“My wits begin to turn.” The somberness of the King Lear quote stilled her heart even more. “Benedict may be a staid choice, but he is also a sensible one. I cannot say so for Edward…”
Even though he makes your heart race…
Even though a mere look from him makes you shiver…
Even though his kiss will live in your dreams forever and a day…
Twisting her head over her shoulder, she could hear the strains of music spilling through the doors from the ballroom, beckoning her to return, but she didn’t want to be the target for unsavory matrons and jealous debutantes.
She watched quietly as a couple slipped outside, the lady giggling and the man swooping her into his arms. Turning away, she leaned forward and tried to assess her heart.
It was early days but Alice still felt guilt for having these feelings for Edward that she felt she should have for Benedict. Should she talk to Benedict or follow through with her plan?
After all, what is one more sacrifice on the top of the heap I’ve already given up?
“But can I sacrifice love… true love…” she whispered to herself.
The crunch of footsteps—light footsteps on the gravel had her looking up to find Penelope coming near.
“Alice?” She asked. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
“I should ask you that same question,” she chided gently while standing. “You know it is dangerous coming out here by yourself,and before you saythe obvious, yes, I know, I am doing the same thing. But—but I needed some air.”
Her sister looked to the house, “You need to come back inside. Eliza is up to her old tricks again.”
“With what this time?” Alice asked, not surprised that her cousin was sewing seeds of dissension. Eliza really despised when she was not the center of attention.
As they headed back, Penelope said, “From the little I heard, she was saying how she had a feeling Marquess Brampton isn’t all that taken with you and the reason he is not here is because he is looking for someone else.”
Grinding her teeth, Alice picked up her pace. More rumors would destabilize the already fragile reputation she had around Town. Entering the room, she tried to find Eliza but had to stall as the girl was being led off the sidelines to the dancefloor by a handsome young man who admittedly looked at Eliza as if she were a goddess in the flesh.
If only he knew.
Grimly, she glanced around, hoping Duke Valhaven was still around—but no, he was nowhere to be seen.
Her stomach plummeted; he must have left.
Despondent, she drifted to the seating area and sat, unsure of what to do next; but kept her head up and her back firm as she already felt the scathing gazes rippling all over her. She knew Penelope was right; Eliza had done it again and weaponized her cronies against her.
She twisted her head just a fraction and saw Miranda Valentine and two subjugates, their smirks hardly subtle as they whispered behind fans. It was like back in the schoolroom and her debut in polite company all over again. She felt alone—except for the prickling company of her aunt and cousin, which, frankly, was worse than being alone.
“Don’t mind them,” Penelope whispered. “They are simply bitter and jealous.”
Privately, Alice did not think they were either, but she knew they did scorn her as an outsider and were hateful that she had attained the attention of a Marquess and possibly a Duke. She bit her tongue and faced the dance floor again while Penelope went to the refreshments table.
“Miss Winslow?” She turned her head at a footman’s low whisper, her head cocked in question.
“Yes, sir?”
“This was sent for you, Miss.” The footman bowed and handed her a card.
“Oh, thank you,” she replied, her eyes dropping to the white square in his hand.
Delicately, she broke the seal and unfolded the heavy stationery; spinning it around, she saw the gold seal of the Valhaven Dukedom, and it was a formal invitation to a masquerade ball at his home.
A separate slip of paper was behind it and she saw the forceful slashing hand.
I’d like to say my brother was the one who invited you, but I cannot. I am the one and it is purely for selfish reasons. Please wear your dove costume again. I like seeing your face covered in lace.
