“You hide it admirably! Wretch! You did not wear the willow for my sake for as much as one day!”
His arm tightened round her waist; he smiled down into her eyes. “If there weren’t so many people watching, do you know what I would do, Bella? I’d kiss you! Dashed if I ever saw you look more beautiful!”
“For shame, Sherry! Remember, you are a sober married man now!”
“Lord, yes, so I am!” He glanced round the room. “What has become of Kitten? I left her with Gil, and I’d give a pony to see the old fellow waltzing! No, by Jupiter, he’s ratted! She’s dancing with George.”
“Yes,” said Miss Milborne, losing her sparkle. “How well they suit, to be sure! I am happy to see George in better spirits.”
“Kitten always can contrive to cheer the poor fellow up,” said his lordship unconcernedly.
The poor fellow was saying at that moment: “I should like to know what the deuce Sherry means by making Isabella laugh like that! Yes, and he made her blush a moment ago! I saw her!”
“Do not look at them!” said Hero. “If I were you, I would not let Isabella see that I cared whom she danced with, George!”
“Well, I do care,” he replied unnecessarily. “Besides, I don’t see what should get into Sherry to make him flirt with her when he is married to you! For that is what he is doing, Kitten! There’s no getting away from it!”
“Well, if I do not mind it I am sure you need not.”