“Ball?” Eva felt that uneasy feeling return at the prospect of hosting anything bigger than a tea party for Claire.
“Yes, a ball, dear, showing society that not only did you snare one of the most sought after bachelors in England but that you are more than equal to the task of playing his duchess. We must show them all that you are a sterling hostess and not some shy country miss.”
“I would like to point out that I did not trap the duke into marriage, Lady Fairlie. Indeed, I had little say in the matter,” Eva lifted her chin. “And I see no fault in being a country miss.”
“You won’t last five minutes in society if you get upset at every comment you do not like, dear” Lady Dunbar patted her hand. “Granted, we are more forthright than most…”
“Some call us vicious, Agatha,” the Dowager Duchess added calmly, which made all three ladies chuckle.
“Yet we are here to help you, my dear, and believe me when I say we have a wealth of experience at our fingertips.” Lady Fairlie added.
“Of course.” Eva nodded, although what she was agreeing to she had no idea.
“Excellent. I will expect you at eleven a.m. tomorrow - and be prompt,” her grandmother barked. “We have much to organize.”
“Yes, your Grace,” Eva felt her newfound confidence erode.
“Where is your wife?” Simon enquired as Daniel approached him.
“She is with my grandmother and Ladies Dunbar and Fairlie.”
“Dear God, what were you thinking? Those three will eat her whole without pausing to draw breath. For shame, Daniel, this is her first social engagement and you cast her to the wolves.” Standing on his toes, Simon looked for Eva.
“I’m fairly sure I should be insulted over that statement about my grandmother, Kelkirk. You have no need to fear for Eva - they will let no harm befall her,” he added defensively. After all, what could possibly happen in a crowded ballroom? Hell, now he was starting to get nervous.
“Those three could have interrogated for Wellington, Daniel. I have suffered their tactics often. Give me Napoleon any day.”
“Christ what was I thinking?” Daniel started retracing his steps.
“For pities sake run!”
Daniel ignored his friend’s words, but his feet did not slow until he heard the twinkle of Eva’s laughter. That was a good sign, surely?
“Where are our refreshments, Duke?”
“A servant will bring them shortly.” Daniel held out his hand to Eva, who instantly took hold of it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. “Come, we will dance. Ladies,” he added, acknowledging the three elderly women who were watching him avidly.
“Are you all right, Eva?”
“Yes thank you, Simon.” Eva smiled as Simon walked past with a pretty lady on his arm.
“He took me to task for leaving you with my grandmother and her cronies,” Daniel said.
“I did feel like the last man on a sinking ship for a moment there.”
“But you are stronger than you realize, Duchess, and I think it is only you who is not aware of that fact yet.”
Was she? Eva thought that perhaps he was right. Looking around her, she became aware of just where she was and what she was doing.
“I’m waltzing in a ballroom.”
“So you are, Duchess, and you dance very well for someone who has not had much practice.” Daniel gently led her through a turn that she managed without tripping over his feet.
“Yes - ” she gave him a shy smile “ - I do.” Eva looked up at him and even though they were surrounded by hundreds of people, she was aware of only him. His intent grey eyes were focused on her also. “Thank you.”
He understood that the thank you was for so much more than the waltz.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Daniel’s eyes were on her lips. Eva could almost feel his kiss. She longed to rise to her toes and press her mouth to his.
