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course, that may only have been because she spent the entire dance with her head bowed, watching her feet.
    At least she did not treat him to a sound foot-stomping for his inattention, and that was something to recommend her, he decided as the music finally ceased.
    Afraid that his mother might try to push another young maid on him, Jonathan made returning Lady Jovell a quick business. He merely escorted her back to the group around Lady Fairley, then hurried away, pretending he did not hear his mother when she called.
    He moved off in such a rush that he nearly ran over Alice. Steadying her with a hand, he beamed brightly, his first real smile of the night, and promptly took her arm.
    â€œAh, there you are. Come. Dance with me.”
    â€œCome here, come there, come dance with me,” Alice muttered, and Jonathan glanced down at her with concern. There was an opening on the dance floor, but he paused, facing her, to await the music.
    â€œDo you not wish to dance with me?”
    â€œOh.” She smiled wryly. “It is not that, my lord. Although I am a bit winded and was hoping for a chance to rest.”
    â€œThen what—”
    â€œYou have a tendency to order me about, my lord,” she pointed out dryly. “Rather like a lackey. And while I realize that I agreed to assist you, I had not realized that it was to be in such a subservient position.”
    â€œSubservient?” The expression he gave her was aghast. “I hardly look upon you as a servant.”
    â€œNay?” She raised an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “’Tis my error, then.”
    The music began, and they both fell silent as the dance started. The steps first distracted, then separated them as they hopped and skipped through several partners.
    The moment they were back together, Jonathan cleared his throat and said, “You said you were hoping to rest. Would you prefer—”
    â€œNay. I am fine, my lord. I may rest after this dance.”
    â€œAh. I am not surprised that you are weary. I had noticed that you appear to be quite popular as a dance partner.”
    Jonathan wished he could retract the words the moment they left his mouth. The comment had definitely sounded rather peevish, and the curious look Alice sent him before the steps of the dance drew her away from him again made clear that she had taken notice of it. It seemed an eternity before the dance returned her to him.
    â€œI was rather amazed myself at my popularity,” was her mild comment as they moved together through a simple alman.
    â€œAmazed?” He scowled at her. “There is nothing to be amazed about. You are a beautiful woman, intelligent and witty. Of course you are popular.” He did not sound pleased by this admission, even to himself.
    â€œDo you really think so?”
    Jonathan glanced down sharply at her almost whispered query. The girl’s eyes had gone all soft and dewy. For a moment he was positive that she might cry just from his giving her such a compliment; then he spared the time to toss another glare in her uncle’s direction. Obviously the wretch did not waste time complimenting Alice as he should. As anyone who loved her—and in whose care she had been left—should do.
    â€œAye,” he said quietly. “I think you are all those things and more, Alice.”
    â€œDo you think we might slip outside for another walk?” she asked.
    Jonathan blinked in surprise, his mind suddenly awhirl with possibilities. A romantic walk under the stars? A chance to claim that kiss he had missed out on two nights before? Then he noted Alice’s expression as she apparently realized just what she had suggested. Fearing she might retract the offer, he headed quickly for the door.
    They were just about to slip out when his mother and Alice’s suddenly stepped into their path.
    â€œ There you are!”
    Jonathan closed his eyes. He was becoming heartily sick of that