Chapter Fourteen #3
“It’s no miracle to fix your hair and put a lady in a fine dress,” said Mrs. Malcom stiffly, though there was a pride in her eyes at Jane’s words. “Now, let’s get those slippers on your feet.”
Within minutes, Jane’s ensemble was complete and she left the room just as the sun was setting.
Moving through the house, she was pleased to see every single candle and oil lamp was brightly lit and there was a group of guests congregating in the foyer.
Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the stone baluster and descended the stairs.
Several people looked her way before continuing their conversations, but one face in the crowd saw her and did not turn away.
Samuel.
Jane’s heart began to beat furiously. Ever since his swim in the Clyde River, Jane had woken up every morning concerned about him and wouldn’t attend breakfast until being informed of his progress. Equally, she couldn’t retire at night until she was told that he had fallen asleep.
It was silly really, but she couldn’t help it. Her concern for him was all-encompassing, and she had worried that he wouldn’t be able to attend the ball. But here he was, dressed in evening attire, staring at her like she had somehow possessed him.
Jane gulped. Why was he staring at her like that? And so openly as well? Surely, he knew the sort of things that might be said if he continued, but when her feet finally reached the first floor, not only had he not turned away, he was charging through the crowd to meet her.
Only, he was cut off by someone else.
“Miss Atherton,” Mr. Liddell said with a bow. “You are a vision.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Liddell.”
“I assure you, there is nothing kind about my comment,” he added lowly before Samuel’s icy face appeared to his left. “Ah, Milton. I was just telling your secretary how lovely she looks.”
“She’s not my secretary.”
“Well, no, but she is technically employed here.” He turned to Jane. “Might I escort you to the ballroom?”
It was an honor that should have been reserved for the lady of the house, but with Mrs. Milton nowhere to be found, Jane accepted.
“Thank you.”
Though Jane had spent a good deal of time in the ballroom, to see it now in all its glory took her breath away.
Four massive, shimmering crystal chandeliers hung down from gold chains that had been wrapped in lily of the valley garland.
Flowers filled nearly every corner and hundreds of candles, as well as gas lamps, emitted a warm light that shone throughout the massive room.
The black-and-white checkered floor had been polished to perfection, and the seventeen-man orchestra was playing on a slightly raised platform at the center of the far wall as a gentle waltz echoed around the guests as they entered.
“Shall we?” Mr. Liddell asked, referring to the opening dance.
“Of course,” Jane said as she followed him to the center of the floor.
Because this wasn’t a peer-centered ball, the rules Jane had been taught were slightly different.
Since Mr. Liddell was the guest of honor, his preferences had been considered for everything, from food to décor.
Having been chosen by Mr. Liddell to open the dance, Jane glanced over her shoulder to see Samuel, who had escorted Lady Belle to the room, though she would not dance.
Then, to her left, Jane saw Cora, who curtsied before Samuel as he offered her his hand.
Well, that was rather splendid, Jane thought as Mr. and Mrs. Milton came onto the floor, followed by the McKinnons, the Harrises, a number of McTavishes, and dozens of other guests and dignitaries.
The waltz began as it always did at parties like this, with a long pause, followed by the drop of the first musical note.
The dancers weaved in and out of one another, switching partners when the dance called for it, but being a waltz, it was closer and more intimate, allowing Jane and Mr. Liddell to speak at length.
“You’re quite the dancer, Miss Atherton,” he spoke as they came back together. “I wouldn’t have expected it.”
“Why not?”
“I hope you do not find my words offensive, but I’ve always attested that fine dancers were a touch more approachable than those who lacked proficiency.
And as you are very approachable, I would have thought your skills on the dance floor would have been lacking, yet here you are, as formidable as any lady,” he teased as his hands cradled hers.
“It’s refreshing to be in your company, Miss.
Atherton. Our sort doesn’t usually mix with entrepreneurs and their contemporaries. ”
Jane knew what he meant. They were from a different class and had been trained since infancy how to act and behave in their social circles, not those beneath them.
He likely believed that she was more reserved than most of the other women in attendance.
The mention of it, however, wasn’t exactly polite and she wanted very much to defend the Miltons.
But that was not what she was meant to do.
She was supposed to flatter him and charm him.
Batting her eyelashes, she gave him a coy smile and tried to appear abashed.
“Perhaps it’s just that I’m comfortable with you, Mr. Liddell,” she replied.
That earned her a knowing grin from the member of Parliament as the music slowed.
“A privilege I will not soon forget.” He took her hand and, to her shock, brushed his lips on her gloved knuckles, right in the center of the dance floor where everyone could see. “I hope you’ll save another dance for me, Miss Atherton.”
Jane swallowed, aware of everyone around them, watching.
“O-of course, Mr. Liddell. But in the meantime, there’s no reason to allow so many other ladies to go without.”
He winked.
“You are too accomplished with your flattery, Miss Atherton.” She didn’t understand what that meant. “That’s a fine idea. I’ll dance with a few ladies and then I’ll be back for you.”
Jane swallowed hard but forced a smile.
“I look forward to it.”
She curtsied and turned to allow others onto the dance floor, but before she could get extremely far, a large warm hand touched her elbow. Turning instantly, she found herself face to face with Samuel.
His face was still somewhat pale from his illness, and his countenance was grim for some reason. Though his fingers weren’t wrapped around her arm, he still applied the gentlest amount of pressure to the back of her arm as he guided her off the dance floor.
Bending down, he spoke in her ear as they passed a curious-looking Lady Belle.
“What did he say?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Mr. Liddell. What were you two talking about?”
“Dancing, of course.”
“Then why was he looking at you like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like he wanted to consume you.”
Jane inhaled sharply but kept her tone low, while her eyes peered around them.
“Have you lost your senses, Mr. Milton? Please, keep your voice down. Someone might hear you.”
“And what if they do?”
Jane stared at him, confused. Had his fever returned? What was wrong with him?
“If they do, they’ll suspect something untoward, and the entire plan will be for naught.”
His brow furrowed. Now he appeared properly irritated. His nostrils flared slightly as he glanced around the room before looking back at her.
“I would like to speak to you in private. At once.”
“Absolutely not,” she hissed back. “The ball has just begun, and you have guests to deal with, as do I.” But when he didn’t drop his hand from her elbow, she added quietly, “Fine. Your office. One hour.”
“Now.”
She shook her head.
“Half past the hour then.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
With that, Samuel dropped his hand and left her immediately. It was a dizzying experience, but Jane could barely think of what he wanted to discuss with her in private, but then Lady Belle’s voice sounded next to her and Jane nearly jumped out of her skin.
“Your sister and Miss Arabella seem to have become fast friends,” she stated mildly, with a nod across the room. Cora and Arabella were arm in arm, whispering back and forth with one another.
“Yes,” Jane breathed, trying to slow her pounding heart. “It certainly seems so.”
“And Mr. Milton. A ruthless boss, isn’t he?”
Jane exhaled.
“He certainly tries to be, at times,” she replied after a moment, her heart still racing.
“Perhaps it’s best not to poke the bear, as they say.”
Jane cocked her head at the old woman.
“I’ve not tried to antagonize him in any way. In fact, I’m doing exactly that for which I’ve been hired. But I think Mr. Milton has forgotten that.”
“Men. They’re all so absent-minded when a pretty woman enters their scope.”
Jane blinked.
“Oh no, Lady Belle, it’s not like that. Mr. Milton is my employer. That is all.”
“Well, of course he is, and a finer man I know not. But, he is still just a man, and men can be, well, emotional.”
“Emotional?” Jane repeated, confused. “I mean, he seemed a little perturbed, but I’m not exactly sure why.”
“Oh, my dear, don’t tell me you’re as blind as he is.”
Now she turned fully to face Lady Belle.
“Blind about what?”
But the old woman only shook her head.
“I should like to invite you to my home here in Glasgow soon,” she said, ignoring Jane’s question. “Perhaps tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, what do you say?”
“Er, yes, my lady, I would be honored.”
“Very good,” she mumbled to herself. Jane could have sworn she heard the old woman say something under her breath about youth being wasted on the young before she hobbled away with her cane. But for the next thirty minutes, all Jane could do was wonder what Lady Belle was talking about.
Lost in her thoughts, Jane nearly bumped into a tall, fair-haired man who happened to be entering the room on her left side.
“Excuse me—er, Sir Logan.” She curtsied. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“Could we talk, Miss Atherton? In private?” he asked.
That surprised her. She nodded.
“Of-of course.”
With a final glance around the room, Jane followed her half-brother out into the hallway.