Dance With Me
He knew that she thought he only danced with her out of pity. Or because his Mother told him to. That may have been true that first season, but only that one season.
She was a joy to dance with. It was a shame that others did not take the opportunity to dance with her. Mainly because she enjoyed dancing, even though she tried to look as though it did not bother her that no one asked her to dance. But also because no one else gave her a chance.
These days she no longer hovered by the dance floor. She sat with the chaperones and the dowagers. At least she appeared happy talking with them. When he thought about the conversation was probably more intelligent as well. And yet it seemed such a waste.
Ignoring the conversation going on around him, he made his way over to her. "Miss Featherington, would you care to dance?" On other occasions she had smiled in appreciation and accompanied him to the dance floor but not this time.
"You don't have to ask me out of pity." Her smile told him that she still appreciated the gesture.
"I'm not. I enjoy dancing with you. So will you do me the honour?" It was a waltz that was playing. It would look romantic and yet he did not care.
Finally she took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the dancefloor. It felt so right to have her in his arms. As familiar as breathing. She might doubt his reasons for dancing with her, but it was so natural to him.
He savoured every second of that waltz. The warmth of her body against his, the floral scent of her soap, the softness of her hair as it brushed against his face when he twirled her. While he felt others were fools not asking her to dance, he was selfish enough to enjoy the gift of having her all to himself.
The dance came to a close and he walked her back to her seat not wanting to let go of her hand. It hit him suddenly. He wanted all of her dances. Somewhere in the time they had known each other he had fallen in love with Penelope Featherington.
Realising he was staring at her too long, he took his leave to ponder this discovery. He had always liked Penelope. They had become friends over the years and now that friendly affection had grown into something more.
All these years his mother had been putting prospective brides in his path and he had had the perfect woman by his side the entire time. Now he was just staring at her from across the room.
"Colin. Are you well?" His mother had perfect timing.
"Yes Mother." He had found his soul mate. Now all he had to do was convince Penelope of that. Judging by the way she reacted to him asking her to dance, this was not going to be easy.