For a moment, I believe she is going to argue with me and say that I should take these things more seriously, but instead she merely nods.
"Miss Falnor, Miss Rocke," Lord Cygnus says, dipping his head to each of my friends in turn.
"Lord Cygnus," Georgiana responds, though Mary is already too distracted to go through the courtesy greeting.
"Miss Swanley," he says, turning to me and looking at me with his piercing gaze. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me for the next dance?" He holds his hand out, knowing that propriety says I shouldn't refuse, and that I have no desire to anyway.
"The honour would be mine, My Lord," I respond in a sultry tone, slipping my hand into his.
Georgiana makes a small squeak and flicks open her fan in order to hide her response.
Lord Cygnus leads me away from my friends and towards the dance floor where other couples aretaking their places. "I dare say that one of these days, Miss Rocke will outright say that she disapproves of me," he says, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.
"I don't believe she ever would, My Lord."
"Because she doesn't disapprove?"
I let out a small laugh. "I believe it is more likely that she is aware of the disparity between your stations and doesn't wish to bring any displeasure on her family or her betrothed."
"Ah, yes, that does tend to stay some people's tongues."
"It does."
"Though what of you, Miss Swanley? Will your tongue be stayed should I displease you?"
"I am yet to find out, My Lord."
The music begins before either of us can say anything else, which is always a shame. The excellent thing about practising my flirtations on Lord Cygnus is that I know he has no intention of asking me, or anyone else, to marry him. It rather takes the pressure off.
"How are you finding the evening, My Lord?" I ask while we wait for our turn to dance.
"I must admit to it being a bit of a bore, though I believe that is set to change now I am being afforded a moment of your company."
"Flattery, Lord Cygnus? Do you not worry that I will start to misunderstand your intentions?"
"I believe you are a lady of your word. You say you do not wish to be married yet."
"And it is true."
"Though not a sentiment shared by many of your friends," he observes.
"I believe they see these balls and gatherings as a necessity," I respond. "Whereas I see them for what they are, a welcome diversion with which to pass the time."
"Here I was thinking that Miss Falnor was the scholar and not you."
Surprise rises within me at his astute appraisal of my friend. "I was not aware you spent so much time thinking of Miss Falnor." I try to ignore the hint of jealousy rising within me. I know Mary isn't interested in exchanging more than a passing word to Lord Cygnus.
"I do not, but you have mentioned her on more than one occasion, Miss Swanley."
"Ah." That makes sense.
"I believe it is our turn," he says, nodding to the couple coming to stand in place.
I smile and dip into a curtsy, making sure to lean forward just enough that Lord Cygnus is able to appreciate my decolletage.
A small smirk plays at his lips as he bows in response, not taking his eyes off me.
My heart flutters at the attention, though I am not in any way naive enough to think that he does not offer the same amount to every other lady he dances with. I am merely the current object of his attention.