As they completed their dance and Mr Knight escorted her from the floor, she thanked him politely for the dance before she found Peggy, who had moved on to stand by the drinks’ table.
“Well? What did you think of Mr Knight?” Peggy asked excitedly as she poured herself a glass of claret. “Does he meet the rather long list of requirements your mother has specified?”
“He was perfectly polite and proper.”
“So, that is a ‘yes?’” Peggy said, offering to pour her a glass too. Annie found herself hastening for that glass.
Yes, Mama would certainly like Mr Knight.
Yet despite the thought, Annie was left cold. She was not really sure she had enjoyed the dance, let alone enjoyed Mr Knight’s company. She was so busy trying to take a sip of her claret that she did not notice someone moving toward her, not until she felt a firm bump into her side.
“Annie!” Peggy called out, but the damage was done.
Annie fell into the wine table, knocking over glasses, as the person who had bumped into her hurried to right themselves.
“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry,” a voice said quickly. “I hope the wine did not stain your gown?”
“No, it is fine,” Annie said, holding onto a proper tone as she stood straight and turned to see who had bumped into her.
God’s wounds! It is the scandalous Lady Shrewsbury.