CHAPTER18
Anyone who was anyone wished to be present at Lord and Lady Ackerley’s ball, situated at the newly refurbished townhome. It was filled with splendor brought all the way from the Far East, and the hostess took great pleasure in telling anyone who wished to hear what exactly they purchased and how much it cost.
Lydia had no desire to listen to such reports. Fortunately, she was not alone, so she did not need to. Her arm rested against Edwin’s, who was her future betrothed if only for this short time being. They arrived fashionably late with Lydia deciding on a pink silk gown this evening that perfectly accentuated her curves. She wished to look dazzling. She wanted to make Edwin proud to be standing by her side as proud as she was to be standing by his.
She could see all the inquisitive eyes and glances that were sent in their direction as they passed through the ballroom. They situated themselves in the corner where they would observe the gathering of lords and ladies who were just like them, fashionably late.
She had to admit that she felt slightly uneasy, but the warm touch of Edwin’s arm felt reassuring. She was not alone. Her sisters were scattered about, amusing themselves and chatting with their friends while her father was at his usual place, gathered around a table with several glasses of whiskey with his friends. He was not fond of drinking alone at home, only with friends and only in good measure.
It was at that moment that she noticed him. The man who was arguing with Edwin when she interrupted them on that fateful evening. The same man who wanted to attack her and Susannah in an alley and would have probably done so if Edwin had not arrived in the nick of time. The Baron.
It seemed that her entire body stiffened at the sight of him because Edwin noticed it instantly.
“What is the matter?” he asked, leaning closer to her, so he could whisper the question into her ear.
She swallowed heavily before replying. She tried not to look in that direction, but it was difficult because the Baron was staring right at her.
“That man is there,” she whispered, turning to Edwin, but feeling that vile man’s stare at the back of her neck.
“What man?” Edwin asked.
“The Baron,” she whispered.
He moved to the side to take an inconspicuous look, then he noticed him as well. Lydia could see it in his eyes and in the way his body tensed as well.
“Is he still staring at us?” Lydia asked as she had her back turned to him. Edwin, on the other hand, was looking at her, but he could catch the Baron with the corner of his eye.
“Mhm,” Edwin confirmed. “Don’t worry,” he assured her softly. “He can’t do anything to us right now. We are safe. All he can do is glare, but that isn’t much. Besides, he’ll grow tired of it at some point.”
She appreciated him trying to calm down her nerves, but she still didn’t feel as calm as she wanted to be.
“I feel too vulnerable here,” she admitted.
“That is because you are thinking about it,” he told her. “Come.”
He suddenly slid her arm down from his and took her by the hand instead. Then, he pulled her towards the center of the ballroom where dancing couples were swirling to the last sounds of the music which was about to end. A new number would commence any moment.
“What on earth are you doing?” she asked, blushing gently.
“Claiming my first dance,” he explained matter-of-factly as they settled to take their place.
A few moments later, the orchestra started the next song. Lydia loved the waltz. It was one of her favorites.
They assumed their positions opposite each other. She trembled ever so slightly as she felt his hand on the lower of her back. Her other hand rested in his. They were dangerously close, she could sense that, although they were keeping an appropriate distance. It was strange how thetonconsidered a simple stroll so inappropriate while a dance such as the waltz was considered all right. It simply didn’t make any sense, so Lydia stopped trying to make sense of it.
The music commenced slowly then they were moving. They were swirling, following the rhythm. He was a wonderful dancer. She did not even know that, and caught her off guard. Then again, they never discussed each other’s talents and hobbies. They had other things to talk about.
He was taller than she was, much taller, but her relatively short stature fit perfectly with his. Their bodies moved in perfect unison. She allowed him to lead, and in turn, he listened to the motions of her body. He possessed that natural grace of a good dancer. It was something one was either born with or one didn’t have. It was not something one could learn, like the steps to a dance. It was far more than that.
He never took his eyes off of her, not even for a single moment. This made her blush. In fact, it kept her in a constant blushing state. They went down the line with their gazes locked. Then, they turned away, and her heart felt disappointed that she was forced to stop looking at him, even for a few moments. When they faced each other once more, her heart leaped with joy. It was as if not only her body was dancing, but so was her heart.
The waltz slowly ended. It felt as if it lasted only for a few short moments. She wondered if he expected her to talk, or if he enjoyed their silent dance as much as she did. He twirled her about. She felt so safe, so cherished in his arms. She never wanted this dance to end.
When the final notes died down, he bowed to her. She, in turned, curtseyed back. Then, he took her to the refreshments table where he offered her a drink.
“Was it a good distraction?” he asked.
“It was,” she nodded, realizing that she had forgotten all about the Baron. He did not even cross her mind… until now. She quickly looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. She thanked her lucky stars for that. He was the last person she wanted to see.