Read Online Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett - Free Book Online

beautiful man Jenny had ever seen. Acutely aware that Catherine must be equally impressed by his handsome face, she curtseyed as elegantly as she could, and lower than usual. “We are honoured, sir,” she said before Catherine could speak.
    â€œAnd Mr Portal you know, of course.”
    John Portal, blessed by good looks and an easy manner himself, bowed neatly to the girls. “Delighted, ladies.”
    Madam Lefroy was beside herself. “Is this not a wonderful surprise? First of all my brother-in-law arrives at Ashe and insists upon joining us here, then our dear friend Mr Portal appears with Mr Heathcote, from … where did you say your home is, Mr Heathcote?”
    â€œNear Winchester,” replied Mr Heathcote. He nodded amiably towards Jenny. “I have met your brothers, Mr Henry and Mr Edward Austen. They joined John and me on a hunting party last season.”
    Jenny’s imagination straight away put Mr Heathcote in a red coat, urging his horse to a gallop, the reins in one hand and his crop in the other. It would be an arresting sight, to be sure. “Oh, yes!” she recalled. “When Edward was visiting from Kent. Henry is now in the militia.”
    â€œIndeed,” said Mr Heathcote, with a small dip of his head.
    â€œWilliam intends to enter the clergy,” offered John. “He expects to be ordained within the year.”
    And is therefore seeking a wife
, said Jenny to herself. “Is this your first visit to the Basingstoke Assembly Rooms, Mr Heathcote?” she asked aloud.
    â€œIt is, but I am persuaded it will not be my last. My friend John told me of the superior beauty of the girls I would find here, and I must admit he was correct.” As he said this his eye caught Catherine’s, and she giggled.
    â€œWilliam would willingly dance with all the ladies in the room, if he could,” put in John.
    But which one will he choose first
? wondered Jenny. She took note of William Heathcote’s gallantry, and his unembarrassed, unhurried manner. His attentive eyes returned her gaze calmly. His hair was brushed neatly, with no display of fashion, and his clothes were well pressed and simple, like her own. There was a languor, though not an unattractive languor, about him, which Jenny warmed to.
    â€œWilliam must be forever on the move,” John Portal informed the ladies good-naturedly. “I simply cannot imagine him composing sermons.”
    â€œIt is not unusual to enjoy a ball,” observed Mr Heathcote. Then he turned purposefully to Jenny. “Are you engaged for the next dance, Miss Austen?”
    â€œNo, sir, I am not.” Jenny could feel herself blushing. How she hated herself for the sensibility she could not control, especially when a gentleman requested a dance! The ridiculousness of it struck her even as she accepted his invitation. At a ball, what else did she expect gentlemen to do?
    â€œIndeed, who does not enjoy a ball?” agreed Madam Lefroy, looking purposefully between Catherine and John Portal. “Come, shall we circulate?”
    Mr Heathcote bowed as they departed, and, while the opportunity presented itself, asked for another dance. “Perhaps the last, Miss Austen? The cotillion, if it pleases you?”
    â€œWith pleasure, Mr Heathcote,” she replied. “But are you not neglecting the many other young ladies present, who would no doubt like to dance with you?”
    His interested expression indicated that she had said something unintentionally coquettish. Her cheeks continued to blaze. Perhaps if he were not quite so handsome, she would be not quite so confused. “That is,” she added quickly, “who would like to dance with someone they have not met before. And as you hinted yourself, you would be pleased to make the acquaintance of as many partners as possible.”
    â€œI see.” He adjusted the white stock at his throat. Not uneasily, Jenny thought. More in the manner of one