ThirtyThe group of friends proceeded further into the overcrowded room and approached the dance floor where a country dance was just forming.
“Would one of the most beautiful ladies in attendance grant me the honor of this dance?” a gentleman said, coming up just next to Rose.
She turned to see Lord Merrick bowing to her, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Rose laughed and flushed once again. “La, sir, you could not be referring to me,” she said, jumping right into playing his game.
“But who else would I be speaking to?” he asked.
Rose looked to her other side, where Cassandra was standing and watching this lighthearted play. “Why, to Lady Huntley, of course,” Rose said, stepping aside so that Cassandra was closer to Lord Merrick.
He shook his head. “She is indeed one of the prettier
