Spinster Ever After by Rebecca Connolly

Author:Rebecca Connolly [Connolly, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phase Publishing LLC
Published: 2020-10-26T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Balls are the perfect opportunity to meet new people, get better acquainted with those you know, and to experience new things. Mind you behave, however. There is nothing like a ball to start rumors.

-The Spinster Chronicles, 24 January 1820

Two weeks in Miss Palmer’s regular company, and Michael thought he might just be the happiest he had been in four or five years.

What an unusual feeling.

Not that he’d seen her every day, or officially claimed courtship, but he had called on her three days last week and two this week, and were they not attending the same ball this evening, he would have called tomorrow, as well. He’d have to make his suit official soon, or speculation would do the thing for him.

If he did take on a courtship, and he was quite sure he would, he could have been at the Greensley home at this moment waiting to escort them all here. Instead, he was standing by and watching the entrance to the room, waiting for them.

At least Lord Eden provided well, and the supper would prove exquisite when it was time.

Tyrone had begged Michael to come early, though as yet, Michael had not seen his friend to inquire as to why the request had been made. It was most unfair. The musicians were still tuning their instruments, so there was not even dancing as yet to distract him from what seemed to be endless waiting.

He caught sight of Lieutenant Henshaw striding by and smiled. “Henshaw.”

The man turned at his name, then returned his smile with a quick one of his own. “Sandford, good evening. You haven’t seen the Mortons yet, have you?”

“I have not, but we are among the early arrivals, you and I.”

“True, true, I suppose,” Henshaw muttered distractedly, tugging at his pristine cravat. “Waiting is torment.”

Michael nodded in agreement. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

Henshaw looked at him with some interest. “Who are you waiting on?”

“Miss Palmer,” he said without shame, not seeing a need to keep the truth from a friend like Henshaw. “She’s a cousin of Mrs. Greensley.”

“Are you courting her?” Henshaw asked, smile returning.

“Not yet, but…” Michael trailed off with a shrug.

Henshaw now grinned. “Very good, Sandford. About ruddy time you courted somebody proper.”

Michael lifted a brow. “I could say the same for you, Hensh.”

“I know,” Henshaw grumbled as he averted his eyes. “Believe me, I’m doing what I can about that.”

“Are you?” Michael nodded in approval. “Is it who I think it is?”

Henshaw’s thick brows snapped down. “How should I know who you think it is, Sandford?”

Michael pressed his lips together, understanding all too well the irritability that came with being too directly questioned about romantic intentions that were not yet to fruition. “If your intentions are not clear or obvious, Henshaw, you’re going to have to adjust things. Trust me, lack of understanding can hamper everything, and leave you with nothing.”

Henshaw blinked at him, his expression clearing. “Why do I suddenly believe every word you say?”

“Because I know of what I speak.

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