Page 29 of A Match for Princess Pompous
“I could spare a moment more to look for Tolmer,” he offered.
Odette arrived unheralded at his side. “Mr. Hewitt. Here you are.”
An overloud whisper from somewhere nearby cut into the brief moment of silence that followed. “The Princess Pompous will order him beheaded.”
Jack pushed down a sharp retort and instead smiled at Odette. “Forgive the delay. Miss Summerfield has been engaged for this dance, yet her partner has not yet arrived. I did not wish to abandon her while she waited.”
Odette turned to Miss Summerfield. “With whom were you meant to be dancing?”
“Mr. Tolmer.” Poor Miss Summerfield was utterly wilting under the attention of the crowd.
“I did hear it whispered that he spilled a glass of claret all down his front,” Odette said. “Utterly ruined his clothing.”
“He left?” Mrs. Summerfield was clearly shocked.
“What choice did he have?” Odette pressed. “Still, he ought to have sent word to you.”
Miss Summerfield eyed the crowd, which was watching her with unmistakable pity.
Odette’s brow pulled in worry. She turned to Jack. “Do stand up with her.” She spoke quietly, but he could see that she had been overheard by those nearest them.
“Then you will be left without a partner.”
She tipped her head, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “No one will wonder that Princess Pompous has been abandoned. But they will whisper about Tabitha. Please do not allow her to suffer.”
Miss Summerfield looked a breath from tears.
Jack held Odette’s gaze for one long moment, hoping she understood both his admiration for her thoughtfulness and his mourning for their lost moments together.
“Miss Summerfield—” He got no further than that.
Terrance arrived on the scene, anxious, focused, determined. Jack had grown suspicious over the past few days that his friend had developed a fondness for Miss Summerfield.
“I saw Mr. Tolmer leave,” Terrance said, watching Miss Summerfield with concern. “I know he was to be your partner for the supper dance.”
“Everyone is whispering.” Her voice broke on the words.
“Please,” Terrance said, “allow me to stand up with you for this set.”
Miss Summerfield’s expression fell. “You have already been my partner once this evening. Two sets will draw attention. People will speculate.”
Terrance almost never wore a serious expression, but he did in that moment. “I have no objections if you don’t.” He turned toward Mrs. Summerfield. “And ifyoudon’t.”
Odette watched them, wide-eyed. Half the ballroom watched them. Openly requesting a second set was tantamount to declaring his intention to court her. Jack held his breath. Should Mrs. Summerfield grant Terrance a second set with her daughter, speculation about Jack’s connection to her would beput to rest. His own parents would have to accept that, as all of Society would be aware of the events of the last few moments before the night was even over. And if his parents did not have their sights set on that particular match, Odette’s parents would at last be willing to consider one between her and him.
Please, Mrs. Summerfield. Say yes.
The young lady’s eyes pleaded with her mother. Terrance held himself confidently, but Jack knew him too well not to see the nervous determination there. They were not only willing to begin a very publicly acknowledged courtship but also apparently anxious.
Mrs. Summerfield set her hand on her daughter’s arm, but her gaze remained on Terrance. “Of course you may stand up with her. Of course.”
Miss Summerfield’s smile bloomed beyond any Jack had seen her wear. She turned to Terrance, absolute delight written on every inch of her face. She slipped her arm through his and, together, they walked onto the dance floor. Nearly every eye watched them.
“A handsome couple,” Mrs. Summerfield observed.
“And both very fortunate,” Odette added. “There are not two better people in all the world.”
Mrs. Summerfield looked away from her daughter and to Odette and Jack. “I thank the both of you for coming so swiftly to her aid.”
