Someone jostled into Eleanor, laughing an apology as they were spirited away.The sights and sounds of the ball held at Colgrove House returned in a rush, and Eleanor took herself out of harm’s way.She had only just arrived, and the sight of Benedict had distracted her so she’d quite forgotten all around her.
He had not seen her as yet, and this was the first time opportunity she’d had to see him on his birthday.He had been occupied all day with Lord Daughtry and his other friends, and though she had missed him, she’d known they would see each other at Lady C’s ball.As they had not seen each other, she had not yet gifted him his birthday surprise, one she hoped would render him speechless.At least, she hoped it would.It was not as ostentatious as his for her only a month past, and one could almost term it modest.However, she was hoping the impact would far exceed its size.
“Lady Eleanor, you have come!”Amanda appeared at her side, beaming from ear to ear.And why should she not?This ball was in her honour, and it was by all appearances a mad crush and a wild success.“Have you yet met my dear friend, Miss Lucinda Piper?Lucy, this is my uncle’s dear friend, Lady Eleanor Penhurst.”
“How do you do, Lady Eleanor?”The young lady bobbed a curtsey, her brown hair and dark eyes a contrast to Amanda’s blonde beauty.
“Very well, thank you.Are you enjoying this ball?”
“I am indeed,” Miss Piper gushed.“It is the most delightful ball of the season.Amanda is so very fortunate to have such a hostess for a mother.Lady Colgrove is so very clever.Have you seen the flower cakes as yet?”
“Not as yet.”She knew of what Amanda’s friend spoke.Lady C was quite famous for her cunning cakes that looked of something else.For Gregory’s last birthday, she’d had cakes fashioned into tiny frogs congregating around a lake made of window-pane sugar.Eleanor had always quietly wished a cake of her own, but she was not truly Lady C’s family.“I shall be sure to examine them most thoroughly, though.”
“Have you yet spoken with Uncle Benedict?”Amanda said.“It is his birthday today.”
“I have not.Have you wished him well?”
“Oh yes.Mama had his favourite cake made and he quite enjoyed my gift.I gave him a pair of onyx cufflinks.You remember those ones I purchased when we were shopping,” she said to Miss Piper.
Before Miss Piper could respond, Lady C swept to their side.“There you are, Amanda!Lord Decker is seeking you to dance.He is quite insistent he has reserved the next with you.”
Amanda rolled her eyes.“He may wait, for I have not yet finished greeting Lady Eleanor.Besides, he has two left feet and my slippers are not sturdy.”
“Lord Decker is an exquisite dancer.I believe you are thinking of Mr Rowley.You did limp somewhat after your last dance.However, you should not keep Lord Decker waiting, and I am certain Eleanor should not mind you excusing yourself to make merry with a suitor.You too, Miss Piper.Viscount Chambers was asking after you.”
Miss Piper’s eyes lit up.“Really?Amanda, we must find these gentlemen.I should like to dance every dance and end the night with my slippers worn right through.”
With a final eye roll, Amanda allowed herself to be spirited away.
Lady C shook her head.“She cannot keep her suitors straight.It is a pleasant problem to have, but honestly, that girl will be the death of me.”
Across the ballroom, Benedict finally looked her way.Catching sight of her, he gave her a broad smile, as if the very sight of her made him happy.At least, that’s what she hoped, if only because the sight of him made her so very happy.
“Lord Colgrove currently plays cards, but he is promised to me for a dance after dinner.”Lady C followed her gaze.“Has Benedict yet promised you a dance?”
“I have not spoken with him yet this evening.”
“Then you have perhaps not yet wished him a happy birthday.Should you wish to do so, I will not notice if you both absent the ballroom.”
Her cheeks heated.There was something about how Lady C looked at her… “Lady C, I should not—”
Across from them, Benedict was issuing his farewells and making his way toward them.
A smile played about her ladyship’s mouth.“See to Benedict.”With a final smile, she left Eleanor alone.
“Where is Lady C to?”Benedict asked upon joining her.
“I do not know.”She stared after her ladyship.Had she been implying something about Eleanor and Benedict?No, surely not.Only they two knew of their change in relationship.Well, she had told Victoria but she highly doubted Benedict would have told Lady C.She shook such thoughts off.“I am certain she has much to do, however.Your birthday suit is very handsome.”
“I look stunning, do I not?”He flicked at an invisible piece of lint from the emerald green lapel.
“Very handsome.”She studied him.“Happy birthday, by the way.”
“Why, El.Your enthusiasm sets me to blush.”
She looked around them.“I cannot be enthusiastic in full view of society.”
His eyes darkened.“Exactly what sort of enthusiasm are we speaking of?”
