After a pause, she slipped her hand into his. “I only hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“I won’t let that happen,” he rushed to assure her. “Not tonight. Not ever.”
She smiled at him, and something inside his chest clenched. She trusted him. But could he say the same in return?
They took their place on the floor. As the music began, he set his hand at her waist and lifted her other in his. Her frame was stiff, her movements cautious.
“You can relax,” he murmured.
“Everyone is watching,” she whispered, her eyes roaming over the room.
He met her gaze. “Forget them. It is just you and me.”
She drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. “I rather like the sound of that.”
“So do I,” he said, and he meant it. More than anything, he wanted this moment to stretch forever. However, he was in trouble. Now that she was in his arms, he never wanted to let her go. He knew that he would never be able to escape his heart. Perhaps it was better to listen to what it had to say.
But reality would not be kept at bay. He had a duty to his family and himself. He couldn’t marry whoever he desired.
So, just for tonight, he would dance with her.
Then he would have to let her go.
As the final notes of the waltz drifted into silence, Richard released her and stepped back. He bowed. “Thank you, Miss Theodosia, for the honor of the dance.”
She dipped into a graceful curtsy, the faintest flush on her cheeks. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
Without speaking further, he offered his arm, which she accepted with a gloved hand, and together they made their way across the ballroom floor. The sounds of music, laughter, and murmured conversation swelled around them, but Richard noticed none of it. His only focus was on Miss Theodosia.
As they reached the edge of the room, he immediately noted something amiss. Olivia stood alone, her posture too stiff. Her eyes shimmered, and she blinked rapidly, as if trying to hold back tears.
“What is it?” he asked, his tone low with concern.
Olivia looked up, her voice brittle. “I just saw Lord Harwood… with his wife.”
Richard’s brows drew together. “He has returned from his wedding tour, then?”
“Apparently so,” she muttered.
Miss Theodosia moved instinctively to Olivia’s side, her concern plain. “We should go.”
“No,” Olivia protested. “It’s early yet and?—”
But Miss Theodosia cut her off. “I am far more concerned about you than I am about Society’s expectations. I can attend another ball. But I won’t miss the chance to be the friend you need tonight.”
For a moment, Olivia’s composure crumbled. Her eyes welled, and her lips trembled with gratitude. “Thank you, Dosia,” she whispered.
Miss Theodosia turned to Richard. “I’ll escort her to the carriage. Would you mind informing your mother about what’s happened?”
“Of course,” he said, already reaching into his jacket. He produced a neatly folded handkerchief and offered it to his sister.
Olivia accepted it with a soft, embarrassed laugh. “I’m making such a spectacle of myself.”
Miss Theodosia placed a comforting hand on Olivia’s shoulder. “You are doing no such thing. Now, shall we make a discreet escape through the French doors?”
“I think that’s wise,” Olivia murmured, already leaning towards her.
As the ladies turned towards the rear of the ballroom, Richard gently touched Miss Theodosia’s arm. She paused, and he leaned in just enough to mouth the words,thank you.
