Read Online Love in Three-Quarter Time by Dina Sleiman - Free Book Online Page B

Cavendish, have I told you my most brilliant plan?”
    â€œPlan, madam?” Other than to turn her daughters into simpering flirts, a plan already mostly accomplished?
    â€œWhy, yes. We are to introduce the waltz to Albemarle County!”
    â€œMother!” Robbie protested.
    â€œNow, dearest,” her husband said.
    â€œI’ll hear no more on it.” Mrs. Beaumont waved away their hesitations. “This is not Richmond with its stuffy society. If the Beaumonts say the waltz is proper, so it shall be. If it’s good enough for the Prince Regent, it’s good enough for Charlottesville. Don’t you think so, Miss Cavendish?”
    The woman had already developed an alarming habit of putting Constance in tricky situations. But as she observed the inner workings of this household, she realized her agreement would be only a formality. She glanced toward Robbie. Constance could never bear to waltz with him again for as long as she lived. He must share her feeling. Why else would he protest his mother’s plan to introduce the waltz? She doubted he would otherwise care. But how could she deny Mrs. Beaumont now? “Of course it is all the fashion in London, but I—”
    â€œYou see, I told you I would find the best dance teacher in Virginia. And with Robbie’s expertise, having been so recently to the continent—”
    â€œDon’t draw me into this, Mother.”
    So he
had
been abroad.
    â€œWhy not? I’ve longed to see my son cutting such a dashing figure on the dance floor. But we shan’t introduce it yet. No, no. That will be for August’s coming out ball.”
    For the ball. Hmm…that meant all the attendees must learn the steps as well. An idea began to form in Constance’s mind, an idea that would make it worth the trouble of staying. “As I consider it further, Mrs. Beaumont, I think it a brilliant plan. And I am quite familiar with the waltz.”
    â€œI hoped as much with your European background,” said Mrs. Beaumont.
    Constance nodded despite her dubious heritage. “I say why should not a new dance be embraced in the burgeoning civilization of Albemarle County?”
A somewhat barbaric countryside with its trappers and Indians and dirt-encrusted gentlemen farmers
, she thought, but Constance would never say so aloud. “They are in want of just such a cultural experience.”
    Mrs. Beaumont clasped her hands before her. “Precisely. And I’m certain President Jefferson would approve. We’ll see to it that he comes, Mr. Beaumont. He’s always been the most fashionable fellow.”
    â€œThe former president of the United States of America is busy planning an institution of higher learning.” Robbie tapped his temple. “I highly doubt he worries himself with dance trends.”
    â€œA man of innovation. As I said.” Mrs. Beaumont returned to her dinner, and so it was declared. The girls continued chatting about waltzes and dress fabrics for their coming out.
    Constance’s thoughts, however, ran toward the many Charlottesville residents who would need to add the waltz to their repertoires. She would wait to broach this issue with Mrs. Beaumont until the plan was well settled in her mind. Once they could no longer turn back, Constance would mention the necessity of her teaching the steps to their wealthy neighbors. And by August, Constance Cavendish would be the established dance instructor of Albemarle County.
    With all attention elsewhere, Robbie shot her a questioning look down the table. She would have to deal with him soon enough. He could yet ruin everything. Why on earth had she let Patience convince her to use that ridiculous accent? She continued to wonder as she struggled to eat the extra-large piece of pie she’d been promised when she arrived that morning. Delicious as it was, dread over the impending conversation had stolen her appetite.
    * * *
    With dinner finished, the