For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. The music swelled, couples began to form more distinctly across the room, and the space between them seemed to narrow without either acknowledging it. Then, Eleanor turned slightly, as though to move past him and rejoin the wider company.
"Enjoy your evening, Lord Harrowby," she said.
He shifted just enough to prevent her easy escape. Eleanor paused, her brows lifting slightly. His grin reappeared, and she wondered for a moment if he was mocking her.
"I had intended to," he replied.
"Then I must apologize for the interruption."
"Actually, you must do more than apologize."
"That sounds suspiciously like a demand."
"It is a request."
There was something in his tone that drew her attention more fully than his words. She followed his gaze without thinking, and then she understood. The young lady crossing the room did so with purpose. Her smile was already prepared, her direction unmistakable. Eleanor glanced back at him, unimpressed.
"You are being pursued, it would seem."
"I am aware."
"And you expect me to intervene. Is that what this is?"
"Initially, yes. You seemed to me like the lesser evil, and so I thought it best to askyouto dance with me."
Eleanor folded her arms loosely. She did not like that she was his means of escape, but fortunately for him she found it all rather humorous.
"You ought to learn to endure the consequences of your own charm."
"I do not possess charm," he said with a faint chuckle. "Do you think I am charming?"
"That is whatsheappears to believe."
"I am not concerned with her opinions."
She looked at him for a moment, considering.
"You are remarkably direct about people. Some might find that rather cruel."
"I find it saves time."
"And yet here you are wasting mine."
"She is nearly here."
Eleanor followed his glance again. The distance had closed considerably. With a sigh, she turned back to him.
"You are insufferable," she said.
"I have been told several times, and mostly by you."
"And yet you have learned nothing from it."
She exhaled, shaking her head, though there was the faintest hint of amusement beneath it.
"You will owe me for this," she said.
"As you wish."