Winston stopped outside of the dining room door as he heard Mattie’s laugh drift out into the corridor. Her laugh was his favorite sound in the whole world. He took a moment, savoring the melody of her joy and letting it fortify his courage.
Taking a deep breath, Winston stepped into the dining room and met Mattie’s gaze. She smiled. A beautiful smile. With it, he glimpsed something far more beautiful than all the stars in the night sky.
“Ah, Winston,” his mother greeted, drawing his attention. “Have you concluded your business?”
“Yes, Mother,” Winston replied.
His mother shoved back her chair. “Good, because White just informed me that the musicians are setting up in themusic room.”
“Musicians?” Winston asked.
Rising, his mother responded, “Do you not recall agreeing to being Mattie’s dance partner?”
“I do, but I just didn’t realize that it would happen so soon,” Winston said. “I thought we were waiting for the dancing master.”
“I saw no reason to lollygag,” his mother responded.
Mattie stood up, smoothing down the fabric of her black dress. “I feel as if I should warn Lord Winston that I am not the most accomplished dancer.”
Winston gave her an encouraging smile. “I have no doubt that you are much better than you give yourself credit for,” he reassured her.
“You are kind,” Mattie said as she approached him. She came to a stop in front of him and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry.”
Winston cocked his head. “Whatever for?”
“I am sure you have more important things to do than be my dance partner,” she remarked as she lowered her gaze.
In a voice that he hoped conveyed his sincerity, he replied, “There is no other place I would like to be.”
Mattie brought her gaze back up, uncertainty in her eyes. “Do you truly mean it, my lord?”
He puffed out his chest. “It is not every day that I can show off my extraordinary dancing skills.”
A laugh escaped Mattie’s lips and she brought a hand up to cover her mouth. “Well, I am most grateful to have such a skilled partner.”
Encouraged by her laughter, Winston suggested, “Perhaps we could take a walk in the gardens after our dance.”
Mattie’s eyes seemed to search his, as if she were looking for answers. “I would like that,” she said.
“Good,” Winston replied, offering his arm. “Shall we make our way to the music room?”
She placed her hand gently on his arm, and they walkedtogether down the corridor towards the music room. The distant sounds of violins and soft murmurs of conversation filled the air.
As they entered the music room, Winston released Mattie’s arm, but remained close by her side. A faint scent of lavender wafted off her person, and he couldn’t help but take a moment to savor it.
His mother had followed them into the room and now clapped her hands to garner everyone’s attention. “I believe we shall start with the waltz.”
Mattie’s mouth dropped. “The waltz?” she repeated. “I have never danced the waltz with a gentleman before.”
Winston turned to face her fully, seeing the worry lines etched on her forehead. He leaned in closer and whispered reassuringly, “Trust me.”
She blinked, and all the worry seemed to disappear from her expression, replaced by a look of quiet determination. “I do,” she replied with conviction.
The musicians began to play a soft, lilting waltz, and Winston took Mattie’s hand in his own, guiding her to the center of the room. He placed his hand gently on her waist, feeling the slight tremor in her body. “Just follow my lead,” he said softly.
And with that, they began to dance perfectly in step with each other, as if they were made for this very moment.
Mattie felt as if she were in a dream. She was in Winston’s arms as he led her gracefully around the room in the waltz. The way he gazed at her made her feel as if she were the only thing that mattered in the world. Despite her efforts to resist, the carefully constructed barriers she had built around her heart began to crumble, leaving her exposed andvulnerable.
