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“Your ball is not to be missed, my lady.”

Samuel had come to know Dennington well enough to surmise that the gentleman would have been more than happy to spend the evening at home with a good book and a glass of port, but the fellow obviously knew the type of response expected of him. Lady Telford’s gratified air increased a notch, and she gave a thin smile before directing her attention to those standing nearby. Dennington took the cue.

“Lady Telford, you remember my daughters: Miss Dennington, Miss Sophia Dennington, and Miss Elinor Dennington. And this is Mr. Samuel Ross, a business associate of mine.”

Samuel bowed as the Dennington ladies executed small curtsies.

Lady Telford inclined her head. “Welcome to Telford House.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Hannah said, speaking for herself and her sisters.

“I appreciate your including me in the Denningtons’ invitation, my lady,” Samuel said.

“Extra gentlemen of good repute are always welcome, Mr. Ross,” the older woman said with no small hint of arrogance.

Samuel forced a smile. He’d be thrown out on his misshapen ear if she had any inkling of his background or current occupation. “Most generous of you, my lady.”

To his intense relief, Dennington continued down the line. After perfunctory introductions to Lord and Lady Pembroke, he led them into the ballroom, and whatever sense of reprieve Samuel had experienced over surviving a formal introduction to Lady Telford was instantly undone.

The vast room was filled to overflowing. Musicians played in the far corner, the music barely audible over the chatter coming from countless conversations. Candelabras lit the room. Large potted plants and ornate vases of flowers had been placed around thoughtfully positioned chairs to create seating areas for the older guests. And in the center of the highly polished floor, two rows of elaborately dressed couples were flawlessly executing an intricate dance. Samuel watched for a few seconds, his anxiety mounting. He was, without doubt, in serious trouble.

Hannah must have sensed his disquiet because when her father and sisters moved farther into the room, she hung back.

“Walking in is always a bit much,” she said.

Samuel shook his head in disbelief. “How on earth does one navigate a sea of humanity such as this, let alone find someone they are seeking?”

“Very strategically,” she said, the hint of humor in her eyes lending him hope. “We shall choose a meeting place now. If we become separated, we find our way back to that spot as soon as we are able.”

“Do you have a place in mind?” he asked.

She gazed around the room. “What about the large fern near the french doors leading to the terrace?” she asked. “We may need to go that way to check on your friends anyway.”

It was an excellent suggestion, and Samuel could not help but be glad that at least one of them was thinking clearly. If Clarke and Jealous had successfully accessed Lady Telford’s garden, they would be watching for a signal from the terrace.

“I agree,” he said. “The large fern will serve us well.” His gaze returned to the dancers, and he experienced another wave of unease. “How imperative is it that I participate in the dancing?”

Her lips twitched. “It is expected but not mandatory, though I daresay there will be many disappointed young ladies if the tall, handsome stranger who entered the ballroom with the Dennington family does not also take to the floor.”

Samuel barely stifled his groan, and Hannah gave up trying to hide her amusement. Her laughter tugged a reluctant smile from him.

“I would rather disappoint young ladies by not asking them to dance than step all over their toes like a blundering hippopotamus.”

“You will manage perfectly well,” she said. “Truly.”

“Given that I have not practiced recently, I believe passable is the best I can hope for—and that is only if you are my partner.” He paused as another uncomfortable thought struck. “Is there a limit to how many times I may dance with you?”

Unless he was mistaken, her cheeks colored slightly. “No more than two, unless you want the biddies lining the walls to take note.”

The dreaded biddies. It seemed to Samuel that they held more sway in Society than did the members of Parliament.

“Tell me,” he said, leaning closer. “Is your inquisitive neighbor Mrs. Chesterfield here this evening?”

Hannah’s beautiful eyes sparkled. “I have yet to see her, but I think it likely. There is far too much fuel for gossip at an event such as this for her to miss it.”

“Duly noted,” Samuel said, responding to the familiar ache in his heart by reluctantly taking a small step back. As much as he wished it otherwise, his role in Hannah’s life was temporary, and it would not do to invite wagging tongues.

“I am sure Sophia and Elinor would be happy to dance with you if you wished to take to the floor with an understanding and familiar partner,” she said.