Page 21 of A Marriage of Necessity

Anne entered the ballroom of her father-in-law’s mansion on Kennedy’s arm and took a deep breath as they paused in the doorway. Her mother and sister halted beside them. Dancers slid across the dancefloor in a rousing country dance and guests filled the rest of the space in the massive room.

“Oh my,” Louisa breathed. “I have never seen a ballroom this large.”

“Remember, you are to remain with me or Anne,” their mother said.

“What of Kennedy?” Louisa smiled at him. “Surely, it is safe for me to stay with him if you and Anne are busy.”

“I am sure Kennedy will be very busy,” she replied.

He smiled down at her. “Louisa is welcome to remain with me, if she likes.”

Louisa smiled back, adoration beaming in her eyes, and Anne realized Louisa had taken her words to heart and had embraced Kennedy as her new brother. Her heart tugged. It hadn’t occurred to her that Louisa might benefit from the addition of a man into their family.

Their mother angled her head toward Kennedy. “As you wish, Kennedy.” Uncharacteristic amusement shown in her eyes. “You may regret that invitation.”

“There are so many people. Where do we begin?” Louisa asked.

“If ye like, I can introduce you to some ladies who might share some of your interests,” Kennedy said.

Anne wondered how he might know what their interests were, but she nodded and thanked him.

The next hour was spent with Kennedy making introductions. Her head buzzed with names and music and the din of voices, but Anne had to admit that a couple of the ladies did appear quite interesting. Lady Hanna knew a great deal about agriculture, and the next lady they met, Miss Watson, clearly had a head for astronomy.

“I am surprised you associate with bluestockings,” Anne said, when Miss Watson was whisked to the dance floor by a handsome gentleman.

Kennedy met her gaze. “I believe I told you that I respect a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to pursue it.” He lifted a brow. “Did you think I was lying?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I thought you were pursuing something that you wanted at that moment.”

He laughed, then introduced them to two more ladies who talked of nothing but sewing, parties and dresses.

“Is that more to your liking, my lady? he asked when they finally left the ladies.

“It wasn’t to my liking,” Louisa said. “Forgive me for saying so, Kennedy, but they were excessively dull.”

“Louisa,” their mother hissed in a low voice when two ladies glanced their way.

“Don’t reprimand her for speaking the truth,” Kennedy said. “I happen to agree.” He looked at Louisa. “Still, I am surprised. I know you like dresses and parties, so why did you find them dull?”

“Of course, I like dresses and parties,” she said as if talking to a child. “They are great fun. But I wouldn’t go on about them and talk of nothing else. Have they no other interests?”

Kennedy chuckled. “Not that I know of.”

Louisa made a face. “Must we be friends with them?”

“For heaven’s sake, Louisa,” her mother said. “Keep your voice down.”

Louisa hung her head. “Of course, Mama.”

Kennedy leaned close to Louisa and whispered, “Never fear, you need not be friends with anyone you don’t like.”

She beamed. “Thank you. I’m thirsty, Mama. May I have champagne?”

“You may not,” she replied. “You may have lemonade.”

Louisa slanted a look up at Kennedy. “Kennedy, don’t you think that fourteen is old enough to have just a little champagne?”

Their mother stiffened.