“Don’t go far,” her aunt advised, then frowned at her blue gown with its layers of silk that were drawn into a small bustle in the back. “And be sure to take better care with your attire this evening.”
“Of course.” Before her aunt could say anything more, she joined the two ladies. “Good evening.”
“Lady Eliza. What a pleasure to see you,” Lady Winifred said. “Your gown is beautiful.”
“Thank you. So are both of yours.” The two ladies’ smiles further eased her nerves. “Aren’t the decorations lovely?”
They visited for a time, sharing their progress on the book they were reading for the league, along with other topics. Eliza was pleased to become better acquainted with them.
“Do you know if Lady Bolton will be attending?” Eliza asked.
“I believe so,” Winifred said. “In fact, there is Phoebe now.”
“How good to see the three of you,” Lady Bolton said as she joined them and squeezed each of their hands in a warm greeting. “Isn’t this a wonderful ball?”
Millicent giggled. “You say that about every ball since you married.”
Lady Bolton laughed, a hint of blush rising in her cheeks. “That’s true.”
“To think you used to be standing along the wall with us.” Miss Davies heaved a sigh that held a hint of envy.
“That is proof of how quickly things can change. Why don’t we find dance partners for all of you?” Lady Bolton suggested as she glanced around the room. “You look too pretty this evening not to dance.”
Before the ladies could respond, Viscount Delbert, Philip’s cousin, approached Eliza. “May I have the honor of a dance, Lady Eliza?”
Eliza wanted to refuse even if good manners dictated that she accept.
“How kind of you.” She took his offered arm but kept as much distance between them as possible.
Lady Bolton gave her a worried look as if sensing that Eliza was less than pleased by the invitation.
It was only a dance. How difficult could it be?
They passed by her aunt who nodded. This was one time when Eliza wished Winston were here. She had to think he wouldn’t approve of her dancing with the viscount.
“It’s a nice ball, isn’t it?” she said in an attempt to make conversation.
“It is now.” The smile he gave her as he studied her only increased her unease.
How different he was from Philip. Like night and day. His dark blond hair was overly long, brushing his collar. His skin was sallow and shadows marked his eyes. Thin lips and a narrow nose kept him from being handsome, as did his often derisive expression.
“How are you finding London since your return?” he asked.
Relieved to have something to break the awkward silence, she answered only to realize she needn’t have bothered. He wasn’t listening based on the way he glanced around the room as if in search of someone.
Soon the dance began, and she didn’t bother trying to speak to him. She only wanted it over. He was a passable partner, but she had to take care to keep the proper distance between them.
His grip tightened as the dance continued, and he guided her firmly across the floor. Too firmly. She resisted the urge to pull her hand from his. By the time the dance ended, she realized he’d maneuvered them to where the doors opened to the terrace.
He bowed and she curtsied then he took her hand before she’d straightened and drew her toward one of the doors. “A breath of fresh air is in order.”
“I must return to my aunt,” Eliza said as she again tried to pull free to no avail.
“A few more minutes won’t cause any harm.” He studied her face. “I can see how warm you are.”
If her face was flushed, it was because of anger. “I must refuse.”
“And I deny your refusal.” His smirk suggested he thought his reply was clever. “It’s only a little fresh air.”
