Despite the informality of the ball, there were still a large number of people present. Almost all had ties to the Emberly’s either by blood or by marriage. A jovial, delighted excitement bubbled all around them.
It felt stifling to Luke.
“Announcing, Miss Emily Pembleton, daughter of the Viscount of Cotswalts.” The voice stopped Luke in his tracks.
The familiar movement of people and heads towards the stairs was expected.Do not look.
The gasps were not.Do not look.
He turned around, even as every part of him screamed not to. His eyes found Emily, and he understood why everyone had gasped. Though she was undeniably pretty, tonight she was breathtaking.
She wore a stunning gold and green dress, beautifully cut in a way that was both modest and spellbinding. The dress was embroidered with beads that created the illusion of peacock feathers, shimmering in the candlelight around them.
Her hair was the picture of elegance and grace. Every step she took was poised and confident. There was no arrogance, no vanity, just a cool self-assuredness.
“Good evening.” Her voice was gentle and full of warmth as she greeted people around her.
She moved through the crowd and Luke’s eyes followed her. As did many of the eyes of people around him. A man he did not recognise stopped her, and whatever he said made her laugh.
The colour mingled with the chaotic patterns of sound around them. His chest ached and he shook his head. Yet still he could not look away.
She was in front of him then, their eyes meeting for the briefest second. And then she was gone, continuing to wend her way towards her sisters.
“Have you ever seen a dress so magnificent?” a woman whispered to her companion.
“It was eye-catching and yet not gaudy.” Her companion murmured back. “The girl may be many things, but clearly she has taste.”
Luke swallowed, his feet moving almost of their own volition.She did not even greet me.He tried to remind himself that that was what he had wanted.She deserves more than I can give her.
She was standing with her sisters, smiling and laughing. He approached them, knowing he should keep his distance and yet unable to move away.
As his rational mind caught up, Duchess Emberly caught sight of him and waved him towards them. “Duke Warren, I am so glad you have felt well enough to join us this evening. Are you quite recovered from what ailed you?”
Luke nodded, doing his best to smile at Emily’s sister, wrenching his gaze away from Emily with a gargantuan effort. “I am recovered enough. I could hardly avoid a ball in our honour.”
“And are you enjoying yourself? I do not think I have seen you dancing at all.” Duchess Caden gave him a look he could not quite read.
“I have not been introduced to many of the women here, and of those I do know, many seem otherwise engaged.” It was true but not the reason Luke had avoided the dancefloor.
“Ahh, of course! You must forgive me the oversight, dear Duke. I have grown so accustomed to your presence this last fortnight, that I have begun to think of you and your brother as family.” Duchess Emberly gave him a kind smile. “And I know Alexander feels the same.”
“I am touched you think so fondly of us. I have greatly appreciated the warmth with which you have embraced us and invited us into your lives.” Luke replied, his throat suddenly dry.
“I hope we shall see more of you as time goes on.” Duchess Emberly canted her head towards him.
Luke nodded.She is talking about Rodger and Emily. About them marrying.He swallowed, trying to keep his voice even. He knew he should say something, but the words stuck in his throat.
Emily was still not looking at him, instead focusing on her sisters. “Perhaps you should make some introductions for Duke Warren, so that he might grace the dancefloor with his presence.”
The sound of his title on her lips felt like a dagger, and without thinking he found himself saying, “Perhaps, Miss Pembleton, you would do me the honour of a dance?”
Why did I do that?Her eyes met his. For a moment, he thought she would refuse. His heart sped up and he could not tell if he feared the refusal or the acceptance more.
“I suppose I could.” Emily allowed him to take her hand. “After all, we have at the very least been introduced.”
He led her to the dancefloor, the warmth of her hand in his at odds with the coolness on her face. He swallowed.What else did I expect?
The musicians began to play, and he and Emily took up the starting positions. It was a waltz. The notes were a deep purple that mingled with the scent of lavender. He tried to push the patterns away, to focus on something else.
