Already distracted by the mess of papers, Graham gave a quick wave. “See you tonight.”
Christopher walked out of the room, shaking his head in amusement; some things never change. Graham was lucky his disorganization contained itself to his study.
Chapter 6
Alaina craned her neck in an effort to see from the ballroom to the front entryway, earning a discreet but stern elbow from her mother.
“They will be here soon, darling, I am sure,” was all the assurance Charlotte provided her daughter, being sure to smile at passersby as they entered the Stamford Ball.
Alaina forced a smile and tried to remain calm, casting only surreptitious glances toward the door, pausing now and then to take in the sights. The Stamford Ball was quite spectacular, if a bit peculiar as far as balls went, with the ballroom almost directly at the front door.
The corner nature of the house allowed for two large wings, one directly to the left, the other just to the right of the front entrance, the ballroom acting as a centerpiece. Bordering the large ballroom were alcoves, some with doors leading into rooms of both wings. A dome of glass windows and doors graced the back of the ball, leading out to expansive gardens. Large chandeliers graced the ceiling space with a soft light, and candelabras were placed strategically on tables throughout the room to root out any remaining darkness, making it feel as if the room was glowing.
Anticipation got the better of Alaina as she glanced once more toward the front door, the smile on her face becoming more painful by the second. An eddy of questions filled her mind in anticipation of meeting the duke and his mother at the ball. And yet, her stomach fluttered as she considered the other person who may be in attendance, the marquess.
Charlotte, sensing that her earlier reassurance had not hit its mark, turned ever so slightly to her daughter. “I am sure the duke and his mother will approve of your appearance and will be pleased to see you in attendance.
Alaina had chosen one of her more costly gowns, its primary color ivory, which complemented her ivory skin beautifully, especially in the candlelight. The dress was simple in cut as well as color, with a bodice closely fit to her bosom. Rather than simply cut straight across, a slight dip in the middle provocatively showcased Alaina’s natural curves. The flair at the neckline was countered by a simple flared skirt, which remained slim, and small sheer cap sleeves adorned Alaina’s shoulders. The simplicity of the color and silk fabric of the dress was paired with intricate beading. Small lines of clear beads trailed along the sleeves, almost seeming to flow onto the bodice, where they were joined by seed pearls sewn into the delicate fabric, almost giving the appearance of a shortened corset. The skirt was then finished with the same beads, gradually growing larger in size as they reached toward the hem. In the candlelight, the dress from head to toe gave the appearance of the stars falling from the heavens to join the earth. Her hair was in a soft upswept coiffure. Her lady’s maid, Cecilia, had taken great pains to place each of her dark curls in perfect concert to give her the air of a goddess, with soft tendrils framing her temples and spilling from the crown of her head, reaching halfway down her back. The lustrous nature of her hair rivaled the dress.
Alaina’s mother had opted for a darker, midnight shade to represent the night, with the dress fitting close to her body, but more conservative in its cut. The dress was also beaded with similar seed pearls to give the illusion of a starry sky, taking quite a literal interpretation of the ball’s theme.
Standing together, it was easily noticeable that their dresses had been made by the same seamstress with the same idea in mind, making it obvious to any observer that they were closely related. And it was certainly easily observable that the women remained at the edge of the ballroom, their excitement palpable.
Christopher looked around the foyer, the crowd at the front door overwhelming even for someone of his stature. As he looked out over the throng, finding few to block his way, Christopher’s eyes finally came to rest on a head of lustrous dark curls. Even without seeing her face, he could see her twinkling eyes and soft smile in his mind, causing his stomach to clench and his heartbeat to rush in his ears. Clearing his throat and straightening his coat, already impeccably placed on his broad shoulders, Christopher was about to start making his way through the sea of people, forgetting every moment in the afternoon he had convinced himself he was attending the ball in service to a friend, or at least providing escort for his friend’s sister, when a voice brought him up short.
“It is quite crowded in here, Christopher, I do hope we can find some space in the ballroom to enjoy the evening. With this crowd, it is doubtful we would even be able to readily see Lady Alaina,” Graham said as he glanced briefly over his shoulder.
“I believe I see Alaina up and to the left, just inside what I presume is the start of the official ballroom.” Christopher motioned over his friend’s shoulder toward the general direction where he had glimpsed the halo of curls, no doubt belonging to Lady Alaina.
Graham took the lead, guiding his mother, the dowager duchess, through the crowd gently, trying to avoid the press of people where possible and offering his apologies whenever he had to interject through groups to make his way toward the ballroom proper. Christopher was close behind, with Georgiana following confidently at his side.
As they approached what Christopher had rightfully assumed was Lady Alaina, both her and her mother turned toward the door, as though looking for someone.Most certainly that someone was the Duke of Ashford, brooded Christopher.
The duke’s eyes missed Alaina’s as hers settled on the group. Unable to gain the duke’s attention, Alaina glanced over his shoulder to see Christopher looking intently in her direction.
Their eyes locked, and a sudden and unexpected feeling hit Christopher low in his gut and caused his heart to race. He broke their connection and found Georgiana was looking at him oddly. Such a look would most certainly be joined promptly with an uncomfortable inquiry, one he would not allow, so Christopher sought to have the first word, if not the last. “I do believe we have been successful at locating Lady Alaina.”
“Indeed?” came a short and sweet reply from Georgiana, her lips barely containing a smile and question. Tapping her brother on the shoulder, she brought his attention around to Lady Alaina and her mother, Charlotte, just a few yards away.
Graham quickly smiled at the approaching ladies. He executed a quick bow. “Forgive me for my delay. Christopher mentioned that you were over this way, but it was so difficult to see. I was sure he could have been mistaken, but I can see he has most certainly found the most beautiful ladies in attendance.”
Alaina offered her own observation. “Your grace, the crowd at this point in the ballroom seems too great, it is a wonder you were able to see us at all.”
“Please call me Graham, my lady, just as I said this afternoon,” the duke said in a teasing tone, one Christopher was certain was accompanied by a rakish smile. The marquess’s hand flexed ever so slightly as he watched his friend take the lady’s hand in his own and place a kiss upon her gloved knuckles.
Eleanor had been observing her son’s actions with obvious affection, and dropped her hand from his arm as she approached Charlotte. “It is so wonderful to see you again, Charlotte. I hope you had a less exciting day than the children did. It seems they had quite the experience in Hyde Park.”
“Eleanor, I most certainly have no stories to compare with what I heard from my daughter. We can hope that any further outings will be altogether boring.”
“Alaina, Lady Charlotte, how nice to see you. I must say your dresses do look oh so lovely. You both practically sparkle in the candlelight,” Georgiana gushed. “No wonder Christopher was able to pick you out from the crowd.”
Christopher was quick to acknowledge Alaina and her mother, ignoring the thinly veiled gibe from Georgiana and executing a courtly bow. “Ladies, it seems the journey from the front steps to here has left me in need of refreshments. Please excuse me.” And with that he turned on his heel and made his way back through the crowd, Alaina’s tinkling laughter raking over his senses.He was here in service to a friend. He was not in want of a wife, not now, and maybe not ever.
“Your furrowed brow gives me worry, my lady,” came the duke’s voice, breaking Alaina from her moment of perturbation at Christopher’s swift departure. It seemed nothing had changed in his opinion of her.
Trying to focus on the present, she turned her face up to the duke, having most recently been staring at his broad expanse of chest as they swept across the dance floor. “My apologies, your grace. I am just surprised they have already played two waltzes this evening.”
Graham met her eyes with a glint of merriment and roguishness. “My lady, what makes you think I did not request such a course of songs in order to be close to you throughout our dances together?”
