She’d known he would be present for the Chesterfield ball. In preparation, she had ensured her dance card was full. Tonight, she determined to dance with as many gentlemen as possible—especially the unwed ones. Her circumstances demanded she find a husband and that was precisely what she meant to do.
Lord Farwell approached to collect her for their dance, his hand reaching out to take hers. Daphne accepted it gratefully, and Lord Farwell swept her away onto the dance floor. He led her through the dance, taking care to twirl her under his hand at all the appropriate moments. Daphne tried to focus on the dance, but her gaze kept flickering over to where Alex stood, watching her intently.
As the dance ended, Lord Farwell bowed over her hand then led her from the polished dance floor and back to Phoebe’s side. “I do hope you enjoyed our dance,” he said.
“Very much, thank you, my lord.” Daphne dipped a curtsey, wishing the gentleman were a few years younger. If he were, he would make a wonderful husband.
Lord Farwell grinned, then strode away.
Phoebe gave Daphne a discreet nudge and nodded toward the balcony as she whispered behind her fan, “He has been watching you all night.”
Daphne's stomach clenched as Phoebe mentioned Alex, and she felt her cheeks flame. She could not stop her gaze from flickering toward him, like a moth drawn to the light of a flame. Their gazes met, then he started toward her crossing the ballroom with an assured gait. She wanted to move, to flee the room and disappear, but her feet remained solidly in place refusing to do as she bid.
Alex sauntered up to them, carefully took Phoebe’s hand in his and bowed his head, pressing a kiss against her knuckles before turning to Daphne with a warm smile. "Have you a dance for me?"
Daphne felt her throat grow dry as she met his gaze. She forced a small smile and tried to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. “I am afraid my card is full,” she said.
Phoebe studied Daphne, her inquisitive, gaze glinting in the candlelight. "Is it truly?" She tilted her head and reached for Daphne's wrist, examining the pressed parchment of her dance card. Her lips curled into a gentle smile as she glanced over the names elegantly scrawled across it. “How wonderful.”
Daphne hesitated, her forced smile slipping as she darted a glance between Phoebe and Alex. He must have read the uncertainty in her gaze because he stepped forward, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Perhaps you can dance with Lady Phoebe?”
Phoebe released Daphne's wrist and beamed at Alex. “I would be delighted. And I have the next one free.”
Daphne should have reprimanded her sister-in-law for being so brazen but, at the moment, she would overlook anything so long as it got Alex out of her proximity.
“Consider it taken.” He proffered his arm.
Phoebe looped her hand through the crook of his elbow. “Enjoy your dance, Daphne.”
“You as well,” she said as she watched Alex lead Phoebe toward the dance floor. A sharp pang of jealousy struck her as she watched Alex twirl Phoebe into his arms.
A moment later, she too was whisked off to join the dancing, and as soon as Mr. Barkley held out his hand, she felt a weight lift off her. She had known him for many years, though she never considered him as a romantic partner - he was too much like family, a close friend of Roland’s who remained in contact with the family after his passing. However, she did enjoy his company and resolved to ignore Alex as they danced.
“Are you enjoying the evening?” she asked, determination in her voice as she attempted to enjoy their dance.
He twirled her out and when he brought her back, she felt the warmth of his smile breaking through her dour mood. His friendly gaze met hers and he sighed before answering. “You know how I detest these things. I only come because it pleases Lady Chesterfield.” Daphne gave a slight nod, understanding what he meant.
He swept Daphne down the line of dancers before asking, “And what of you? Are you finding enjoyment among the music and dancing?”
The melody from the orchestra floated through the air as the next couple danced down the line. Daphne could smell the scent of lilac wafting through the ballroom. She shook her head and looked toward the doors, watching as a servant exited. "I'd rather be in my room or spending time with Henry," Daphne said, a slight frown tugging at her lips.
Mr. Barkley's face softened at the mention of Henry and his eyes glowed with nostalgia as he spoke. “Henry is a fine lad,” Mr. Barkley said with a smile, “He has his father’s look about him and your nature. Roland would be proud.”
Daphne glanced at Alex out of the corner of her eye before quickly looking away, her frown deepening.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you any discomfort." Mr. Barkley dropped his gaze, an apologetic expression on his face. "I should not have spoken of Roland."
Daphne glanced up at him and smiled, her eyes warm with understanding. “Nonsense,” she said. “I am glad Roland is remembered, and that you keep Henry in your thoughts as well.” She took a deep breath and adjusted her grip on Mr. Barkley's hand as she focused her attention to the dance steps.
Mr. Barkley kept his words to himself, but the gentle sadness in his eyes said everything that needed to be said. He had been one of the first people to come over when the news of Roland’s death had spread and had stayed for a fortnight, helping the family, spending time with Henry and offering whatever comfort he could. His gaze now was infused with the same warmth and understanding it had held all those years ago.
She felt a lump swell in her throat, but forced the corners of her mouth to turn up into what she hoped was a genuine smile. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes, but she blinked them away. "I am no longer sad. Truly," she said. She thought of all the happy memories she and Roland had made together; afternoons in the park, romantic picnics under the stars, cozy winter evenings spent fireside. "Of course, I shall always miss Roland, but it has been more than three years now. I remember our time together with immense fondness and love. I was blessed to have him for as long as I did."
Mr. Barkley inclined his head toward the couple dancing off to the left. “That gentleman has been watching you rather closely."
Daphne cringed inwardly, then glanced in Alex's direction.
“Who is he?” Mr. Barkley asked as he stared at Alex and Phoebe.
