“I don’t rightly know, but I should go to her,” Emilia said as she placed the glass on the table.
“Would you care for me to join you?” Fredrick asked.
“You are kind to offer, but I should go alone,” Emilia replied.
Fredrick tipped his head. “Very well, but do not forget that we are to dance the waltz soon.”
With a furrowed brow, Emilia asked, “I thought the waltz wasn’t until the end of the ball?”
A playful glint came into Fredrick’s eyes. “I asked Anette to change the order of dances this evening.”
“For what purpose?”
“Because, my dear, I didn’t wish to wait until the end of the ball to hold you in my arms,” Fredrick replied.
Emilia stared up at him, surprised by the genuineness in his voice. Could it be that he harbored feelings for her? The notion sent her heart aflutter with anticipation.
But now was not the time to act like a love-craved debutante. Clarissa needed her attention. She took a step back. “I shall return shortly.”
“See that you do,” came Fredrick’s reply, his gaze lingering on her.
Emilia spun on her heel and headed towards the doors through which she had seen Clarissa disappear. She couldn’t help but smile at Fredrick’s admission. What it meant, she did not know. But it was promising.
Chapter Nineteen
Fredrick watched Emilia’s retreating figure as she made her way towards the veranda. He hadn’t meant to be so bold in his words with her, but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted her to know how he felt. But what that meant, he did not know.
His desire to take Emilia as his wife was growing. With her by his side, he felt like he would have a new lease on life. She lifted him up in a way that no other woman ever had. However, the haunting memories of his past still lingered, tormenting him. Could he bring Emilia into his life, knowing he might not truly be free of them?
His eyes swept over the hall, noticing young women vying for his attention. But he had no interest in any of them. His heart resided with Emilia.
Miss Delacourt’s voice came from next to him. “I spoke to Kendrick,” she revealed. “He is not pleased with my failure.”
“Ourfailure,” Fredrick corrected. “We were assigned to work together.”
“You are gracious, but we both know that I let them slip right out from under my nose,” Miss Delacourt said as she reached for a glass of lemonade.
“We will find them,” Fredrick said.
Miss Delacourt took a sip of her drink. “Kendrick wants us in his office tomorrow, along with Caleb,” she revealed.
“I will be there,” Fredrick said.
“Good,” Miss Delacourt responded. “I should return to my companion before she starts to question why I am taking so long to get a glass of lemonade.”
Fredrick’s curiosity sparked. “How is it that you can evade your companion during the day but not at a ball?” Fredrick asked.
“Very carefully, my lord. It is a skill that I have perfected over time.” Miss Delacourt smirked. “If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave.”
“Good evening, Miss Delacourt.”
As she gracefully returned to her seat among the other wallflowers, Fredrick couldn’t help but be intrigued that a young woman of Miss Delacourt’s undeniable beauty could go unnoticed by theton. She was a perplexing woman, yet an unquestionably competent agent.
Fredrick’s gaze wandered towards the veranda, wondering what was keeping Emilia. He hoped she would return shortly for their dance.
Greydon and his wife made their way through the crowd and approached Fredrick. “Something is different about you,” he commented as he came to a stop next to Fredrick.
“Nothing is different about me,” Fredrick insisted.
