Duly chastised, I smiled.
She left the parlor, and I stood for another moment taking in the empty ballroom, wondering how I had been so fortunate as to have this opportunity. Because no matter how difficult or unpleasant, it was a far better life than the one I’d been leading.
“I’m sorry, Keira.”
I spun at the sound of the familiar voice and found Alec standing in the doorway, still wearing his outer coat and hat, a small traveling bag in hand. The early morning light was just starting to glow on the horizon outside the windows, but the wall sconces were still shining.
Alec stared at me for a moment, taking in the sight of me, and then slowly lowered his bag. He took off his coat and set it on the back of a chair, putting his hat on top.
“Why weren’t you here?” I asked.
“I’m sorry,” he said again. “If I could have been here, I would have.”
I frowned. “I don’t understand.”
He stood in front of me, admiration shining in his eyes. “You look beautiful.”
I’d been complimented all evening, but his was the only one that truly mattered.
“Thank you.”
“I know I’m too late—but could I have the final dance?”
“There is no music.”
“We don’t need music.”
I hadn’t seen him in so long, there was an awkwardness between us, but I didn’t want it to last, so I lifted the train of my gown and stepped closer to him.
He took me into his arms, pausing for just a moment as his gaze caressed my face, my hair, my gown, and then we slowly began to waltz around the empty room.
And he was right. We didn’t need music.
11
Ihad fallen in love with Alexander Paxton-Hill.
Joy and elation should have filled my heart at the knowledge, but pain and disappointment overwhelmed me. I couldn’t have Alec, even if he wanted me in return. I had made a promise to Aunt Maude, and I needed to see it through. She had even asked me to play matchmaker between Alec and Annabelle.
Yet how could I hide my feelings from him?
I caught a glimpse of a small army of maids and footmen who had gathered at the entrance to the ballroom with brooms, mops, buckets, and rags.
My cheeks grew warm at being caught dancing without music and I slowed my steps.
I could have danced with him all night.
Alec glanced at the doorway and gently brought our waltz to an end.
He smiled at the staff and then offered me his arm. “I’ll escort you to your room.”
We walked out of the ballroom and into the foyer as the staff entered to begin the arduous task of cleaning up after the party.
Neither one of us spoke as he led me toward the stairs.
“I don’t want to go to sleep, yet,” I said to him as we came to a stop.
“Aren’t you tired?”
