I dip into a low curtsy and thank my partner forthe dance before he can offer to escort me to my seat or to get refreshments like he is supposed to do. It isn't the best manners for me to brush him off like this, but I have no intention of dancing with him again if I can help it.
I check that no one is paying me any attention and swiftly make my way through the crowd and towards the double doors which lead to the gardens. Lord Cygnus disappears through them a few people ahead of me, and I hurry to follow.
The moment I step outside, he reaches out and takes hold of my arm, pulling me to the side and behind a well-placed tree.
"It is foolish of us to meet like this," I remind him needlessly. We're both aware of what's at stake.
"I had to see you," he whispers.
"Why?" The question is out before I can think about whether or not I actually want to hear the answer. It feels foolhardy to tempt fate with whatever he chooses the answer to be.
"I can not explain."
"Which only makes the decision to meet all the more foolish," I say. "But I understand." I step closer and reach up to touch his cheek with my gloved hand.
"I thought you might."
"Is that why you wished to meet me?"
"I have thought of nothing but you since we last parted," he admits.
My heart skips a beat. "I don't know what that means."
"Neither do I," he responds. "I've never felt this way about anyone before, but there is something about you, Miss Swanley."
"Perhaps you should call me Letitia. Or Letty if you prefer, that's what my friends call me."
"Are we friends, Letitia?" he asks, stepping closer.
Anticipation fills me as the realisation of what's about to happen fills me. And I'm going to welcome it with open arms, even if it isn't the wisest decision for me to succumb to him.
"Letitia!"
Panic fills me at the sound of Mother's voice breaking through the haze of emotions.
I step back from Lord Cygnus, but I know it's too late. Unlike Georgiana, Mother isn't going to turn a blind eye to the situation I've been found in.
"What is the meaning of this?" Mother demands as several other ladies whisper behind her.
I turn to face her, trying to hide the blush rising to my cheeks. My words fail me as I find there's no way to explain the situation she's found me in.
"I..."
"Lord Cygnus, I expected better of you," Mother scolds him despite the fact he's much more senior than Father is in terms of social status.
I glance at the man in question, noticing that his expression is very similar to mine. He doesn't know what to do with this situation either.
"I hope you plan on doing the right thing and marrying my daughter, Lord Cygnus," she continues.
"Mother, I do not think..."
"No, you clearly do not," she says sternly.
I look at Lord Cygnus, hoping he knows that I didn't do this on purpose. Though he should not even consider it a possibility considering he is the one who invited me to meet him out here.
But rational thought does not seem to be a consideration in this situation.
"I will do the right thing," he says, seeming confused and resigned at the same time.