Michael nodded his head. “If I could I would offer to dance with you, but as you know...”
“Yes, I know,” Elise said. “Your family is in mourning.”
“But if I were not, I would love a dance.”
He appeared sincere, and not in his normal teasing manner. Elise wondered if he were feeling well because he was usually ripe to pick on her when she was in a snit like a moment ago. Not letting this new, compassionate mood of his slip by she said, “I will hold you to that, my lord.”
He nodded. “Absolutely do, We can even make it a waltz if you have permission.”
“Of course I have permission,” she said. But the sarcastic tone with which she’d begun her reply quickly died. “We got it last year just before... Um, before we...” Elise stopped, remembering that day the family had planned to leave for Lon
