Chapter 11 #2
“Lady Arabella, Lady Victoria, Miss Parker, good evening,” Lord Webb said. “I’m pleased to see you all again this evening. May I have the honor of signing your dance cards?”
Each young woman held out her wrist in turn for the lord to sign. Lord Webb signed his name next to the reel on Mia’s card and a country dance on both Lady Victoria’s and Lady Arabella’s cards.
“Miss Parker, I shall return shortly. I look forward to our dance,” he said with a bow.
“As do I. Thank you, my lord.”
The three young women giggled amongst themselves when he’d departed. They each now had signatures on their dance cards.
“See, all will be well, Lady Arabella,” Mia said. “Your dance card will be filled in no time.”
“I feel much better now. Thank you both for staying with me,” Lady Arabella said.
Mia was only half-listening to the conversation because her attention was on finding Lord Easton again in the crush of bodies. He hadn’t approached her yet, and she was afraid that if he didn’t appear soon, all her dances would be taken, which sent a stab of sadness through her core.
The night wore on. Three gentlemen had come to claim their dances, and there was only one waltz left open on her card. When Mia’s latest dance partner, Mr. Cook, led her back to her sister when the dance ended, she was relieved to finally see Lord Easton talking with Fletcher.
“Thank you for the dance, Miss Parker,” Mr. Cook said.
“It was my pleasure,” she replied as Mr. Cook took his leave to find his next dance partner.
“Good evening, Miss Parker. You look especially lovely this evening,” Lord Easton said.
Mia had received numerous compliments on her appearance this evening, but this one from Lord Easton meant the world to her. “Thank you, Lord Easton. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“I’m sure your dance card is quite full, but might you have any dances available?”
“As a matter of fact, my lord, the next waltz is currently available,” she said.
She saw his eyes widen. Was he pleased to be waltzing with her?
“I would be delighted to partner with you,” Lord Easton said.
As the orchestra played the first strains of the dance, he held out his hand to her. When their fingers touched, she felt that delicious jolt travel through her body once again. No other gentleman had elicited such a reaction from her this evening.
Easton led her to the dance floor, and before she had a chance to say anything, he swept her into his arms and began to lead her around the dance floor.
Mia had never waltzed with anyone except her dance master, and being in Easton’s embrace was like floating on air.
He was masterful as he led her through the steps.
Her insides felt like a thousand butterfly wings beating against her chest, and when she looked up at him, she nearly gasped at the intensity in his blue eyes as he looked at her.
No one had ever looked at her like that.
“My lord, you dance very well,” she said, glad her voice didn’t betray her emotions.
Easton gave her a brilliant smile full of straight white teeth.
He was so handsome, and when he smiled, the ground beneath her feet seemed to fall away.
She could hardly breathe as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
No one, not even her friend Lord Berkeley, whom she adored, had ever evoked the kinds of feelings in her that Easton did.
What did that mean?
“Thank you, Miss Parker. I do hope you’re enjoying the ball?”
Mia felt so tongue-tied by the onslaught of emotions that all she could do was nod.
Time seemed to stand still, and before she knew it, the dance was over.
Mia wanted to stay in his arms, but alas, it wasn’t possible.
She’d never been so disappointed as when he led her back to her sister and Fletcher.
She was sorry she didn’t have any more dances available, not that she even knew if he’d want to dance with her again.
It was more of a hopeful fantasy on her part.
Easton didn’t want to let her go. She was everything he’d ever dreamed of in a partner, and he wondered if she felt anything for him while they spun around the dance floor.
Having her in his arms was like heaven on earth.
When she looked at him, he knew he could drown in her eyes and be the happiest of men if she felt even an inkling for him of what he felt for her.
He’d planned to stay with her group for a bit longer…but with a sinking feeling in his chest when he saw his friend making his way towards them through the crowd.
“Miss Parker, I believe this is my dance,” Lord Chandler said.
“Of course, my lord,” Mia said, placing her fingers on his sleeve.
Easton watched his friend lead the woman he loved out to the dance floor.
Luckily, it wasn’t a waltz but a country reel.
Nevertheless, he didn’t like it. He’d been especially annoyed when she’d danced with Lord Berkeley earlier.
What was it about that man that Miss Parker enjoyed so much?
She’d giggled and smiled throughout their time on the dance floor together.
He longed for one of her smiles just for him.
“Something amiss, Easton?” Fletcher asked.
Easton realized he’d been frowning and smoothed his face. “Not at all. It’s rather warm in here, don’t you agree?”
Fletcher nodded. “It’s quite the crush tonight. By the way, I had an interesting meeting with Lord Devon the other day.”
“Oh? What did my father want?”
“Just my opinion on anything else that should be added to the anti-slavery bill. I gave him a couple of suggestions, but I don’t think there will be enough votes for the bill to pass.”
“I agree with you. It’ll take a lot to get the necessary votes,” he said. He looked up to see his parents, sister, and Sir Samuel making their way over to them. After all the greetings, Easton fell into easy conversation with his brother-in-law.
When the dance ended, Chandler and Miss Parker returned to the group.
“Lord and Lady Devon, Sir Samuel, Lady Clifford, a pleasure to see you again,” Chandler said with a bow.
“Shall we go into the other room and find a table for all of us?” Lord Devon asked.
“Sounds splendid, my dear. It’ll give a chance to chat for a bit,” Lady Devon said.
As everyone made their way into the adjoining room, Easton couldn’t help but notice that Miss Parker was still holding onto his friend’s arm.
That should have been his arm she was holding.
He chastised himself for waiting so long to ask for a dance.
He’d wanted to find her the moment he arrived, but every time he started to walk in her direction he’d been waylaid by a matchmaking mama.
Now it was Chandler who had the pleasure of being her supper partner.
His only consolation was that he’d be able to sit at the same table with her for the meal.