“No, nothing of the sort. I do not do such things. No, I am only suggesting something proper in nature, but something that will help you.”
“That is most kind of you, My Lord, but I do not need any help. I have made my decision, and I shall live with the consequences of it.”
She turned to walk away, and Nathaniel knew that the best thing to do was let her go. She was none of his concern, and she seemed content with her choice, but he could not let himself. There was a sadness in her voice, and whether she would admit it or not, he knew that she was unhappy.
“If you like consequences, Miss,” he called softly, “then would it make sense for you to dance with me?”
She turned back, and he wished that he could see her expression.
“I do not understand.”
“You have spoken to a gentleman, and it would follow that he would ask you to dance. If you will have me, of course.”
She seemed to glance off to the side, and he assumed that was to look at the friends she had come with. Then, she looked back at him and gave him a small nod.
“Very well, if you wish. If this is to be my last night…”
The music began, and he took her gloved hand in his and led her to the dancefloor. Nathaniel had never been much of a dancer, but he wanted to try for her. There was something that drew him to her that he could not explain, but he saw no harm in it. He was helping a lady in need and nothing more. It was clear that she did not know him, either, for she did not call him by his correct title.
“You dance well,” he commented as he twirled her.
“I have to. I was the one to teach my sisters, and so if they were to have any success, then I had to be good myself. That has been the way for much of our upbringing.”
“Did you not have a governess for such things?”
“My Lord, you caught me taking sweets. Do you think we could afford such things?”
“Your Grace,” he corrected.
Even beneath her mask, he could see her bright eyes widen.
“I– Your Grace. Even so, I… I do not know why I am telling you all of this. You will only laugh.”
“I would never do that. I am not the sort of man to mock others. Now, I have told you who I am, and I would appreciate the same kindness in return.”
“And appreciate it you would, but I cannot tell you. I know better than to bring such shame upon my family. I should not even be here. Why, if they only knew they would have me sent away now rather than later.”
“But there is so much more in the world for you, if you would only–”
“I know. I do know. If I had a choice, I would do everything I could, but that is not the life that has been given to me and I must make the best of it. I am happy, Your Grace, believe me.”
She was close to him, slightly closer than was proper, but the ball was known for being ever so slightly scandalous and that was one of the biggest draws of it. They were all strangers, and that protected them all just as it intrigued him about the lady in his arms.
“I shall believe you, then,” he conceded. “However, should you change your mind, I meant what I said. Ravensmere House is open to you. Should you need me, you need only enter and ask for me. I want to help you.”
He knew that she did not believe him. She had no real reason to, for she did not even have proof that he was who he claimed to be, and even if she did she could not have known that he was an honest man.
The music came to an end, and she hastily curtseyed and turned to leave but he gently took her wrist before she could escape.
“Ravensmere House,” he repeated. “Ask for me.”
And he hoped that she would.
CHAPTER 4
“There is no use pretending, Margaret. I know where you were.”
It was, quite possibly, the worst possible way to be awoken. Her mother had thrown the curtains open and was scowling at her before she had even opened her eyes.
