“Cheers to that,” said Gwenla, who then realized her glass was empty. She picked up Alison’s half-drunk glass. “Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Ceri had invited Alison and Rinka into her chambers to dress for the ball together, which wasn’t ordinary, exactly, but their family wasn’t known for their respect for the rules.
“You simply must wear this one,” said Ceri, handing a long piece of blue satin ribbon to her lady’s maid to tie in Alison’s hair. “It’ll match your eyes.”
The dress she had given Alison to wear was blue as well, a slinky column of sapphire blue silk with delicate sleeves.
Ms. Murray brought the three evening gowns Rinka had not yet worn to allow the other girls to help her decide.
“That one,” said Ceri immediately, pointing to a red dress as her lady’s maid helped her into a sleek black gown of her own. “It’s Idris’s colors. He’ll love you in it.”
The red dress was stunning, Rinka had to admit. And it was true that the beads and sequins that did somewhat resemble his scales.
“Red on red?” said Rinka, pointing to her hair. “Are you sure?”
“I’m certain,” said Ceri.
Rinka glanced at Alison, who nodded.
They headed into the ballroom together once they were finally ready, a little late due to Ceri insisting on changing their hair accessories several times before settling on the right ones.
“We need to hurry,” said Ceri. “Most of the dances have already been promised.”
Rinka helped Ceri and Alison fill their dance cards as she filled most of her own. She was especially looking forward to dancing with Keir, whom she’d heard was an accomplished dancer and one of the most coveted partners tonight, although he hadn’t been seen yet.
“Where are they?” asked Alison, speaking of their respective men. Idris was also nowhere to be found.
Alison finally spotted Keir as the first dance was just about to start. His collar was bent out of shape, and he was shaking his hand.
As he came closer, Rinka could see a bandage on his knuckles.
“What’s happened? Are you alright?” asked Alison.
“Fine,” said Keir. “Better than fine. My father and I have reached an understanding.”
“Oh Gods, Keir, you didn’t,” said Alison.
“Didn’t knock that smirk right off his face? I did, and he deserved it. I doubt we’ll see Lord Ainsley around tonight. He’s looking a bit worse for wear. Come, my darling. I’m feeling very much like dancing at this moment.”
Alison shot Rinka a bewildered look as Keir took her to the dance floor.
Rinka shrugged. From everything she’d seen and heard of Lord Ainsley, Keir was right about him deserving it.
She was just beginning to regret saving a dance for Idris when he finally arrived. He was as handsome as ever in his tuxedo, and Rinka had to stop herself from jumping into his arms at the sight of him.
It’s just for the summer,she reminded herself. At least her mother’s voice wasn’t here to judge her. It had been quite some time since she’d heard it—perhaps her outlandish actions had silenced it for good.
“You’re late,” she said with a flirty pout. “I did save the first dance for you, though.”
“Rinka, may I speak with you?”
She was caught off guard by his serious tone. His face was serious too, and more than a little sad. It was almost haunted.
“Of course,” said Rinka, her mind racing. She had just seen him a few hours ago. What could have possibly happened in their time apart?
They went into the garden once more, returning to the same secluded spot from a few weeks prior. “What’s wrong?” asked Rinka. She rubbed the bare skin of her arms above her gloves nervously.
