Harriet got angry. "It is a public gathering," she said tartly. "And he is the largest landholder in the district. If you ask me, the local people should be proud and gratified to have him put in an appearance. Furthermore, I am astonished, sir, that you would make personal remarks about his scar. I do not find it the least offensive."
Venable scowled. "You're too kind, my dear. Comes of being reared as a rector's daughter, I imagine. St Justin's scar is indicative of his black character."
"Sir." Harriet was outraged.
"Forgot you wouldn't know the background. Just as well. The tale don't bear repeating to a young woman."
"Then I trust you will not repeat it," Harriet said repressively.
"Damnation, I believe St Justin is headed this way." Venable drew himself up and straightened his shoulders. "Have no fear, my dear."
"I don't." Harriet glanced across the room again and saw that Gideon was, indeed, making his way through the crowd to where she stood with Mr Venable.
The musicians hurriedly struck up another tune, effectively covering up the shocked murmurs of the crowd. Several young couples, including Felicity and a farmer's son, took to the floor.
Harriet smiled eagerly at Gideon as he made his way toward her. She could not wait to hear how he had dealt with his steward and to find out if he had contacted the Bow Street Runners yet. It was time they discussed plans for apprehending the thieves.
Gideon's dark brows rose at the sight of her cheerful smile. He came to a halt in front of her and inclined his head politely. His eyes gleamed in the light.
"Good evening, Miss Pomeroy. You are looking in very fine form tonight."
"Thank you, sir. It is a pleasure to see you again. I hope you are enjoying your stay in the neighborhood."
"As much as can be expected." Gideon glanced at Venable. "Hello, Venable. It's been a long time."
Venable frowned and edged closer to Harriet. "Evening, my lord. I had not realized you were acquainted with Miss Pomeroy."
"We've met," Gideon murmured. He turned his attention back to Harriet. "I wonder if I might have the pleasure of the next dance, Miss Pomeroy."
Harriet's eyes widened. "I am not an accomplished dancer, my lord."
"Neither am I. I have had very little practice in the past few years."
Harriet relaxed. "Oh, well, then, in that case, I should be delighted. Please excuse me, Mr Venable." She handed him her cup and saucer.
"Now, see here," Venable sputtered as he automatically accepted the dishes. "I am not at all certain your aunt would want you dancing without her permission, Miss Pomeroy."
"Nonsense." Harriet snapped her fan closed and put her fingertips on Gideon's sleeve. "My aunt will be positively thrilled to know that I managed to secure at least one dance this evening." She looked up at Gideon through her lashes. "Shall we, sir?"
"By all means, Miss Pomeroy." Gideon led her away from Venable.
"Where are we going?" Harriet demanded when she saw that he was drawing her toward the corner where the musicians were ensconced.
"To make a request." Gideon halted and leaned over to speak to the man who was wielding a violin. The musician nodded violently.
"At once, my lord. Immediately."
"Excellent. I know I may depend upon you." Gideon straightened and took Harriet's arm.
"Now what?" Harriet asked as he walked onto the floor.
"Now we dance, of course."
At that moment the country dance that the musicians had been playing came to an abrupt halt. The dancers stopped in their places and gazed at each other in bemusement.
A few seconds later the violin sounded a few experimental notes and then plunged into a full-blooded waltz. The rest of the small group of instruments followed.
The young people on the floor sent up a cheer and leaped into action before anyone could countermand St. Justin's orders. Couples swung eagerly into the previously forbidden dance. Their elders frowned sternly. All eyes went once more to Gideon.
Gideon's gaze was on Harriet, awaiting her reaction.
Uncertainty made Harriet's stomach tighten, but a throbbing excitement was pouring through her. She took a deep breath and stepped into Gideon's arms. He smiled with satisfaction and whirled her across the floor.
"I did not think you would back away from a challenge, Miss Pomeroy," Gideon said softly.
"Never, my lord." Harriet laughed. "I vow, you have created quite a stir tonight. Our poor country assemblies will never be the same after this. You have single-handedly brought the waltz to Upper Biddleton."
"I sense that in the minds of some of the good folk here tonight that is equivalent to having brought the plague to the village."
"They'll all survive the arrival of the waltz. And as for me, I am grateful."
"Are you, indeed, Miss Pomeroy?"
"Oh, yes. I have been worried about Felicity not having a chance to practice her steps before she goes to London. Now she will have the opportunity to do so."
"And what about you?" Gideon watched her closely as he spun her into a sweeping turn. "Are you glad of the chance to practice the waltz so that you will be prepared, in the event you get to London?"
"I seriously doubt that I shall dance the waltz in Town. It is Felicity who is to have a Season, not me." Harriet smiled. "But I must say it is a very exciting dance, my lord, and you perform it very well. Of course, I am not surprised to find you are an excellent dancer. You move so soundlessly and so smoothly in every other way."
He lowered his lashes in surprise. "Thank you. As it has been six years since I last attempted to dance, I shall take that as a great compliment." Gideon guided her into another sweeping turn.
Harriet gave herself up to the music, deeply aware of the warmth and strength of Gideon's hand on the small of her back. It brought back heated memories of the kiss in the cave and she knew she was blushing. She prayed that everyone, including Gideon, would attribute the heat in her face to the warmth of the room and the energetic dancing.
"I am surprised to see you here tonight, my lord," Harriet said. She was trying to be blase about the fact that she was actually dancing the waltz. "I would not have thought our little assembly would interest you."
"It does not interest me. You interest me, Miss Pomeroy."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Me, my lord?"
"Yes, you."
"Oh." Then a thought struck her. She smiled brilliantly up at him. "Yes, of course, now I understand."
"Do you?" He gave her a strange glance. "I am certainly glad one of us does."
She ignored that cryptic comment as her brain finally took charge of her spinning emotions. "You no doubt want to inform me about your plans to catch the thieves. You knew it would be difficult to arrange another private meeting without causing comment, so you came here tonight in hopes of being able to speak to me under the guise of socializing."
"I congratulate you on your logical turn of mind, Miss Pomeroy."
"Well?" She looked up at him expectantly.
"Well, what?"
She gave a small, exasperated exclamation. "Tell me about your plans. Is everything arranged? Have you contacted the Bow Street Runners? How have you decided to handle Mr. Crane? I wish to know all the details."
Gideon eyed her for a few seconds. Then his mouth curved in a faint smile. "I have not revealed my true intentions to Crane thus far and I have sent word to Bow Street. The arrangements for removing the thieves from your caves are under way, Miss Pomeroy. I trust you will be satisfied with my performance."
"I am certain I shall be quite satisfied. Tell me the whole of it. What, precisely, will happen now?"