Rebecca offered her friend a watery smile, then glanced toward Meyer. “Have you seen who Meyer is conversing with? I haven’t spoken to either gentleman tonight, but I’m assuming that it is of import to you.” Rebecca grinned mischievously.
“No, who is it?” Liliah asked, rising on tiptoe in an effort to see over the people in the way.
“It’s the gentleman that you danced with . . .” Her brow pinched as she thought of the name.
Liliah’s heart pounded, her body tingled with hope, and she gasped, about to speak his name.
“Viscount Kilpatrick! I knew I’d remember the name after a moment,” Rebecca finished.
Liliah’s heart sank, the glimmer of hope fading as quickly as it appeared. “That is certainly of note, but I do not expect that he is speaking of me in any capacity.”
“Oh? And what of the other gentleman? I must say, Meyer was quite concerned at his interest in you. He’s not of the worthy variety.” Rebecca spoke in hushed tones.
“Worthiness is in the eye of the beholder, my friend.”
Rebecca studied her carefully, then nodded wordlessly.
“Come, let us find something sweet, and then we can discuss the latest gossip, for certainly you have something of note that I’ve not heard yet!” Liliah turned the topic and was rewarded with a grin from her friend. The country dances had begun, and Liliah almost wished to partake, but instead was quite pleased to spend the time conversing with Rebecca. It had been weeks since she had enjoyed her artless company with such freedom, without the dark, oppressive cloud covering them.
Yet even while the future still loomed, Liliah found she was able to not let it overtake her with weariness; rather, with her friendship restored, she was hopeful that they would come up with some sort of solution.
Two great chandeliers gave yellow light to the room, illuminating it greatly compared to the candlelight that was employed last year. Even Rebecca remarked on the great expense the Ganders must have incurred for this improvement.
As each set came and went, Liliah knew that the dinner waltz was quickly approaching, and as such she expected her father would abandon whatever game he was participating in, to watch over her, make sure she accepted Meyer’s offer to dance.
For certain, he would offer.
As the strains of the ever-scandalous waltz began, Liliah glanced to her friend, and reached out to squeeze her hand. “If it helps, I won’t enjoy it.”
Rebecca chuckled, giving her head a delicate shake. “I know. And as horrible as it sounds, that does help.”
Liliah smiled, then rose from her seat. Meyer approached and bowed to the two ladies. “Lady Liliah”—and much more quietly—“Rebecca.” He caressed her name with his tone, and Liliah grinned at the obvious affection, and the way Rebecca’s color heightened.
Liliah took his arm and frowned slightly as Meyer gave her a daring grin. “What are you about, Meyer?” Liliah asked as he led them toward the center of the room.
He nodded over toward the left, where her father watched vigilantly.
“I see nothing amusing,” Liliah retorted.
“That is why it is called faith, Lady Liliah. To believe in what you cannot see, as if it exists,” he said cryptically. Liliah frowned as he glanced over her shoulder. “Just in time.”
Confused, Liliah watched as none other than Luc stepped around her person and tapped Meyer on the shoulder. “You don’t mind, do you?” he asked.
Meyer shook his head and stepped out of the way as Luc’s hand grasped her waist while his other tenderly took her hand. “Shall we?”
Liliah forced a blink as she stared at Luc, his devastatingly handsome features even more beautiful than in her dreams. “Of course,” she answered belatedly.
Her gaze flickered behind him to where her father watched from across the room, far enough away to do nothing to intercede, but close enough for her to read the fury on his features.
“Eyes on me, Liliah,” Luc coached as he led her into the dance.
Liliah focused on his crystal gaze, her body warming as if he were a fire. “I didn’t expect you . . .” she whispered.
“Ah, which is why it was delightful to use the element of surprise.” Luc grinned wolfishly. “And your friend was quick to accept my interruption.”
“That is not surprising at all. Rather he will be free to ask Rebecca to dance.”
“Exactly.” Lucas nodded over her shoulder and turned her just enough for her to notice that indeed, Meyer had wasted little time in stealing Rebecca for the waltz.
