Page 13

“Well, I should warn ye that Englishmen can be difficult,” Halle said with a light chuckle. “But I happened tae be talking tae some of our friends about ye visit, and they all expressed an interest in making your acquaintance. I think they see how well Charles has been tamed by me and want the same for their sons. Would ye like tae meet them?” she asked.

Orla’s eyes went wide and she nodded profusely. Halle led the way and they went into another room. As they did so, Orla glanced back and saw Nova heading towards the other men to let them know that they were going to the main hall, where all the dancing was taking place. As she did this, Orla noticed Hamish look towards her. His eyes were pinned on her, and his gaze seemed even more intense than usual. She felt a ripple of something intangible running across her body, but turned away without even offering him a smile. She was ready to meet her true love, just as her sisters had.

* * *

When Orla entered the hall, she expected to be confronted with a wall of music and color, but instead the atmosphere was rather muted. The music was a slow tempo, and there was a mere scattering of people dancing. Their movements were stilted and lethargic, and there were large gaps left, waiting to be filled. Most of the young men seemed to be gathered together, sharing drinks and laughter, while the young women in attendance were sitting in chairs, casting yearning glances to the other side of the room, trying not to appear anxious or desperate. They were all so pretty, and suddenly Orla felt a knot of tension twist in her stomach. If these women were finding it difficult to be asked for a dance, then what hope did she have?

Thankfully she had a small advantage in Halle, who took her over to some gentlemen and introduced Orla. They were all friendly and curious, and smiled with joy that she had arrived. They called over their sons and Orla curtsied politely, remembering to be polite and demure. She went around the room like this, but still nobody had asked her to dance.

“Sae what happens now?” she asked once they had spoken to everyone that Halle knew.

“Now ye wait,” she said. On the other side of the room, Orla could see that Nova and the others had entered. Edward and Charles were talking like old friends, while Hamish seemed as though he did not quite fit in. His eyes darted around, until they settled on her, and then his gaze did not leave her.

“Excuse me, Miss Stewart, might I have a word?” someone asked behind her. Orla whirled around and was delighted to see that a well built young man was standing in front of her, bowing sharply. His name was Collin and he was the son of one of the Dukes whom Halle had just introduced Orla too. Collin had trimmed blonde hair and a wide smile, with eyes that were as blue as the summer sky. His suit was well-fitted and clean, while he wore a musky scent that made her senses come alive.

“Please, call me Orla,” she said.

“Orla, what a unique name, and pretty as well, as pretty as the girl who bears it,” he added with a smile. “I’m Collin, and my father just spoke very highly of you. I wondered if you might like to join me for a dance?” he offered.

Orla almost squealed with excitement. Finally, all her dreams were coming true. “I would love tae,” she said, and held his hand as he led her to the dance floor.

Nova had shown her how to dance in the English style back in the Highlands. Orla had to fight against her own instincts to give herself to these movements though. Usually when she danced, she gave herself to the rhythm and let it overwhelm her, becoming a creature of instinct. Here, she had to be more practiced. They placed their hands against each other and then twisted and turned, mirroring each other’s movements. It gave them a chance to speak, but she missed the breathless frenzy of dancing at home.

“I’ve been told that you have just arrived from Scotland,” he started.

“Aye, indeed, and I hae tae say, I hae enjoyed ye fair city sae far.”

He chuckled. “I’m not sure I’ve ever heard London being described as ‘fair’ before, but I’m glad that you have attended the ball tonight. They’re usually droll affairs with the same crowd attending each time. It’s nice to see a new face,” he said, tossing a glance to the women who were sitting and waiting. Orla blushed at the compliment.

“And I’m excited tae meet new people as well. There is naething in the Highlands like this,” she said.

“And I’m quite sure there’s nobody in London like you,” he added. The compliment was so direct and his voice was so rich with flattery, that Orla almost missed a beat. She found herself smiling endlessly, and her stomach swam with excitement upon dancing with this charming man. The only time that disappointment reached her was when the song was over, and the dance ended, but just as soon as she stopped dancing with Collin, she noticed that a few men had lined up, wishing to dance with her as well. She indulged them all, ignoring the spiteful and envious glares of the other women, loving the attention she was receiving from these men. There was someone else staring at her as well though, someone she always saw whenever she danced in his direction.

Hamish.

However, the look on his face was one that she found difficult to decipher. She wondered if perhaps he was jealous that she could so easily adjust to life in London, while he was still having trouble with it. She thought he would be best served by asking one of those English girls to dance. At least then he might actually enjoy himself.

When Orla stepped off the dance floor after the fifth dance, she was preparing for the sixth. Another young man, this one had a crooked nose, smiled nervously as he approached her. Just as he opened his mouth to greet her, though, he was roughly pushed aside by Collin.

“I don’t mean to intrude, but the stars are particularly beautiful tonight and I thought you might like to see them? There’s a wonderful view out in the garden if you would care to join me for a walk?” he asked.

She glanced towards the boy with the crooked nose, who wilted like a poor plant in the heat. “I think I ought tae take a break from dancing,” she said with an apologetic look on her face as the boy retreated away. Collin looked delighted, though, and led her outdoors. For a moment, Orla wondered if she should be left alone with him. Edward had mentioned that she should never be left alone in London, but was that still the case even at a ball like this? It wasn’t as though anyone of ill repute would be found at an exclusive event like this, surely? She thought she was in safe hands with a Duke’s son, and she believed that if she did need a chaperone, then Collin would have insisted upon waiting.