Scandalizing the Duke by Leslie V. Knowles

Author:Leslie V. Knowles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency
Publisher: Leslie V. Knowles
Published: 2021-02-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

"I wonder what people would do if we danced a waltz?" Anne quietly mused as they climbed the stairs for the Swathmore ball a few hours later.

"Whatever are you talking about?" Charlotte asked. "We have often walltzed.”

"I don’t mean the country waltz,” Anne clarified. She slowed her steps and whispered, “I meant the continental waltz. You know, the one they say allows a man face his partner and hold her in his arms while they move to the music."

"That cannot be right." Elizabeth said. "Such behavior would be scandalous."

"But it’s all the rage on the continent." Anne assured them. "Lord Clarehaven says it‘s a most delightful dance and couldn't understand why no one danced it here." They neared the top of the stairs and she kept her voice low. “I told him that until danced at Almack's it would remain a continental dance only. Though I remember overhearing Lady Spencer tell my mother that Lady Charlotte Campbell and the Duke of Cambridge danced it during a garden party three years ago. She thought it a beautiful thing then, though it scandalized several of the guests. Unfortunately, I doubt tonight will provide an opportunity to attempt the exercise."

"So why did you ask such a question?"

"Because I wondered if it might make the evening a bit more eventful. Much as I enjoy meeting our friends, one ball has become much like all the others. Something so novel would be diverting."

Charlotte surveyed the room as the usual pattern of announced guests, dance requests, and mild flirtations settled throughout the room. What had at first fascinated her with its novelty now had the familiarity of comfort. Like Anne, she enjoyed the evenings where they danced, mingled and chatted about inconsequential amusing things. But she had to admit her breathless anticipation had waned with that familiarity and she recognized Anne’s lively wish to create a spark of excitement. The musicians began a tune that warned dancers to take their places and she thought no more about it as Lord Bascomb claimed her first dance.

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