Edwina decided not to press Miles, knowing it was neither the time nor place to be having a serious discussion. They were about to walk into the ballroom and all eyes would be upon them.
She snuck a glance at Miles, wondering why he was so tense. What had transpired between Winston and Miles that caused such a reaction out of him?
Leaning closer, Edwina whispered to him, “You need to relax.”
“I am relaxed,” he said in a stern tone.
Despite his insistence, Edwina could see otherwise. A small smile came to her lips as she continued to observe him. “It doesn’t appear that is the case,” she responded. “Your body betrays your words.”
Miles let out a deep sigh, finally releasing some of the tension in his body. “I apologize for retreating into my own thoughts.”
“Is there anything you wish to share?”
“No,” he responded quickly.
Edwina turned her head towards the ornate doors that the footmen were about to open, signaling their entrance into the ballroom. She didn’t understand the change that had swept over Miles, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it.
The doors opened and they stepped into the ballroom, all eyes turning towards them. Whispers filled the room as people took notice of their arrival.
Her aunt and uncle came to a stop in the center of thedance floor and the orchestra started up. They began dancing to the music, their eyes fixated on one another.
After a long moment, her aunt met her gaze and signaled for them to join them. Miles must have seen the signal, as well, because he led her onto the dance floor.
As he placed his arm around her waist, Edwina sucked in a breath. She found being this close to Miles was rather unnerving. Miles must have sensed her discomfort because he silently waited for her to grant him permission to continue.
Edwina nodded and Miles brought up their arms before he started leading her around the dance floor.
At first, she counted her steps, ensuring that she was true to her word and not stepping on Miles’ boots. But as they moved to the music, she felt herself relax in his arms, as if she had always belonged there. It was comfortable. Familiar. And she didn’t want this dance to end.
Miles gazed deep into her eyes, searching for something she couldn’t quite identify. She held his gaze confidently, hoping her eyes wouldn’t betray the feelings she held for him. For how she loved this man. He was good. Kind. And everything she hoped to find in a suitor.
However, he didn’t love her.
And no matter how much hoping she did on her part, it would not change that fact.
Edwina lowered her gaze to his chest, knowing it was time to let him go.
Miles’ gentle voice could be heard over the music, “Edwina.” She allowed herself to meet his gaze and she could see the questions in his eyes. Fortunately, the music came to an end and Edwina dropped her arms.
“Thank you for the dance, my lord,” she said before dropping into a curtsy.
Knowing her heart could not take another moment of being around Miles, she headed towards the back doors andstepped out onto the veranda. She was met with the cool night air and she finally felt as if she could breathe again.
As she took a few deep breaths, she noticed a light was on in her uncle’s study. That was odd. But as she turned to look away, she saw a shadow moving from within.
Who was in her uncle’s study at this hour?
Without hesitation, she walked towards the door that led to her uncle’s study. Perhaps she was making too much out of this, but she needed to seewhowas there. It was most definitely not her uncle since she had left him in the ballroom.
Chapter Nineteen
Miles watched Edwina’s retreating figure and he didn’t quite understand what had transpired. His mind raced, trying to understand what had caused Edwina to flee from him. But it only took a moment for him to realize that he needed to go after her.
He had to make this right.
As he headed towards the veranda, Winston stepped in his path with a stern expression. “I refuse to stand by and not say anything,” he said firmly. “What are your intentions towards my cousin? And I want the truth this time.”
Miles knew he owed Winston the truth. “I want to marry Edwina, but she has been rather hesitant to accept my proposal."
