“I was teaching Ophelia, of course,” she replied as if it was the most obvious thing, “since she has agreed to become a part of our little charade.”
Edward’s eyes widened, and Ophelia wondered if he had been expecting her to say no.
“You have? I hope Rosalina did not force you into it?”
“No.” Ophelia shook her head. “She simply presented her case and reasoning, and I agreed.”
“And now the two of you must dance together while I play a waltz for you at the piano,” she added, making her way towards the grand piano and beginning to play.
Edward held Ophelia close to him; their eyes focused on one another as his hand slipped around her waist and her other hand remained tightly clasped in his. She could not believe this was really happening. The one thing she had dreamt of constantly was dancing with Edward and here they were in his drawing room, dancing together.
“Are you ready?”
Ophelia nodded.
He smiled at her, moving with an easy grace as he guided her along, even though she did not need much guidance. She had already been taught dancing in her early years by a tutor her father had hired, and Ophelia had enjoyed learning thoroughly. Never having been a part of the social Season in London, she hardly had an occasion to practice her skills, but they were still intact.
Despite that, dancing with Edward was easy. She hardly had to put in any effort as he easily helped her through the entire thing. He was extremely handsome, and part of her could not believe he held her in his arms this closely.
“No one can say you do not already know how to dance, Miss Jennings,” he said, twirling her.
“I have been taught a little here and there,” she replied, “but you are guiding me along really well, My Lord.”
“I believe then I can be a good teacher.”
“You are an excellent partner.” She smiled, replying thoughtlessly. Her eyes widened at what she had said, but Edward remained quiet and simply smiled.
His touch was still electric for Ophelia, making her feel things she did not even know she could feel at all. The softening of his gaze was enough to tell her he felt it, too. He had feltit the other day at the picnic, and he felt it today as well. The connection they shared was more than one could put a name to, and Ophelia did not know how to characterize it.
The music began to slow down, and Ophelia knew Rosalina was about to come to an end, and just after the final climax, the set ended. Ophelia backed away, curtseying as Edward bowed, the distance between them already beginning to bother her. She had come to crave the proximity in just a few minutes and wished to have it back.
“Ophelia, you are a beautiful dancer,” Rosalina said, standing up from the piano. “I hardly think you need any lessons at all. You are perfect as it is.”
“I agree,” Edward added, “that is exactly what I was telling Miss Jennings while we danced. It certainly does not seem as if it is the first time she has danced.”
Ophelia did not know if she was imagining it or if she could really hear suspicion in Edward’s voice. Could he see past her charade? She hoped for him not to. She felt safe in his invisibility and her hidden identity and had no desire for anyone to find out her truth. She simply could not afford it. Not after she had settled in so well already.
“It does seem a great master has taught you, but I believe some people just have a natural talent,” Rosalina commented. “Now that this matter has come to an end, we must focus on other things.”
“What other things?” Ophelia asked, unsure of how far she would have to go for this charade.
“Tomorrow, we will be going to the modiste to get you an entirely new wardrobe for the season, and we must think of an elaborate story to introduce you, too.” Rosalina stayed quiet for a few seconds as Ophelia and Edward stared at her expectantly. “Yes! You shall be my old friend who moved to France in childhood and has returned just now. Can you speak French, Ophelia?”
“I can.” Ophelia sighed, wondering how things were falling into place this neatly.
“Well, in that case, I believe, everything is settled already.”
It seemed as if Ophelia was about to be thrust back into her old life while simultaneously balancing her new life alongside it. She only hoped she could do it.
She had no other choice.
Chapter 17
Edward watched Ophelia enter the ballroom, her eyes trained ahead and posture fit to perfection as she moved with the grace of a princess. No one in the ballroom could ever mistake her for anything but a lady of noble birth through her mannerisms and looks. She was perfect, in the most beautiful way.
“Lord Edward Cavendish, the Earl of Sommers, and Lady Ophelia Jennings,” the butler announced, ushering them in as everyone in the ballroom turned towards them.
Edward knew everyone was simply staring at the shock of watching him escorting a young lady into a ball. Rosalina’s elaborate plan had already worked since she had taken Ophelia with her on a walk to Hyde Park and introduced her to everyone present as her old friend, newly returned from France. It had not taken long before Ophelia began to receive invitations, and Edward was the perfect escort as Rosalina’s cousin.
