"Algie!" The set was over, Lord Stanford had already executed his bow and left Rachel, and a small cluster of her loyal followers was already hovering around her. She was hurrying toward the two of them, her face beaming with all the sunshine of her gaiety. "How fortunate that you spoke up for the first waltz earlier. My card is quite full already, and here is Sir Thomas Rey trying to persuade me to scrub out one name and insert his. I have been telling him how very naughty he is even to suggest such a thing."

David smiled when her eyes moved with a rush over Algie's shoulder and met his. Her flush of excitement seemed to deepen. "Good evening, Mr. Gower," she said. "Are you the one I must thank for getting Algie here on time? He has a dreadful habit of being late, you know. I was quite fearful that he would not be here in time for our waltz. I would never have recovered from the mortification of being a wallflower."

David bowed. "I believe you have his valet to thank this evening, Lady Rachel," he said. "The man was in top form and ruined only four neckcloths before achieving the creation you see before your eyes."

Rachel giggled and tapped her fan against Algernon's arm. "It is splendid, Algie," she said. "You look very distinguished."

David turned to Celia, whose partner had brought her to join the group. "Miss Barnes," he said, "how very charming you look in blue. Am I still to partner you for the waltz?"

She curtsied and blushed as she smiled back at him.

***

The second waltz of the evening was also the supper dance, Rachel had noticed as soon as she had consulted her program. She did not know quite if she looked forward to it or not. It was still dreadfully embarrassing to remember that she had asked Mr. Gower for the dance while on Bond Street that morning. And now he would not only have to dance with her, but he must also lead her in to supper and converse with her there until the dancing began again.