James laughed. “You’re a beautiful clown.”
She snorted. “I don’t know if that’s a compliment or insult.”
“Definitely a compliment. I didn’t mean that you look like a clown.”
“Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He wrung his hands in front of him.
“Are you okay?” Her eyes narrowed. “This vacation can’t handle more bad news.”
“No. I mean, yes, I’m fine. No, it’s nothing bad.” His gaze shifted to the curlers in her hair. “I assume you’re still attending the ball tonight?”
“I am. Have you decided to attend?”
“Yes. Maybe. That is, would you like to go to the ball together?”
“I figured we would if you decided to go. Haven’t we been activity partners all week?”
He sighed. “I’m out of practice with this.”
“Oh.” His meaning hit her. How could she have been so dense. “You meantogether?”
He nodded. “Only if you want. You don’t have to feel pressured. If you don’t want to gotogether,we can still go as activity partners. Or if I’ve now made this incredibly awkward and you’d rather not see me again, I’ll understand, and I won’t go to the ball tonight.”
She reached out and covered his hand with hers to put him at ease. “I’d love to attend the ball with you.”
A relieved breath rushed out of him. “Thank you. I was afraid I’d never be able to show my face again.”
“I’m very glad you asked me.” Smiling, she leaned forward. “Do me a favor and don’t mention this to Kate yet. I’ll never hear the end of her telling meI told you so.”
He groaned. “I may have asked Edwin for advice, not thinking that he’d obviously talk to her. Those two have no secrets.”
“They may have a few.” Lowering her voice, she whispered, “Kate bought a new dress for tonight.”
“If that’s the only secret between them, I’d say they’re a blessed couple.”
“They’re wonderful, a constant source of entertainment and inspiration.”
“Wisdom also,” James added. “I’ve enjoyed my nightly chess games with Edwin. It’s amazing how much you can learn about a person in a short time when you listen.”
She nodded in full agreement. “Speaking of time, when should we go this evening?”
“Dinner is served at eight and the dance floor opens at nine. If you’d like pictures, they’ll begin at seven. I asked around and learned that the line forms quickly with visitors wanting a memento of their trip. I’d suggest being there promptly at seven if you’d like to have pictures taken.”
“Would you like pictures?” she asked him, hating the doubt in her voice. She’d love to have a memory of the evening, but she recognized the committing theirdateto immortality through a photo could be a step James wouldn’t want.
After a singular hitch to his breathing, he answered. “I think we should have the full experience, don’t you?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll pick you up at six-thirty. That gives us thirty minutes to walk to the ballroom and get in line for photos.”
“Perfect.” A bout of shyness came over her. “I’ll see you in a few hours. What will you do until then?”
“I’m going to the castle gift shop. I still don’t have a gift for one of my sisters, and I won’t have time to shop in town before my flight tomorrow.” His smile faded and he started to say something but closed his mouth.
He didn’t have to say anything. The thought was on both of their minds, and it made her stomach twist. “Let’s leave tomorrow in the future. Tonight is for the ball, and that’s what we have.”
