Page 56 of A Game of Hearts

Looking out at the moonlit gardens, he remembered how he had once judged her behaviour there as too spirited, too free. Now he understood that her spirit was exactly what he needed - what made him more than just a collection of proper rules and rigid control.

She had taught him to feel, to trust, to hope.

Tomorrow, he would show her just how well he had learned those lessons.

Chapter Fifteen

The ballroom of Pelham Hall glowed with hundreds of candles, their light catching on masks of every description - from simple dominos to elaborate creations of feathers and jewels. Emma stood in the doorway, her blue mask settling comfortably against her face, and felt the magic of the evening sweep over her.

Behind her mask, she could observe without being observed. Her eyes found Nathaniel immediately - his height and bearing making him unmistakable even with his silver mask. He stood with Lord James near the musicians, his attention apparently on their discussion, yet she saw his head lift the moment that she entered.

“Rather fitting, don’t you think?” Lady Beatrice whispered beside her. “Everyone in masks, yet you two find each other instantly.”

“As if masks could hide what matters.” Lady Agatha’s voice held approval. “Go on, my dear. I believe that your presence is eagerly awaited.”

Emma moved into the room, accepting compliments on her mask from several guests. The Duke had arranged for everyone to wear their masks from the start of the evening - adding an air of mystery to even simple conversation.

“Miss Everton.” Nathaniel’s voice behind her made her pulse jump. “Might I claim your first dance?”

She turned to find him bowing perfectly, his silver mask catching the light. The intricate pattern seemed to shift and change as he moved, making her think of moonlight on water.

“Our masks complement each other beautifully,” she said softly as he led her to the floor. “Almost as if they were designed that way.”

“Almost.” His smile was visible beneath his mask. “Though I find the lady wearing the blue far more compelling than any mere craftwork.”

The music began - a waltz, of course. Emma’s breath caught as Nathaniel drew her into his arms. They had danced together several times since their reconciliation, but something about tonight felt different. Perhaps it was the masks, creating an illusion of privacy even in this crowded room. Perhaps it was the knowledge that the house party was ending, that tomorrow would begin a new chapter in their story.

“You seem deep in thought,” he murmured as they turned.

“I was thinking about endings and beginnings.” She met his eyes through their masks. “About how much has changed since that first night when the Valentine’s lottery paired us together.”

“Ah yes. When I thought you too spirited, and you thought me too rigid.” His hand tightened slightly at her waist. “How wrong I was about so many things.”

“Not wrong, exactly.” She smiled up at him. “Just... incomplete in your understanding. As was I.”

“And now?” His voice held a deeper note that made her heart race.

“Now I understand that true propriety comes from caring, not rules. That trust matters more than appearances.”

“You taught me that, even as you learnt it.” The warmth in his tone made her breath catch. “You taught me so many things about what truly matters.”

They waltzed in silence for a moment, both aware of the eyes watching them. Even behind masks, their growing closeness was obvious to the assembled company.

“I have something planned,” Nathaniel said softly as the dance drew to a close. “After the supper dance. Will you trust me?”

Emma’s heart leapt at the combination of uncertainty and hope in his voice.

“Yes. Always.”

The evening seemed to float past in a whirl of music and laughter. Emma danced with Lord James, with Lord Radmill, with the Duke himself - but her awareness remained fixed on Nathaniel. He moved through the room with his usual grace, perfectly correct in his behaviour, yet somehow different. More relaxed, more genuine in his interactions.

“He’s quite transformed,” the Duke observed during their set. “Though perhaps ‘revealed’ might be a better word. The real man was always there, just hidden behind too many rules.”

“Your Grace is very perceptive.” Emma followed the figures of the dance, watching Nathaniel bow to his current partner.

“One tries.” The Duke’s eyes twinkled behind his elaborate mask. “Particularly when one has gone to such trouble to arrange certain... opportunities.”

Emma’s steps faltered slightly, as a startling idea arrived in her mind.