“The Duchess of Winterleigh, you said?”
“Yes.” Spencer frowned.
The Corset Chronicles.
Which meant?—
Theodora will be there.
Spencer sighed and muttered under his breath again, “TheCorset Chronicles… Where one goes, the others follow.”
Alexander leaned back slowly, a spark of something dangerous and determined lighting in his chest.
He could see her again.
He could speak to her again.
He could?—
He cut the thought off before it could form fully but the decision was already made.
“I shall attend the ball,” he said without a doubt.
CHAPTER 11
“Good evening, Your Grace.”
Alexander returned Lady Jasmine’s eager smile, bowed politely, and greeted her.
“Good evening, Lady Jasmine, you look wonderful.” Lady Jasmine blushed profusely. “I hope you do enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Alexander walked away from her before she could respond, and he tried not to notice the disappointment that flashed across her features. She was the third young lady who had approached him in as many minutes. He had charmed all of them with light compliments, a teasing remark, and a gentleman’s smile. It was effortless. Automatic. But utterly meaningless because he did not attend the ball for them.
Where is she?
He looked around eagerly. The ballroom glittered with candlelit chandeliers and jewels; the air was warm with laughter. Couples swirled across the polished floor, skirts brushing, gloves whispering, and violins singing. It was a beautiful scene, but Alexander barely saw any of it as he scanned the crowd again.
This time he would spot her easily because it was not a masquerade ball.
“Thank heavens,” he muttered to himself.
“Are you talking to yourself?” Spencer’s voice crashed through his thoughts.
Alexander turned to find his friend staring at him with an amused expression.
“All great men talk to themselves,” he responded cockily and grinned at his friend.
Spencer laughed. “Well, just be sure no lady spots that or she might deem you mad.” He clapped a hand on Alexander’s shoulder.
“I will be sure to keep my mumbling to myself.” Alexander nodded sternly and they both chuckled.
“Ah, my wife beckons me.” Alexander followed Spencer’s gaze to find Anna signaling for him. “I best be off, I would wish you luck, but you do not need it.”
Alexander laughed. “I might need it tonight.”
Spencer looked at him inquiringly before he walked away.
“I will see you later tonight?” he called out.
