I shook my head, forcing my gaze out the window. I tugged on the fingers of my gloves, my throat tightening.
“Do not lose hope.” Kate touched my knee. “He might be planning something. I have no doubt he will call upon you tomorrow.”
I tried to gather hope from her words, but they fell hollow in my ears.
The carriage drove for several minutes before stopping outside the residence of the Viscount and Viscountess Huntington. The manor was consistent with all the butter-golden stone in Bath, though this structure was much larger than the tightly packed townhouses I had grown so accustomed to.
In the cool evening air, I linked my arm through Kate’s. Tonight, I had only been invited as her companion. I would likely not dance or socialize as much as she did, but I would be happy to enjoy such an elegant atmosphere. I missed the country dearly, but I never objected to spending time in grand, glittering ballrooms.
Wearing Kate’s gown, I felt like a duchess as we glided through the front doors. She introduced me to the viscount and viscountess, who were both gracious and lovely. I had rarely entertained thoughts above my station, but the idea of affording such fine gowns of my own was a thrilling thought. Even so, there was no part of me that yearned for Mr. Campbell’s fortune for any selfish reasons. I did not want his money.
I wanted him.
My heart ached as I followed Kate into the crowd gathered in the viscount’s ballroom. Music drifted through the air, mingling with the voices and laughter of all the guests. I couldn’t help but feel that I didn’t belong amongst such refined society. In the heart of Bath, there were a variety of people from different stations to be found roaming the streets. But here, everyone was powerful and wealthy, and all it took was one sweep of my gaze around the room to see it. I felt very much like an apple on a shelf full of pineapples.
“This might be an opportunity for you to consider other prospects,” Kate whispered close to my ear. “I know of at least three eligible gentlemen in attendance.”
My stomach lurched. I didn’t want to think about considering anyone else. I couldn’t bear the idea, in fact. “I am only here as your companion. I should like to pretend to be invisible.”
Kate laughed. “In that gown? You look far too beautiful to be invisible.”
I thanked her with a smile, but my insides still twisted with apprehension. What if the sun fell again tomorrow without word from Mr. Campbell? The thought made a lump form in my throat.
I scolded myself for being so emotional. I had fallen into a pit of dread, and I was helpless to claw my way out. Mr. Campbell was the only man I could think about dancing with or courtingor kissing. He was the only one I wanted to imagine myself marrying. I was angry at myself for losing my good sense when I had such an important task to accomplish. Putting all of my hope in the hands of one man had been foolish.
“Sir William is here.” Kate stared somewhere to our left, and I followed her gaze. There he was, a champagne flute in hand, messy blond hair falling over his forehead. It reminded me of how Mr. Campbell had worn his hair that day in the gardens. The style didn’t look nearly as attractive on Sir William, but that was not the point.
I forced myself to focus, taking a deep breath. Sir William glanced in our direction, eyes flashing with recognition. Did he seem glad to see me? I wasn’t quite certain. I had looked away too quickly.
My duty was to follow Kate as she socialized, so I had no choice but to remain by her side as she started in Sir William’s direction. “What are you doing?” I hissed under my breath from behind her.
She didn’t answer, but the look of determination on her face was quite revealing. I knew she was only trying to be a supportive friend, but I was not in the mood to speak with Sir William or anyone else. Perhaps she thought that if I had another prospect I would stop worrying about Mr. Campbell.
I wished that were true.
“Sir William, how do you do?” Kate greeted him with a polite curtsy, and I followed.
“Good evening, Mrs. Ollerton.” He flashed a friendly smile before his gaze shifted to me. “And Miss Sharp, what a pleasure to see you as well.”
I offered a wide smile, but it felt false. “Likewise.”
He released a content sigh as he looked up at the chandelier. “What a lovely ballroom, is it not? Nearly as grand as theassembly rooms, though much more intimate.” His eyes met mine.
“Indeed.” I felt suddenly shy, my gaze dropping to the floor. I wasn’t trying to be coy, but for the first time, Sir William’s attention felt unwelcome. If the results of Kate’s test were favorable, Mr. Campbell would be proposing the next day. Surely Sir William had heard the gossip about my courtship. What reason could he have to?—
“May I have the honor of your first dance, Miss Sharp?”
I blinked in surprise. “Y-yes. You may.”
He looked quite pleased with that response. My head spun. I sensed Kate’s excitement, but all I could feel was dread. I hadn’t planned on dancing with anyone at the ball. I tried to feel comfort in knowing that I had a potential option besides Mr. Campbell, but it only intensified my distress.
It wasn’t long before the quadrille began, and Sir William led me out to the dance floor. His smile put me at ease, and I managed to enjoy the dance, execute all the steps, and even smile back. But as the last notes rang through the air, my gaze drifted toward the doorway of the ballroom.
My heart leaped.
Standing alone, brow knit together in a scowl, was Mr. Campbell.
CHAPTER 22
