A/N I just thought of this this morning and wrote it. I know they don't end up together, but I just had to write it all fluffy. I feel serious low-self-confidence vibes from poor Harriet, and I just wanted to explore what it would be like if Alex did ask her to dance.
Harriet looked quickly towards Alex as he shifted considerably in his chair. While the party was going smoothly, she feared a catastrophe at any moment, and with Emma patrolling the other side of the room, Alex was her only near assurance that things would be fine. She didn't want him to leave even for a moment. The meal was done. He might leave. She would be alone, vulnerable to Senator Elton and Caroline.
He gave her a reassuring smile, but there was a slight pause in it.
"Harriet," he said, "Might I have this dance?"
"Oh-" she gulped, eyes widening. "It's okay, Mr. Knightley –Alex- y-you don't have to dance with me." She shook her head. She'd heard him panicking in the hallway at the office about dancing. She didn't want to inconvenience him any further. "I- I'm fine without it."
"Are you sure?"
She grimaced. "I…" She broke off uncomfortably, her shoulders hunching, curling inwards to shield her.
"I know you like to dance," Alex said gently. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no," she shook her head quickly. "I just- heard… you didn't like dancing."
"Ah," he smiled, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. His kind eyes. "I can dance, though. And I don't want you to miss out on the full enjoyment of the evening."
Harriet looked down, her face warming. She felt she didn't deserve this much kindness. Mr. Knightley had already done so much for her already.
"I promise I won't step on your toes," he coaxed, half teasing.
She smiled shyly. He was so nice to her.
"Come on, Harriet," he persisted gently, his tone kind.
"A-alright," she said, a soft smile pushing her doubts away.
He rose and offered her a hand. She slipped her small hand into his, and he steadied her as she got up from her chair. As they walked to the dance floor, the warmth of his hand took the nervous chill away from her fingers, and on the dance-floor, his hand on the small of her back gently reassured her that he would guide her through this dance and support her. He would look after her as he always did.
