Free The Marriage Market by Cathy Spencer Page B

the entire evening.”
    Victoria exchanged a smile with her husband before answering, “Very happy to, sir.”
    David offered his arm to his wife and they left to join the other couples converging on the dance floor.  “David, who is that with Miss Pursing?” Victoria asked, nodding toward their young hostess and her escort.  Miss Pursing was dancing with a tall young man sporting a sleek moustache.  Her escort was more plainly dressed than many of the other gentlemen, but he carried himself with an air of superiority. 
    “That is John Davis, my dear, a local music teacher.  I believe that he instructs Miss Pursing on the pianoforte.  He is a gifted musician.  I have heard him play.”
    Victoria peered over her shoulder at Mr. Davis.  He was a graceful dancer and the couple moved well together.  Victoria also noticed the frequent smiles that Miss Pursing bestowed upon him.
    “Hmm.  I sense James may have some competition there, David.  Miss Pursing and Mr. Davis look very comfortable together, almost too familiar.  But a music teacher cannot be worth much.  His clothes and boots are satisfactory enough, but not nearly as fine or as stylish as James.’”
    “As James' what?” the gentleman inquired, having just arrived to claim her for the second dance. 
    “Oh, David and I were just watching Mr. Davis and Miss Pursing dancing together.  He is her piano teacher.  I was just commenting to David that they looked very well together, but as you yourself are such an elegant dancer, you would have the advantage of him.”
    “Where is this Mr. Davis?” Wovington asked, looking around the room as he led Victoria out onto the dance floor.
    Victoria nodded in the teacher’s direction.  He was speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Pursing while Miss Pursing returned to the floor with another partner. 
    “Handsome enough, if you like facial hair,” James said.
    “Well James, if I were you, I’d be careful,” Victoria said as they joined in the dancing.  “You know how Miss Pursing adores music, and if Mr. Davis is as gifted a musician as David thinks, she is bound to admire him.  Besides, music lessons can encourage familiarity between instructor and pupil.”
    “I understand you, Victoria,” Wovington replied.  “Just how would you advise me to counter this unfair advantage?”
    “Really, James, I do not think that you need any advice on impressing the ladies from me.  Especially Miss Pursing, who is already impressed, I believe.”
    Wovington danced closer to Victoria and murmured, “Mrs. Ladbrook, you are absolutely diabolical at times.”  
    She smiled back at him and said, “I rather see myself on the side of the angels, James, with your happiness as my reward.”  James bowed, the dance finished, and they rejoined David, who was conversing with a distinguished older gentleman and his wife.
    “I return your wife, Ladbrook,” James said.  “Do me a favour and keep her dancing.  She is much too dangerous to leave idle.”
    “I come to claim Mrs. Ladbrook for the third dance, sir,” the older gentleman said with a bow.
    “I leave you in good hands then, Victoria,” James said, bowing in turn and taking his leave.  It was time to claim Miss Pursing for the third dance.  He weaved his way through the crowd until he came upon the young lady giggling behind her fan with two female friends.  He led her away from her companions with a nod, and they watched him appreciatively as he steered Rose to the dance floor.
    “Miss Pursing,” he said, as they began their dance, “I have been watching you this evening.” 
    “You have, sir?” she said with round eyes.
    “Yes.  You are a gifted dancer.  No doubt your musical talent upon the pianoforte has assisted you there.”
    “Really, sir?  How so?”
    “You understand the nuances of a piece – the rhythm, the flow, the passion.  It’s apparent in your dancing as well as in your playing.”
    “You flatter me, Mr. Wovington,” was all poor