The ballroom was full of guests; the chalked floor was already ruined by the many feet upon it, and the crush of guests felt quite overwhelming. George cleared his throat and looked about him, wondering just how he was meant to make new acquaintances when there were so many people present that he could barely distinguish one face from another! The crush was very great, and George was not in the least bit pleased to be present, even though he knew that this was what society expected of him.
And I have a duty and a responsibility,he reminded himself, scowling.Father’s letter told me all I needed to know, and now it is time for that duty to be fulfilled.
“Goodness, it is more than a little busy this evening, is it not?”
George turned his head, then smiled in relief at a familiar face. “Dorset, good evening.”
“You are standing alone, my friend,” Lord Dorset said, with a frown. “Come, let me introduce you to one or two others,”
Without needing any further encouragement, George made his way through the ballroom, following after Lord Dorset. While he did find the crowd overwhelming and the conversations and laughter loud and engulfing, this was something he was going to have to become used to… for a time, at least. Once he had fulfilled his father’s requirements, he would return home to his estate and, from then on, would never need to return to society again.
That thought was a sobering one, and George grimaced as he continued across the ballroom.
“Husband!”
Lord Dorset stopped, his head twisting around, only for him to smile and put out one hand to an approaching young lady. George took her in, seeing her contented smile and the warmth in her eyes as she looked back at Lord Dorset, feeling a kick of jealousy in his stomach.
“My dear!” Lord Dorset exclaimed, taking her hand and then turning bodily back towards George. “I was just returning from fetching a drink – something a little stronger than this watered wine – when I came uponthisexceptional gentleman!” He beamed at the lady and then looked to George. “Might I present my wife, Lady Dorset?” He pressed a kiss to the lady’s hand, seemingly unable to keep her gaze from her. “My darling, this is the Earl of Surrey.”
“Oh, the friend you came upon unexpectedly!” Lady Dorset replied, looking back at George before dropping into a quick curtsy. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“And I yours,” George replied, genuinely. “I – ”
“Oh, and let me introduce my sister to you also,” Lord Dorset continued, as two other young ladies drew near. “My dear Norah, this is the Earl of Surrey, the gentleman I was telling you about?”
George took the lady in, seeing the surprise in her expression, followed by a quick smile as she curtsied. She had similar features to her brother, her eyes the same shade of blue, her hair dark as his was. “How good to meet you.”
“And a new acquaintance of ours,” Lord Dorset continued. “Miss Beatrice Williams.”
It was as if there had come a hole in the floor that suddenly yawned beneath him, opening its mouth wide so it could swallow him up, only to spit him back out again. George’s stomach slammed hard in one direction and then lurched to the other side, his breathing twisting into a ball in his lungs, sending pain spiraling out from his chest.
He bowed, tearing his eyes away from the lady.
“We are already acquainted, Lord Dorset, but I thank you for your kind introduction.” Her voice was soft, quiet, and held nothing but amiability. “Our first introduction was some time ago, however.”
We are more than mere acquaintances.
Heat began to ripple up George’s spine as he raised his head and looked at Miss Williams. She was doing nothing but gazing right back at him, her eyebrows slightly lifted and a coolness in her green eyes that chilled him. She was making no attempt to look elsewhere, showed no embarrassment in being in his company, and even the way she spoke was calm and steady. George did not dare imagine what it was she was feeling at present, certain that underneath this outward calmness, there would be an inner turmoil.
Unless that kiss meant nothing to her,he thought to himself, as Lady Norah smiled, glancing from himself to Miss Williams and back again.Unless I was the only one with any real feelings held in my heart.
“You are already acquainted?” Lord Dorset sounded surprised. “But I thought this was the first ball you had attended, my friend?”
“We were acquainted some time ago, at a Christmas ball.” Miss Williams was the one to speak, to explain as George battled to regain his outward composure. “A ball near to my brother’s estate, you understand, not in London.”
“Ah.” Lord Dorset smiled his understanding. “I see. Well, I am sure this is a very pleasant meeting for you both!”
George, who had not said anything as yet, tried to nod and speak, but his throat was tight, his voice rasping. “Very pleasant indeed, yes.” Seeing the frown flicker into Lord Dorset’s expression, he clasped his hands behind his back as his heart began to quail, knowing what was expected of him but unwilling to eventhinkabout standing up to dance with Miss Williams again. After the last dance they had shared, George was sure his mind would be filled with thoughts of that… and of what had come thereafter.
“I should return to my brother.” Miss Williams smiled at Lord Dorset, showing not even the smallest interest in continuing a conversation with George, something that he was relieved about. “Do excuse me.”
“Why don't we all go?” Lady Dorset suggested, her gaze on George. “You need to make some new acquaintances, or so my husband tells me! Lord Govanhill and Lord Warwickshire are both excellent gentlemen, I am sure, and would be glad of your company.”
“A capital idea, wife!” Lord Dorset, before giving George a chance to consider, began to walk away, following after Miss Williams, who had hurried off without hesitating. “Come, my friend. Let us see just how many new acquaintances you can make this evening!”
George did not smile. At this present moment, he wanted to do nothing other than turn on his heel and walk in the opposite direction from them all until he could get his emotions under control and his heart quietened, but given that it would be very rude indeed for him to walk away, he forced his steps to follow after Miss Williams.
Within a few minutes, George was introduced to Lord Govanhill and reacquainted with Lord Warwickshire who, while his welcome was pleasant enough, had a keenness to his look that troubled George. Had Miss Williams told her brother of what had taken place the night of the Christmas ball? Had she told him about the stolen kiss?
