’s company completely acceptable, even agreeable. He was an excellent dancer, and he expressed himself well in conversation. After politely inquiring about my home and family, he in turn informed me that he lived in London, where he was a student of the law. If I could not have the partner I had envisioned – and he was nowhere to be seen – Mr. Ramsey would do as well as any other and probably better than most, I decided.
    By the commencement of the next dance, Susan had been provided a partner as well. His name was Mr. Cox, as I later learned. The pair of them stood up together in the same set with Mr. Ramsey and myself. Soon the lively music and the animated scene captured my spirit completely. I set aside my reservations and threw myself altogether into the fray, feeling the satisfaction of exhausting my excess energy by means of the vigorous exercise. Thus we continued until the break.
    At tea, Susan and I introduced our partners to the others in our group. Whilst Mr. and Mrs. Graham engaged the young men in conversation, I had opportunity for a few moments’ private discourse with my friend.
    “What a lucky girl you are, my dear,” whispered Susan. “You have made another splendid conquest. Mr. Ramsey appears very agreeable, and oh so handsome too.”
    “Do you really think so, Susan? He is pleasant enough, I agree, but hardly the man I had in mind, as you well know.”
    “In that case, would you consider switching partners? Mr. Ramsey may not be your first choice, but I believe he will do very well for me.”
    I had no very high hopes for finding Mr. Cox any more to my personal taste than my first partner. Still, seeing Susan’s excitement at the chance to further her acquaintance with Mr. Ramsey, I willingly acceded to her plan.  Advancing my friend’s happiness seemed a worthwhile and more achievable goal for the evening than accomplishing my own. The gentlemen made no objection when changing partners was proposed, and Mrs. Graham firmly supported the idea.
    “Yes, by all means, make the change. It would not do to start tongues wagging by keeping too long to one partner,” she reminded us stridently. “I cannot speak to what may be acceptable in other places, but where we come from, it simply is not done.”
    So it was settled accordingly. When the orchestra struck up a fresh tune, we made our way back onto the floor, keeping side by side in the set for maximum companionship. Mr. Cox danced nearly as well as Mr. Ramsey, and his address was pleasing enough. Nevertheless, his society held no particular charm for me.
    We had been about our business several minutes when Susan caught my attention with a small gesture toward the room’s main entrance. There the gentleman so earnestly sought before could be seen surveying the company. The dance presently carried me in his direction, and I felt my embarrassment increase as the distance between us narrowed. I attempted to keep my eyes averted. Yet, when I passed so near to where he stood that we could almost have shaken hands, I looked up to find his gaze fastened upon me. He smiled and gave me a nod of recognition before my partner and I were swept away again.
    I caught only a glimpse or two