At supper, Mr. Johnson toasted Robbie and me; there were too many people to sit down, so everyone ate from plates held in our hands. I nibbled at a beaten biscuit and a bit of plum preserves; for the toast, we were offered champagne, which tasted delightful to me.
Soon the musicians were playing, and the room was cleared for dancing.
Robbie looked devastatingly handsome in his dark green coat and white lace cravat; I danced not only with him, but with Kevin and many others. I forgot my worry over meeting Rodney Taylor; my nausea seemed completely abated. I was enjoying myself immensely.
Suddenly Freddie Ashford stood before me. "Mrs. Stewart!" he said, bowing. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
I was feeling so light and happy that I forgot how much I hated him. "Why, Lieutenant! What a surprise. Have you escaped the heat and sickness of Charles Town once again? It will be my pleasure."
The dance was a reel, and we did not speak for concentrating on the steps. I grew quite breathless with exertion. The sound of the music faded; the room began to blur. I put out both hands and found myself being led out of the house and onto the porch, where I retched over the rail, while someone held my head, keeping my hair away from my face.
At last I straightened up. Freddie held out his handkerchief to me.
"So you have married Mrs. Belden's cousin Robert Stewart," he said.
"Yes," I said, my voice hoarse. "We were married five days ago. This is our honeymoon trip."
His eyes surveyed me. "The heat and the champagne appear to have overcome you, madam," he said.
"Yes," I said again.
"I shall fetch a glass of claret for you," he said. "Perhaps it will settle you." He took my arm and steered me toward a chair. "Sit down, and I shall return directly." I obeyed, feeling very weak.
I heard footsteps approaching shortly, and opened my eyes. Robbie came toward me; he was followed by a servant carrying a glass of wine and a cup of water. He moistened his handkerchief and I wiped my face and neck, and he handed me the wine glass.
"Jessie, lass. Perhaps you are not yet well enough for parties," he said.
"Perhaps not; yet I am glad that we have come," I said. "It has been most agreeable."
He sat in a chair next to me. "Would you stay longer?"