Page 31 of An Alleged Rogue

“Miss Glover,” he said, fixing the lady with a stern look. “How competent is my sister in dancing the allemande or the cotillion?”

“The allemande, my lord?”

“Yes, Miss Glover. It is a dance that has been popular in London ballrooms these last twenty years.”

Miss Glover sat very still. “She can perform the steps of the minuet quite well, my lord.”

The minuet. Heaven help him. That may have been the dance of choice when Miss Glover was young, but other dances were far more popular in current ballrooms. He took a deep breath, willing himself to remain calm. It was as much his fault as Miss Glover’s. He should have checked that Emily was receiving the correct instruction.

“Are you familiar with the allemande and cotillion, Miss Glover?”

“I have seen the cotillion performed, my lord, but have not learned to dance it myself.”

Her silence regarding the allemande suggested even less knowledge with regard to that complicated dance.

“Adam.”

He turned to Emily. Color had yet to reappear in her cheeks.

“I do not wish to be made to feel foolish at the Webbs’ ball. I would rather not go.”

Adam ran his fingers through his hair. Truth be told, he would also rather avoid the event. But he would likely feel the same way every time an invitation arrived at the house, and that would not help Emily’s launch into Society at all. This was something he and Emily needed to conquer together. And conquer it, they would.

“You shall not feel foolish,” he said. “Miss Selfridge has said that your new gowns are almost ready. I have no doubt that you will look beautiful.”

“But the dances—”

“You shall learn them.” Even as he said the words, doubt niggled its way to the fore. It had been five years since he had stepped into a ballroom. Could he teach Emily the steps after all that time?

“Do you think Miss Hadford would be willing to help? I hesitate to ask her for anything more, but she was so kind when I approached her about choosing gowns . . .”

Adam seized upon Emily’s trailing thought like a man clutching for a life preserver. Miss Hadford. Not only was she far more practiced in today’s dances, but she could also guide Emily through the ladies’ steps and positions.

“That is an excellent idea,” he said. “I suggest that you write to her immediately.”

Emily’s expression brightened even as a frown appeared upon Miss Glover’s face.

“Are you sure that is wise, my lord?” Miss Glover asked.

Adam’s jaw tightened. She may be significantly older than he was and have Emily’s best interest at heart, but she was in no position to disapprove of anyone he brought in to help Emily at such short notice. Not only was the elderly lady an employee, but her old-fashioned methods were the primary reason they were in this dilemma.

“Yes, Miss Glover. I am quite sure.”

She looked no happier, but she remained silent when Emily rose to her feet.

“I shall write to Miss Hadford straightaway,” Emily said.

Adam nodded. “Give your letter to Thompson, and he will ensure that it is delivered promptly.”

The sooner Miss Hadford came, the better. It would give Emily longer to practice the dance steps before the ball, and it would enable him to take the lady’s measure once and for all. Surely then he could put her out of his mind.

Phoebe clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, Emily, it is lovely!”

Emily twirled and the turquoise gown swirled with her. “Do you really think so?”

“Absolutely. No young man will be able to take his eyes off you at the ball.”

From her seat across the bedchamber, Miss Glover glowered.