He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 173

173. Dancing with Theo

The dance event staff divided the participating men and women into four groups, each consisting of five couples.

For the first sequence, they decided to begin with the first group performing an English country dance.

In most ballrooms, there were relatively few men, leaving many women without a chance to dance.

They often ended up as wallflowers, standing against the wall, blankly watching others enjoy themselves.

This was a significant source of stress for women attending balls. However, at Theo’s ballroom, there was no need to worry about that.

They had designed a program focused on social dances, allowing people to connect by dancing together in groups.

The challenge, as in any social gathering, was that many men were clumsy dancers.

Because they were dancing in groups, crisscrossing with each other, a clumsy dancer would often step on feet or snag clothing, disrupting the dance formation.

Of course, this was a common sight in other social venues as well, so dancers weren’t overly embarrassed and often laughed off the mistakes.

However, from Theo’s perspective, who had ambitiously planned this small-scale ballroom, it was a disappointment.

‘To truly enjoy dancing, you need to have the basics down. But most people are just trying to keep up, so they can’t fully experience the fun…’

He felt a pang of regret, but there was nothing he could do to immediately improve their dancing skills.

He had to be grateful that the atmosphere was being maintained at this level.

After the first and second groups finished, the third group, which included Princess Maria, stepped forward to dance.

The orchestra’s music filled the ballroom, and the dance commenced.

The women in the third group generally displayed precise and polished dance moves, exuding a seasoned air.

Princess Maria, in particular, demonstrated remarkable skill even in the English country social dance.

As a princess of the royal family, she likely had extensive experience with social dances.

However, her partners stepped on her skirt or misdirected her, causing the lines to become tangled several times, resulting in even more disarray than the first and second groups.

Moreover, the men in the third group were so preoccupied with following the movements that they focused solely on the dance, which came across as impolite to the women.

When performing group social dances, it’s customary to lighten the mood with jokes and light conversation as partners move apart and come together.

However, due to frequent mistakes and tangled lines, there was no time for such pleasantries. As the men became less talkative, the social dance became rather dull.

As the dance concluded, complaints arose among the women in the third group.

“Ugh, seriously! I hate partners who don’t talk when I dance the most!”

“Right? Even with the mistakes, the gentlemen in the first and second groups were fun and engaging, but the gentlemen in our group were all too quiet.”

Dancing is crucial for creating a lively atmosphere in the ballroom, and it would be problematic if this trend continued.

Next, it was the turn of the last group, the fourth group.

At that moment, Theo’s eyes fell upon Sophia in the fourth group.

Theo quickly scanned the faces of the gentlemen preparing to dance and approached the man who seemed the most anxious.

“Lord Scott? Hello?”

“Ah, yes! Baron.”

He recognized him from a conversation they had about a month ago when he was seeking advice regarding his younger sister.

“Lord Scott, I was wondering if I might join this group to help liven up the atmosphere. There are many social dances remaining, but things seem to be dragging already.

So, I apologize, but would you mind if I took your place just for this one dance?”

Lord Scott welcomed Theo’s suggestion.

“Ah, Baron Sanderson! That’s a wonderful idea. Actually, I’m not very skilled at country social dances.”

Lord Scott had been secretly worried about embarrassing himself, having witnessed the repeated mistakes made by the gentlemen in the third group.

Theo bowed his head in gratitude and proceeded to the stage.

The ladies were abuzz at Theo’s unexpected appearance.

-Oh my, is Lord Sanderson going to dance?

-That handsome man was Baron Sanderson?

-Yes. But this is the first time I’ve seen him attend a ball in person.

-Is he stepping in because the atmosphere is too dull? He must be a very good dancer?

-I suppose so. I heard somewhere that he’s an incredibly skilled dancer.

Princess Maria, overhearing the whispering ladies, also watched Theo with interest.

♪~♩~ ♫~♩♫~♩~♬♬♪♩~

Soon, cheerful music began, and the dance of the last group commenced.

The men in the fourth group quickly recognized Theo’s exceptional dancing skills and diligently imitated his movements, glancing sideways for guidance.

With a skilled leader at the center, the fourth group’s country dance proceeded smoothly and energetically, as if a blocked stream had been cleared.

Thanks to this, the gentlemen who felt more confident added to the fun by sharing brief anecdotes each time they approached their partners.

Theo, paired with Sophia, carefully observed her dance lines.

As he gently hooked his fingertips on hers and guided her closer, Sophia displayed fluid movements, like a fish in water.

Although it was a brief moment, it was enough time to assess Sophia’s skills.

‘That’s a relief. As expected, she is a very skilled dancer. Then, my plan will work, right?’

In social dances, if a skilled man leads comfortably and smoothly, the woman following will feel a sense of joy while dancing.

Sophia also seemed slightly surprised by the completely different feeling compared to when she danced with the gentlemen earlier.

However, she couldn’t fully savor the experience due to the nature of the dance, where partners constantly changed.

– Wow, Baron Sanderson, your dancing skills are extraordinary, aren’t they?

– I agree. The other men don’t seem any different from the previous group, but everyone seems to be doing better because Lord Sanderson is leading so well.

Clap clap clap-

Wow- Clap clap-

As the fourth group’s social dance concluded, applause erupted loudly from the surroundings for the first time.

The members of the fourth group, pleased with the reactions, returned to their seats.

But then,

Suddenly, as if on cue, the sounds of the cello, violin, and flute shifted, and a very elegant minuet-style piece of music began.

It was a performance that Theo had arranged in advance.

♫♬~♫♪♩ ♫♪♩~♪~

The cheerful and light atmosphere of the ballroom suddenly transformed into an elegant and enchanting one.

Everyone was puzzled by the change, but Theo stepped into the center of the empty ballroom and extended his hand to Sophia, who was about to leave.

“Would you care to dance?”

All eyes were on the two, and Sophia was flustered by the sudden invitation.

However, Sophia was drawn to the stage as if captivated by the dazzling lights reflected in the candlelight, the beautiful music that resonated with her heart, and Theo’s courteous demeanor.

♬~♩~ ♫~♪♩

The two, bowing slightly to the flowing minuet, began to dance gracefully, like a couple who had been practicing together for a long time.

A faint smile appeared on Theo’s face at her reaction.

‘As expected… Hehe…’

At this time, nobles tended to value dances to minuet songs much more than other dances.

There was also a reason why the dance itself was of a high level, but when uncomfortable and flashy decorations such as wigs and dresses met the minuet song, they looked elegant and formal.

In addition, this dance was considered to show the dignity and composure of a noble aristocrat well because the act of getting closer to the partner and then maintaining a distance was rhythmically repeated.

♪♫~♬♩~♬♩~♪♪

Theo’s soft and delicate lead made Sophia stand out like an angel from heaven.

People who don’t know how to dance would think Sophia is good at dancing, but people who know a little about dancing would have been impressed by how wonderful Theo’s lead is.

The reason why Princess Maria’s mouth couldn’t be closed was because of Theo’s skills.

♬♩~♪♩~♪

The dance, in which they bowed to each other and crossed the stage while spinning, blended perfectly with the soft music, making everyone hold their breath.

Even the gestures and the movements of the toes shook the emotions of the viewers as if they were dancing on a beautiful melody.

♩~♬~♬~♪♩♬♫~♩♬

Like a scene in a movie, the two people’s movements, along with the beautiful music, captivated everyone’s hearts.

And as the performance slowly came to an end, the dance ended with Theo lightly kissing the back of Sophia’s hand.

Then, cheers and applause erupted as if the ballroom was about to collapse.

– Wow- Bravo! That’s really wonderful!

– Clap clap clap- It’s so touching until the end!

– Oh my gosh. This is the most beautiful dance I’ve ever seen!

– I think I’m going to cry.

In modern society, social balls occupy an absolute position in the marriage market for nobles.

As such, being in the spotlight through social dancing was like being the center of attention as the main character of a movie.

Sophia, who became the main character of the ball thanks to Theo, conveyed her gratitude with a shy smile at the enthusiastic response.

As she returned to her seat, all the ladies and gentlemen who attended the ball surrounded Sophia and showed great interest.

Princess Maria quietly approached Theo, who was proudly watching the scene from behind.

“Lord Sanderson?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I was surprised. You really… dance well, don’t you?”

“No. I’m just a little more interested in dancing than other men.”

“Ah, yes….”

Princess Maria hesitated several times before asking carefully.

“Um… Lord Sanderson?”

“Yes.”

“If it’s okay… could I have a dance too?”

“…Yes?”

“I haven’t danced in a long time, so I really want to dance properly today. The atmosphere here is so wonderful too. But, I don’t think the other gentlemen will lead well.”

“…….”

Theo was troubled.

In fact, in a way, today’s ball was a ball for Sophia.

If Princess Maria, who has excellent dancing skills and appearance, steps forward here, there was a concern that Sophia’s light would fade.

After a moment of consideration, Theo politely refused.

“I’m sorry. Originally, this ball is mainly for group social dances.”

“Then, what was that dance just now?”

“Today, the dancing skills of the people who attended were so lacking that I needed to liven up the atmosphere a bit, and Sophia had personal reasons, so I deliberately stepped in. I wanted to showcase Sophia’s hidden charm to the other gentlemen.”

The princess was very embarrassed.

“I’m sorry, Princess. I will definitely ask for a dance next time if I have the chance. I would appreciate your understanding today.”

“Ah, yes. I see. I understand.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Princess Maria smiled, trying not to show anything, but her expression was stiff as she turned around.

◈ The next day, late afternoon. Theo Marriage Agency, 5th floor CEO’s office.

Thump-

The door to the CEO’s office burst open without a knock.

“CEO! CEO!”

Lucy looked for Theo in a breathless voice.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Huff- Huff- That’s… that’s not it….”

Only after catching her breath did Lucy continue.

“A little while ago, Sophia… Sophia’s mother came!”

“So?”

“In the morning… three people… three gentlemen… came to Sophia’s house with flowers and gifts… saying they wanted to meet her formally! The lady was so excited that she was jumping up and down. She was so happy that she ran here in one breath.”

Theo laughed heartily and said.

“Ha- I thought something happened. Then that’s a good thing, right?”

“Aren’t you surprised, CEO? No, what on earth happened at the ballroom yesterday that something like this happened? If Melanie were here, I would ask her….”

Melanie finished her work yesterday and went on vacation for a few days.

“Hehe, something like that happened. Oh, Lucy, introduce Gilbert White, the tailor, and the dress shop to Sophia’s mother.

Have her choose and wear clothes there, and have her go to our hair salon to get her makeup and hair done. Have Sophia’s manager check everything.”

Lucy took out a memo pad and quickly wrote down the instructions, rejoicing.

“Ah… Yes, I understand. By the way, I wonder if Sophia will get married before the end of this year, just like you said, CEO, hoho.”

◈ Fifteen days later. Mid-January 1789, St. James’s Street.

Early morning.

Theo was passing through St. James’s Street in a carriage.

He was on his way to the mansion where Princess Maria was staying.

It had been over fifteen days since he had seen the princess after the Piccadilly ballroom.

She didn’t come to the T&S cafe in Kensington, which she used to visit every day, and she didn’t visit the marriage agency separately.

He had been planning meetings with noble sons from various families from the end of the year to the beginning of the year, so he sent someone to contact her, but there was no reply.

At first, he thought it was because she was busy at the end of the year.

But even after the new year, there was still no contact, so he decided to visit her in person out of concern.

‘She wouldn’t be like that because of what happened at the ballroom, would she…? Did something happen to the Kingdom of Naples? If so, she would have notified me….’

Theo was getting impatient because he hadn’t found a suitable groom for three months.

If it was a political marriage that she had to do because of her status as a princess of a country, he still wanted to find the best match for her.

Unexpectedly, he fell in love at first sight, which made him worried and uncomfortable in many ways, but that made him want to connect her with a good man even more.

But if the person involved doesn’t come out so actively, it’s bound to be difficult for the person who is connecting them.

‘I hope she’s at home….’

He could only hope that nothing big had happened.