Page 238 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“I learned the steps, but I have never danced it with a man.”

Richard grinned. “Then we should practice.”

He came nearer and took her hand. Anne rested her other hand where he indicated, and he placed his hand at her waist.

“Follow me, Annie. Do not watch your feet.”

They began slowly. When Anne lost the rhythm, Richard showed her the step again, and they continued. Before long, she was following him across the drawing room without difficulty.

“You are doing very well,” he said.

Anne smiled.

Richard's hand remained at her waist as Lady Helen continued playing, and they completed the dance together.

When the music ended, Richard released her.

“If you are willing, I should like the first dance at the Worthingtons', and I hope you will save the supper set for me as well.”

“I will.”

“And the waltz.”

Anne met his eyes. “I shall save that for you too.”

“Thank you, Annie.”

Lady Helen began another piece, and Richard offered Anne his hand again.

“One more?”

Anne put her hand in his. “Yes.”

* * *

By the week of the Worthingtons' ball, Anne's new evening gown required another fitting.

The modiste had completed it only three weeks earlier, but Anne had gained enough weight that the bodice no longer fit comfortably. She stood before the mirror while the seamstress adjusted the fabric at her waist and bust.

Elizabeth, who had come to Matlock House for the afternoon, watched from a nearby chair.

“You have a lovely figure, Anne,” she said after the seamstress had finished.

Anne beamed at her. “Thank you, Elizabeth.”

She touched an errant curl. “I wish I knew what to do with my hair. Mamma always insisted that I wear it long, but my hair has never been easy to manage.”

Elizabeth came to stand beside her and lifted one of the blond curls. “You have lovely hair, Cousin. Let someone who understands curly hair cut and dress it properly for the ball.”

“I would like that. Aunt Helen should know a good hairdresser.”

Lady Helen arranged for a hairdresser to come on the afternoon of the ball. He trimmed and shaped Anne's hair before dressing it for the evening, leaving soft blond curls around her face and neck.

When he finished, Anne studied herself in the mirror for a long moment.

“I hardly recognize myself, but I like it very much.”

Elizabeth smiled at her reflection. “He did a fine job. You look beautiful, Anne.”