“Youmustintroduce us, my friend!” Another gentleman, one that Eleanor did not recognize, came towards them all as her aunt took a step back, a smile on her face. “Here you are with two beautiful young ladies, withbothof their dance cards in your hand, and hereIam with nothing whatsoever!” He grinned at Eleanor, and whilst she smiled back, there was something about him that seemed familiar.
“We would be glad to be introduced,” Catherine replied, as Eleanor tried to keep her smile pinned, wondering why she felt as if she knew this as yet unintroduced gentleman already. “If you please, Lord Broadbent?”
With a heavy sigh, he put one hand to his heart. “If I must, although I must say that I am displeased to have to share your acquaintance, Lady Catherine.” This made Catherine blush as Eleanor hid a smile, thinking Lord Broadbent to be something of a flirt.
“Might I present Lady Catherine, daughter to the Earl of Cumbria, and her cousin, Lady Eleanor. I believe your father is the Earl of Hereford?”
“Yes, you are quite correct, Lord Broadbent.”
“Excellent.” He beamed at her. “Lady Catherine, Lady Eleanor, this is the Earl of Preston.”
Eleanor curtsied quickly, wondering why Lord Preston’s smile had shattered and why his gaze had become fixed on her face. “Good evening, Lord Preston.”
“Good evening,” Catherine added, as she too rose from her curtsy. “Are you enjoying the ball?”
Lord Preston did not respond. The way he was staring at Eleanor made her feel most uncomfortable, and she shifted on her feet, nervousness clawing at her chest. It was only when Lord Broadbent cleared his throat that Lord Preston started and then flushed hot, pushing one hand through his hair. “
“Forgive me, I was lost in thought,” he said, with a quick smile. “Yes, your dance cards, if I may?”
Handing hers to the gentleman, Eleanor licked her lips, wondering what it was about her that had caused the gentleman to respond so. She did not have any thought as to what it might be, confused as to his strange reaction to her, which, in turn, made her most unsettled.
“Brother, there you are. I was just – ”
A familiar voice made Eleanor’s heart cry aloud, slamming against her ribs painfully. The back of her neck prickled as she slowly turned her eyes to the gentleman, finally landing upon Lord Finchley.
He was gazing back at her, a redness in his face that increased in intensity with every second. The tightness in Eleanor’s chest did not lessen, and it took her some time to realize she was holding her breath. Lord Preston was saying something, but Eleanor did not know what it could be, hearing nothing but a light buzzing in her ears. The room around her began to fade away, shrouded now by all that she felt, leaving only herself and Lord Finchley together.
“Yes, yes, of course.” Lord Finchley cleared his throat and bowed. “How good to make your acquaintance.”
Catherine’s hand found hers and gripped it tightly, pulling Eleanor out of the fog that held her captive. “We are glad to make yours, Lord Finchley,” she said, her voice a little higher-pitched.
“You will want their dance cards also, I am sure.” Lord Broadbent chuckled and shook his head. “It seems as if my acquaintance with these two fine young ladies is no longer to be just my own; I must share them with you both!”
“Do not be selfish now, Lord Broadbent,” Catherine replied, making him chuckle. “You should be glad that we are to dance with so many.”
“I am jealous that I cannot take more than one of your dances, Lady Catherine,” Lord Broadbent replied, as Eleanor fought to steady herself, seeing Lord Preston hand his brother their dance cards. “But alas, that shall have to suffice for the time being.”
“Your waltz is already taken, Lady Eleanor.” Lord Finchley’s brow furrowed as he darted a quick glance in her direction.
She lifted her chin, feeling herself trembling inwardly but without any visible sign. Why would he say such a thing?
“I – forgive me, that was a foolish remark.” Lord Finchley cleared his throat gruffly, then looked down at the dance card. “The cotillion will satisfy, yes? And the country dance, Lady Catherine? I can see that my brother has already taken your waltz.”
“He has?” Catherine sounded quite astonished as Eleanor’s heart squeezed painfully. Had Lord Finchley said such a thing because he had thought to take Catherine’s waltz instead? Why would he do such a thing as that?
“Indeed, I have.” Lord Preston smiled warmly at Catherine. “I hope that contents you?”
“It does, very much.” Catherine’s cheeks had pinked, but Eleanor felt herself grow cold. Lord Finchley’s interaction with her had been tense and confusing, making her wonder why he was seemingly so interested in whether or not her waltz had been taken. Why then would he mention that Catherine’s was no longer available either?
“I thank you.” He was mumbling now, not looking at her as he handed back the dance card. “If you will excuse me, I should take my leave. Good evening.”
Eleanor watched him step away, a fire setting itself in her bones. No, she considered, she wasnotabout to allow him to walk away without any further conversation! The letter he had written her, the words about protecting her, and what she had seen as she had sat in the carriage all rushed to the forefront of her mind, and, leaving her cousin and Lord Preston to talk together, Eleanor moved quickly, following after Lord Finchley.
“Eleanor! Wait, I – ”
Hearing her aunt calling her did nothing to prevent Eleanor’s steps. Following Lord Finchley, pushing her way through the crowd as her heart pounded furiously, she reached out one handto him, only to pull it back. As he made his way to the side of the room, to where the lights were a little dimmer, Eleanor came to a dead stop, letting the gentlemen and ladies crowd around her. Dare she go speak with him? Her courage failed her for some moments, and, hesitating, she took a step back.
Her eyes closed.
