Clarissa took in a shuddering breath. “I am no’ so certain.”
“Give him time. ’Tis his job to see to your future and happiness. Once he realizes what will make ye happy, things will fall into place.” She tossed the napkin onto a nearby table not being used and snatched two glasses from a waiter that was passing. “Here, drink up. ’Twill ease your nerves and make the rest of the night a little less stressful.”
Quickly, too quickly, she emptied the glass.
“Better?” Gwen asked.
“Aye.”
“Good. Now, let’s get ye back out there.” Gwen took her hand and led her out into the belly of the ballroom.
Within a moment’s time, she was back out on the dance floor, this time for a jig, and though she had no interest in her dance partner, she couldn’t help but have fun with the dance. She laughed and clapped her way through it, all the while hoping to catch sight of Alexander.
The song ended and she thanked her dance partner, who sadly, she’d already forgotten his name, and made her way to Gwen.
“That looked like fun.”
“Aye.” And that was all she said about the subject. She was too busy surveying the room to find Alexander. Had he left?
“I believe he’s meeting with someone in one of the rooms.” Gwen said beside her, watching the couples dancing, and not looking in her direction.
Clarissa relaxed, trying to act unphased, and more than likely failing.
“Did ye miss me?” Alexander said from behind her, and she spun around, unable to hide the wide smile that broke on her face.
“Where did ye go?” She bit her lip at her forward question. “My apologies. That is naught my business.”
Unperturbed by her question, he brushed it off, but also didn’t answer it. She followed his gaze as he surveyed the dance floor. The orchestra finished their short break and started playing again.
A possible suitor was approaching, and Clarissa stiffened. Sensing her unease, Alexander clasped her hand and headed towards the other couples beginning to dance.
“I believe ye saved this dance for me, Miss Gordon,” he said loudly as they rushed past the man that looked suddenly dejected.
“Ye are bad,” she whispered when they began their dance.
“Am I? I rather see it as gallant. Ye didna care to dance with him, did ye?” He tilted his head towards the man that was now standing at a table sipping champagne, daggers shooting out of his eyes.
“I didna, ye are right.”
“Ye are most enchanting, Clarissa Gordon.”
His confession took her by surprise. “I—”
“Ye need no’ say anything. I find myself unable to control myself around ye. Words just burst through my lips at their own volition.”
“Oh.”
“I,” he paused, as if searching for the right words to say. “I must confess. When I look at ye, I see things. I—” he stopped short before finishing the sentence, a faraway look clouding his eyes.
*
Alexander needed toleave. Not the ball. But Clarissa’s presence. He was ready to drop to her feet and promise her the world.
When he looked at her, he could see their future together. Their wedding. Their children.
Hell’s teeth.
He dropped her hand and pushed his through his hair and blew out a breath. He needed to put space between them.
