Page 13 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)
Grandfather declared in no uncertain terms that Mr. Whittaker should practice in case it was different as well.
George looked to Jane, hoping that she would dance this time as his partner.
But Jane gave the slightest shake of her head, and George could not ask it of her.
Alex started the music, and George was left to dance with Johnathan again.
She hoped he would not notice through her gloves that her palms were damp.
Finally, she found a reason for gloves that made sense.
The waltz, while a lively dance involving several skips and hops, put her face to face and hand to hand with her not-so-mere cousin, more times than she was comfortable with.
She hoped all in the room thought the high color in her cheeks was simply from the exercise and not the fluttering that filled her veins.
The final notes played, and Johnathan bowed and thanked all in the room profusely for their help. He waited for George and Jane to sit before he did so.
Alex returned her music to its folder, said something about checking with the butler, and left the room. Grandfather declared it was long past his bedtime and left also, leaving Jane, George, and Johnathan alone.
“I declare you should have no problem at all at our Harvest Ball.” George's voice came out much more breathless than she wished.
Johnathan leaned back, looking untouched by the exercise. “I am surprised that I knew so many of your steps. I thought it would all be the minuet and other formal dances.”
“There is an occasional minuet or allemande at more formal balls, but this is to be a country dance, so the dances popular in my grandfather's time are not as likely to be played.”
“I am glad of that.”
Jane looked around at the furniture. “I suppose we must return the furniture to its proper place.”
Johnathan helped to move the settee back into place. Jane fetched a footman to help with the other pieces. When the room was set to rights, Jane covered a yawn. George stifled one herself. Johnathan took the hint, thanked them again, and left for his own room.
George checked the front door to be sure it was locked before following Jane up the stairway. Not that she did not trust the butler. With all that had happened, she just wanted the extra warning if father was to return.
“You danced with him all evening. What was it like?” asked Jane.
“Only because Grandfather made me.” George opened the door to the room, happy to see a cheery fire waiting for them.
“The two of you made a fine pair.”
“Nothing shall come of it. Grandfather has been very clear to him that there is no pressure to marry a granddaughter. That he is to choose for himself. I cannot think that Mr. Whittaker would choose a father-in-law such as our father.” The words were meant for herself more than Jane.
It had occurred to her that Grandfather was playing the matchmaker despite his promise.
Jane sat at the dressing table. “What will happen to us if Mr. Whittaker becomes the next earl?”
“I have not asked. I assume Father will lose whatever agreement he has to live at Kellmore.
Likely, he will be forced to move back to Yorkshire.
Alex's home in Bath has room for us and Rose.
Phil will not forget us, either. However, until we reach our maturity, where we live will be Father's choice. He would be foolish to remove us from Grandfather’s influence, if he wishes us to find good matches.
" As she spoke, a sense of peace filled George.
She had not realized she carried some of the same fears as Jane for their future.
“Bath is nice. I suppose Alex and I will be two lovely spinsters.”
“Why just you and Alex? I have little chance of finding a match. Our decreased dowries and my hoydenish nature are not in my favor.”
Jane brushed out her hair. “Caring for tenants and the land is not hoydenish. You should marry.”
“And why not you? You are excellent with the village children.”
“Only because they are kind to me. I shall not find a man with the same forbearance.”
“Jane, do not think so. We are barely out. We have not even had our first Season. Michael is as kind to you as he is to Phil. There must be other men like him.” Johnathan was kind to her as well, but Georgiana could not bring herself to say so.
The hairbrush dropped with a clatter. “I cannot do a Season, George. Father will force me to marry one of his odious friends. I know it, and I will not have the backbone to say no. And since I can barely talk to a man without blushing, how am I to fall in love like Phil? Even if there is another kind man like Michael.”
Having no answers, George knelt next to Jane and pulled her into a hug. “Well then, we will be three very merry spinsters, because I refuse to leave you alone.”
“Promise me, George, if you find love, you will not keep such an oath.”
George leaned back and settled on the floor. “I am loath to promise it, and leave you alone.”
“I will not be alone. I will have Alex. And she must have someone to keep her company. Please promise you will not pass on marriage for my sake.”
“For your sake, I will promise, though I think my prospects unlikely. If only we were as pretty as Rose. I have no doubt that Rose will be married her first Season, if not before.”
Jane picked up the brush and resumed brushing her hair. “I am sad she will not be here with us for the harvest fair.”
“Could you imagine her flirtations? Our cousin would not know what to make of her I think.”
“We would have both been spared dancing tonight.” A smile returned to Jane's face.
They readied themselves and climbed into the large bed they had shared since leaving the nursery.
George could not fathom being without Jane.
A marriage to someone from a distant part of England and leaving Jane behind would break her heart.
However, when she dreamed that night, she dreamed of dancing with a tall colonist with blue eyes and enjoying it far more than she should.