Alethea's flush deepened.
"Must you say that?" she protested in a half-whisper, casting a nervous glance at Oliver. He was politely engaged in a side conversation with Daphne. Felicity took the opportunity to lean closer to Alethea's ear.
"No, I have seen this look before," Felicity smirked. "You are falling in love with him, aren't you?"
"I don't…" She struggled for a denial, but the words wouldn't quite form. What could she say?
Somehow, saying that she wasnotin love with her own husband felt like a slight and that would be the last thing she wished to do.
"There's no shame in it, darling. In fact, I'm glad. You deserve a bit of happiness and romance after all you've been through," Felicity spoke again.
"Yes, sure. Whatever you wish to make of it," Alethea said, hoping nothing more that her sister would change the topic.
"Just remember though," Felicity's expression turned serious again. "We are here for you, always. If you ever find yourselfunhappy, you need only say the word. We will support you."
"I truly do appreciate your concern," Alethea acknowledged. "But I do not anticipate the need of any saving in my future. Believe me, and I do know the difference, but I am very well cared for in the estate."
Felicity beamed at that, relief evident.
"Very well. I shall try and stop probing," she laughed. "But it is hard not to. It seems that love has blossomed between the two of you quite quickly."
Alethea blushed again, feeling as though that the pinkish hue on her cheeks was a permanent accessory to her tonight. But then gently, Oliver turned his attention back to them.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Oliver cleared his throat.
She nearly jumped; she hadn't noticed he'd finished with Daphne and turned back to them.How much had he heard?
His eyes flicked between the sisters, and Felicity immediately took a polite step back.
"Not at all, Your Grace," Felicity said. "We were just indulging in a bit of sisterly chatter. I should go find my husband for the next dance." She gave Alethea a quick wink that only she could see.
Oliver gave Felicity a gracious nod as she departed. Daphne and Joyce too excused themselves to mingle, leaving Alethea and Oliver momentarily alone.
"They're starting another set. I wondered if you might honor me with a dance?" Oliver asked her as he held his hand to her, palm up.
"I'd love to," she answered, placing her hand in his. Oliver led her toward the dance floor. Alethea's heart lurched; a waltz was an intimate dance, partners held close.
She knew the basics, but having to dance in a room full of people filled her up with nerves.
Sensing her hesitation, Oliver gave her fingers a light, reassuring squeeze.
"You'll do fine," he said softly. "Just follow my lead."
They stepped into the forming circle of couples. Oliver released her hand briefly to bow, and she sank into a respectful curtsy. The formalities done, he returned, one hand sliding around to the small of her back, the other enclosing her right hand and lifting it to the height of his shoulder. Alethea placed her free hand lightly on his upper arm.
And so their waltz began.
At first, Alethea's focus was entirely on not misstepping. But Oliver was guiding her gently at every step.
"Do not worry," he said in her ear. "Pretend as though you are the best dancer in this room."
"I am not as good of an actor as you," she said, focusing on her movements.
"But you are quick learner," he said, smirking lightly.
"I have a good partner," she replied.
"Do you direct every compliment you receive to the person giving it to you?"
