"You're doing wonderfully," Oliver murmured. His face was close as they revolved in time to the music. Alethea dared to meet his eyes. There was delight there, and something like pride.
"I am trying my hardest not to step on you," she admitted, shyly.
"And you won't," he chuckled. "I'd stake my life on it."
He spun her lightly, and her gown fanned out before he drew her back into the secure circle of his arm. Alethea felt almost giddy.
"Tell me, why is that you seem to always have more confidence in me than even I, myself do?" she asked.
It was not so strange of a thing to ask, she thought. Only that she had pondered over it. It was not as though Oliver had known her for a long time, but still, he seemed to be very certain about her abilities.
"I have a good reading on people," he shrugged his shoulders. Alethea could tell that he was playing down his response, as he often did. "You need to have a better reading on yourself."
"Yes, you have given me this advice before," she nodded, as he twirled her again. "Do you think I was fine back there? In front of your friends, I mean. I did not try to show it but I was a great deal nervous."
"You were marvelous," Oliver's reply was immediate and sincere. "I could tell that they liked you immediately."
"Are all of your friends married?" she asked. She had meant it as an innocent inquiry, as marriage gave her something in common with the other ladies. But his expression soured.
"Except Peter, yes," he replied.
"Oh right," Alethea nodded. She had not even thought about him.
Finally, the dance drew to a close. The couples halted, a round of polite applause sounding. Alethea realized people were clapping for the host couple as well for her. The Duchess of Redhavenhad not stumbled or made a fool of herself; indeed, several approving smiles were aimed her way.
The relief she felt was truly immense. She dropped into the closing curtsy and Oliver bowed. He then offered his arm to lead her from the floor.
"That wasn't so terrible," he said under his breath, a hint of teasing in his voice.
"I had a most excellent partner," she laughed lightly.
They rejoined Oliver's friends at the edge of the ballroom. Instantly Penelope and Isadora descended towards her.
"My dear, you looked magnificent out there!" Penelope squeezed Alethea's hand. "So graceful, a manner that is truly befitting for a duchess."
"I was trying my hardest," Alethea said, a hint of her usual honesty coming out. "I must admit that I am still getting used to dancing."
"Not a hint of it showed," said Isadora kindly. "It seemed quite effortless, if anything."
Effortless. In her old life, she could never have imagined the word being used for her. She was anything but effortless, for she would always try her hardest for everything.
Though, she had to admit that there was a certain pleasure in being described in that manner.
Oliver's hand brushed the small of Alethea's back. But before he could add his own compliment, they were interrupted by another guest.
"The radiant Duchess needs refreshment after that performance, I'm sure," Peter declared, suddenly appearing with two glasses of champagne. He offered one to Alethea with a smile. "If I may be so bold, Your Grace."
Alethea accepted the glass gratefully, not thinking much of it.
"You are very thoughtful, Mr. Morton," she said. She was in fact rather parched, and the cool fizz of drink was a welcome relief.
"I aim to please," he said. "And please allow me to add, the two of you were the envy of every couple during that dance. I daresay half the room sighed in longing."
"Half the room?" Oliver snorted. "You exaggerate, Peter."
"I am not exaggerating," Peter shrugged, sipping from his glass. "Dear friend, you might have gotten used to seeing your Duchess everyday but for the rest of us, it is still quite the wonder."
Something about the manner in which he spoke made Alethea a bit nervous suddenly. It was not as though other gentlemanhad not given her compliments at the ball. More so, Peter's compliments were more personal than the other ones.
