She and Joseph became separated as they greeted the new arrivals and helped to make them feel welcome. The orchestra started to play, and the guests began to dance.
Harriet breathed a sigh of relief as the Melbournes at last entered the ballroom. A few minutes later, Frances joined her, waving a gloved hand before her face.
“I’m already warm and the ball has only just begun.” Still, her smile was bright as she glanced around the room. “Mother is so grateful you are here to help.”
“I’m happy to,” Harriet said. It felt good to be useful, especially since she had failed to help Frances with Joseph.
Before they could speak further, Sinclair approached with a smile, looking quite debonair in his evening attire.
“The two of you look lovely this evening,” he said as he glanced between them.
“Thank you,” Harriet said, realizing she might be answering for them both. Frances’ cheeks had pinkened and her gaze shifted between Sinclair and the floor, suggesting her shyness had taken hold once again.
But to Harriet’s surprise, Frances managed to meet his gaze and smile. “Thank you, Thomas.”
Harriet hid her surprise that they were on a first-name basis. Frances’ reply was barely audible, but she’d done it. Harriet couldn’t have been prouder.
Sinclair dipped his head in acknowledgement. “May I have the honor of a dance, Miss Melbourne?”
Frances stilled, her lips parted as if she were uncertain how to respond. “Of course.”
“Excellent.” Sinclair offered his arm, and Frances took it only to glance back at Harriet over her shoulder with a grin.
Harriet watched them conversing as they walked toward the dance floor with hope rising inside her. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Frances decided her affection was caught by Thomas rather than Joseph?
“What has you smiling?”
She looked to find Joseph standing beside her once again. “Frances actually spoke to Mr. Sinclair. I have hope she’s overcoming some of her shyness.”
“How nice.” He turned to face her. “I’m certain that’s in part thanks to you. May I have the honor of a dance?”
“Absolutely.” As she took his arm, she reminded herself to be careful. It wouldn’t do to allow anyone to see how much she liked Joseph. Not until she’d told Frances how she felt. She should’ve been honest from the start.
Come the morning, she would tell her friend that she cared for Joseph. The plan helped to ease her guilt.
The dance started and all else fell away as they moved in time to the music. It was easy to pretend for a few minutes that they were alone, and that a future was possible.
She caught sight of Frances and Thomas as they turned and was pleased that they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Frances’ smile was proof of that.
Her attention returned to Joseph, her chest tightening at the way his gaze held on her. Was there a way to make what was building between them work? If she explained what had happened two years ago, would he understand?
The realization that she was considering telling him shook her. It was something she’d promised herself to never speak of.
“What is it?” Joseph asked when the dance steps drew them closer together.
“Nothing,” she denied, wishing the temptation hadn’t come to mind. She smiled, determined to enjoy this moment. This was her first dance with Joseph, and she wanted to focus on how wonderful it was.
All too soon, the music ended. After they bowed and curtsied, Joseph took her arm and guided her toward the open French doors that led to the balcony. “I think a breath of fresh air might be in order.”
“Yes, that would be perfect.” The ballroom was warm, but it was the thought of being alone with Joseph even for a few brief minutes that mattered.
They stepped out onto the large balcony which overlooked the grounds and garden below. Lamps illuminated the terrace and garden and cast enough light to see a short distance.
The cool evening air helped ease Harriet’s angst, and she turned to face him.
“I cannot believe this is our last evening here.” He lifted a finger to touch her cheek.
She tipped her head toward his caress. “Nor can I.”