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would expect a wise choice. For when a daughter married beneath herself socially, remaining a member of the higher class wasn’t guaranteed.
    The musicians struck the first chords of the promenade march while Amanda’s parents took their places at the far end of the ballroom, the guests’ signal to find their partners and position themselves in line.
    Sophie grasped the arm of one of her many admirers, leaving each of the others to locate an unescorted young lady. “Come on, Amanda. We need to get in line.” Sophie glanced over her shoulder while her escort preened like a peacock.
    Before one of Sophie’s rejected suitors had an opportunity to ask Amanda, her brother Jefferson swooped her into his arms. “I’ve decided to escort my beautiful sister in the promenade,” he said.
    She grinned and grasped his arm, thankful he’d saved her from a member of Sophie’s entourage. “All the unmarried young ladies will be wondering why you chose your sister instead of favoring one of them with your attention.”
    His boisterous laugh caused several couples to turn and stare at them. “I would tell them that I chose my sister because she is the most beautiful woman in the room.”
    “And would you also tell them that dancing with your sister prevents any expectations from your dance partner?” She leaned into his arm. “An invitation to escort one of those girls onto the dance floor is not tantamount to a marriage proposal, Jefferson.”
    “I’ll favor several of them with my attention later in the evening. But you know how everyone watches to see the couples in the promenade. They all make assumptions. You know that is true, dear sister.”
    “Oh, dear me, I hope not.” She stopped and clasped her hand to her bodice. “Do look at who is escorting Fanny. If people make assumptions, our Fanny is doomed.”
    Standing near the middle of the line, old Mr. Snodgrass was clinging to Fanny’s arm.
    Fanny turned away and hoped her cousins wouldn’t notice she was now standing beside Mr. Snodgrass. If she had possessed more gumption, she would have loudly refused when he clasped her arm and insisted upon escorting her in the promenade. Instead, she’d mumbled a polite rebuff that he’d misinterpreted as an acceptance.
    “Fanny! This is my first opportunity to visit with you this evening.” Jefferson’s eyes twinkled as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “How are you, dear girl? And welcome to you, Mr. Snodgrass.” Jefferson extended his hand to the older man. The hearty handshake was enough to cause Mr. Snodgrass to wobble even closer to Fanny’s side.
    She cringed and took a sideways step. She longed to wipe the grin from Jefferson’s face. “I am fine. Thank you for your concern, Jefferson.” She stabbed him with an icy glare. “I’m certain we’ll have time for a chat later this evening.”
    “I’d be delighted, but I certainly don’t want Mr. Snodgrass to think I’m attempting to steal his girl.” Jefferson’s lips curved into a devilish grin. “Are you planning to keep Fanny all to yourself this evening, Mr. Snodgrass? I’ve never been one to come between a happy couple.”
    Mr. Snodgrass scratched the white fluff of hair that barely covered his balding pate. “Couple? Oh, we’re not married yet,” he shouted.
    Silence reigned. All eyes turned on Fanny. At least that’s what she felt. There may have been one or two folks near the back of the room who weren’t staring at her, but she couldn’t imagine why not. Mr. Snodgrass had shouted his remark loudly enough for everyone in town to hear him. If she could have found a hole, she’d have crawled inside and pulled it in after her.
    “Nor will we ever be—married, that is.” Everyone continued to watch. Why had she bothered to justify the old man’s remark with a response? Coupled with Mr. Snodgrass’s statement, her response appeared to affirm they were romantically involved yet not planning to wed. Forevermore! How did she get herself