Alvin couldn't tell if she was purposefully running him through the mill or it just felt that way, but they were already on the floor, with the other couples, and there was no going back now. If he remembered correctly, Sisse's charity would only go so far; they would change dance partners at least a couple of times and he was going to have to catch on quick.

He gave her a deep nod as she curtsied and he felt absurd, but knowing how much she enjoyed these things softened the blow. As long as he could somewhat keep up, he hoped nobody else would think too poorly of him. As the music began, he realized he recognized the tune; there was no forgetting being forced to dance in the back garden by the Potts girls in their youth. Perhaps he would not be quite so useless after all.

Feeling more confident, he passed her a charming grin and swung into motion as everyone else did.