“Ethel looks very lovely tonight, Mr. Patterson,” she remarked.
“Yes, very,” and the emphasis on the adjective satisfied her match-making mind; Representative Patterson most certainly wore his heart on his sleeve, and gossip for once appeared right; he was undoubtedly in love with Ethel. “Who is the man she is dancing with?” he questioned a moment later. “His face appears familiar, but I cannot place him.”
“My cousin, Julian Barclay.” Mrs. Ogden made room for Patterson on the settee she was sharing with another dowager. “Just returned from Panama, and I haven’t seen him for years. He has taken a great fancy to Ethel,” with a sidelong glance at Patterson. Mrs. Ogden had decided to hurry Fate. “We have such a jolly house party now that Julian and Professor Norcross have joined us.”
“Norcross, the naturalist?” Mrs. Ogden nodded. “He is a clever man. I am puzzled by your cousin; I feel sure that I have met him somewhere.” Patterson’s heavy eyebrows met in a frown. “And he is the type of man not easily forgotten.”
“I’ll introduce you to him, and then you can compare notes,” volunteered Mrs. Ogden, catching Ethel’s eye, and beckoning to her.
“Cousin Jane seems to want us,” said Ethel, and Barclay looked in the direction indicated. Ethel’s hand was still on his arm, and she felt the muscles stiffen. She looked up startled, to learn nothing from his blank expression.
“Won’t you give me another dance?” he asked.
“Perhaps—later,” Ethel dodged an awkward couple who threatened to careen against her as they danced past, and made her way down the room. “Good evening, Jim,” she exclaimed, stopping by her cousin. Her extended hand was eagerly clasped as Patterson welcomed her enthusiastically.
“Mr. Patterson—my cousin, Mr. Barclay,” chimed in Mrs. Ogden, and releasing Ethel’s hand reluctantly, Patterson turned to greet Barclay.
“Haven’t we met before?” he asked, and his gray eyes scanned Barclay intently.