Chapter 10 #3
In the parlor, more of the party’s attendees had started to arrive.
It was his understanding that there would be twenty in all, an equal matching of gentlemen and ladies, though he was unsure of the exact guest list. As the parlor became more crowded, Christopher withdrew to the far corner by the pianoforte, lightly touching the keys as he tried to remain nonchalant, waiting for the one who haunted his thoughts.
Soon, Christopher watched as Georgiana walked into the room followed by her guests of honor.
“My wonderful friends, may I welcome you to Ashford Estate! I know most of you are well acquainted, but may I be the first to introduce Lady Charlotte, Lady Alaina, her eldest daughter, and Lady Evelina, her youngest daughter. They hail from Norwich, and are the wife and daughters of the Earl of Norwich, Lord Sinclair.” Georgiana finished with flair, the Sinclair family surrounding her as they acknowledged the rest of the guests.
As Georgiana made the introductions to each guest personally, Christopher moved forward, unable to see Alaina from his vantage point at the back, as she was much shorter than some of the gentlemen currently blocking the way.
He did catch sight of Graham and his mother on the other side of the intimate group, both of them involved with the introductions.
Christopher heard Georgiana finish with the formalities, and the group seemed to disperse, gentlemen making their way to a few of the sideboards for drinks, while the ladies seemed to collapse on Georgiana, Alaina, Charlotte, and Evelina in salutations.
It was at this moment that Christopher caught sight of Alaina.
She was smiling at her newly introduced companions and chatting.
She seemed so happy and at ease, and Christopher wondered if she shared any of his trepidations for the evening.
He had just a moment to take in the sight of her before she made eye contact.
She was garbed in a rich velvet sapphire gown.
Since this evening was indoors, she had opted for the low-cut evening gown she had procured from Madam Benoit’s dress shop just a few days prior.
The bodice of the gown dipped quite low in the front, almost exposing the rosy peaks of her breasts, but dipped even lower in the back, exposing the graceful column of her neck and upper back.
The skirt was simple but narrow, and grazed her hips and derriere ever so slightly, letting the imagination do the rest. The sleeves were almost iridescent, a stiff chiffon of the same color that covered her whole arm, collected by a simple cuff, with silver buttons.
The sleeve itself was translucent, so even as it covered her whole arm, it gave the observer a vision of graceful limbs, slim and strong.
In society, this would not be deemed indecent, but it was certainly a departure from the demure frocks he had seen her wear in Hyde Park.
It made Christopher wonder if she wore any chemise underneath, doubting it was even possible, making his mouth go dry.
The ladies had been twittering together when they finally noticed Christopher’s presence, having unknowingly inched ever so slightly forward.
Georgiana was the first to speak. “Oh, dear, I seem to have missed introducing you, Christopher. Ladies, this is Lord Kendall, Marquess of Rochester. Please do not set your sights on him though, he detests the very idea of commitment. Christopher, I expect that you heard all my introductions earlier?”
Christopher gave a noncommittal grunt, tearing his eyes away from Alaina and acknowledging the rest of the group politely.
He was happy that a grimace did not cross his face at Georgiana’s barb.
Everyone seemed satisfied with the brief introductions, and the ladies parted like the sea around him, making their way across the room to the musical instruments in the corner to inspect them.
He could hear Georgiana giving the group a tour of sorts.
Graham stayed behind and he greeted his friend warmly. “Christopher, I trust you were able to get some rest after our ride. This past week in the country has made me loathe to return to the stifling air of London at the end of the party, even if it means being done with these tenant issues.”
“Yes, I find the air much more invigorating here. I am not sure I rested so much as just enjoyed being here again. I know it has only been a couple of years since I made a proper visit to your country seat, but it feels longer,” Christopher said. “What do you think is at the root of the mischief?”
“I am not sure I would say mischief, per se, but there are too many coincidences to be ruled only unfortunate accidents.” Graham paused and scrubbed his hand through his hair.
“A broken plow here, a stolen cart there. Tenants have been blaming their neighbors, and some have gotten into rows. I have mostly been playing mediator, but I feel there is something more to these minor offenses.”
Eleanor walked over to the two young men, and Graham placed a peck on his mother’s cheek.
“Lady Eleanor, it has been ages,” Christopher greeted her with a short bow and a smile.
Eleanor waded into her next statement with care. “Oh, Graham, I have missed you this last week. Might I trouble you for an escort to dinner? I wish to hear how things are going on the estate.”
After a moment of silence, Graham answered, “I would be delighted. I think Christopher was slated to escort you, so we can just swap.” Turning to his friend, he asked, “Christopher, I pray you will deliver Alaina safely to dinner.”
“Of course,” was all Christopher said, swallowing uncomfortably. Even the short walk to the dining room seemed a daunting task.
After what felt like an eternity, Georgiana proclaimed that dinner was ready for them, and deftly paired people, bringing Alaina over to Christopher last. Christopher silently accepted his charge and stretched out his arm to offer her escort to the dining room.
Alaina placed her hand on his forearm, and they made their way to the hallway.
It took a considerable effort from Alaina to ignore the sinewy muscles of the proffered arm as Christopher deftly led her to dinner.
Her fingertips tingled and she felt that sensation creep up her arm and down her back.
They only touched at the one point, but their connection did much to bring to her mind a different moment, one she had been both yearning for and wishing to forget.
Christopher and Alaina were followed only by Georgiana and her escort, Lord Blackmore.
Graham and Eleanor then led the procession, as true hosts.
Each of the pairs were generally spaced out, allowing for quiet conversation as they processed along the long corridor, passing sconces every few steps.
“Alaina, before you flay me for a perceived grievance, it was Eleanor who requested time with her son. It seems she has missed him this past week,” Christopher said.
“I will deliver you safely to Graham’s side for dinner.
Let us try and remain cordial on our short walk.
That should not be too hard?” Christopher questioned.
“Of course, my lord,” Alaina stated, her tone flat. “I cannot imagine we would have any time for a row.”
Christopher chuckled, “I fear it seems to take no time at all for us to ever be at odds, but let us forget that. And, I beg you to remember that my name is Christopher. I promised to not bother you overly much on our journey, and I will strive not to do so here. I hope we can let the next few days pass pleasantly.”
“You think it is so simple? It must be nice to have such an easy disposition. You bother me without even saying a word.”
“I bother you without…” Christopher started, but his voice faded, as if realizing Alaina’s intended meaning. Christopher cleared his throat and continued, “We must both endeavor to forget that particular interaction.”
“You do not think I have tried?” Alaina questioned. “And imagine my surprise to find you are not the least bit affected.”
“Ah,” Christopher said, and they traveled in silence a few paces more.
Just before reaching Alaina’s place at the table, Christopher leaned over and whispered, “It matters not what I feel, but what is right, and there is nothing more to it. Graham has certainly found a gem.”
Alaina had no time to respond as they finally reached her place at the table to the left of Graham, who sat at the head of the table, his mother directly across from her.
Alaina watched silently as Christopher pulled out her chair.
She settled herself primly on the edge of the seat, hopeful that no one would notice her burning cheeks in the candlelight.
She was momentarily relieved as the marquess moved to take his own place at the table, but found her eyes surreptitiously watching as he sat and conversed with his own dinner partner.
Turning her attention to the duke, Alaina forced a bright smile and was happy to lose herself in easy conversation.
Only a few times did she find her attention once again drawn toward the other end of the table, always to find Christopher in animated conversation.
For one so opposed to social gatherings, he seemed to be enjoying himself.
And what was she to make of that statement of his?
Was he affected the same as she? Was it his commitment to remain unmarried? Was it his friendship with Graham?