Saffron Hill’s alleyways were lit with dozens of lanterns hanging from the many public houses. Loud music came from the open windows, and the air was thick with the smell of ale and wine. Holding Edith’s hand, Perry led her to the nearest public house. The patrons were dancing, playing instruments, and clapping their hands in the tap room in a chaotic and colourful party.
“It’s fantastic,” she shouted over the din.
“I told you.”
Edith didn’t waste time. She tugged at his hand and pulled him towards the middle of the hall. The patrons pressed him from every side. Loud voices buzzed in his ears, and a cold sensation crept over him despite the stifling temperature. He dragged his feet until he came to an abrupt stop.
“Wait.” He took a shaky breath. “Maybe you go ahead, and I’ll follow.”
“We can leave if you don’t feel comfortable.”
Her concern warmed his chest, but he needed more time to get used to the crowded room. “It was my idea. I’ll dance with you but not immediately.”
“It’s not fair for you. I don’t have to dance.”
He smiled. “I want to see you dance. Don’t worry about me. I’ll get a mug of ale, find a nice, quiet corner, and watch you for a while until I get used to the crowd. Really. Go. Have fun.”
“If you want to leave, let me know.” She kissed his cheek, and he found he could breathe more easily.
She didn’t wait for a partner but jumped into the middle of the dancing crowd. The other dancers welcomed her with loud cheers and raised mugs of frothy ale.
He watched her dance across the room because for some reason it was difficult not to, and he didn’t want to deprive himself of the pleasure. The more he focused on her alone, the less the crowd bothered him.
Edith twirled around, laughing and clapping her hands in rhythm with the upbeat music. Her skirts flapped around her legs, and her cheeks were flushed. He leant against the wall and drank her in, his blood humming in his veins.
She locked her gaze on his, swaying her hips. If she hadn’t already charmed him, she would now.
In the warm light of the lamps, her skin glowed from within. He understood what Mr. Carter had seen in her when he’d painted the Star Maiden. She looked like a goddess of light and charm, and he was utterly smitten with her. She headed to him, dancing across the distance separating them. The closer she came, the louder his desire roared.
“Your turn now.” She tugged at his arm. “I’ve been dancing for an hour, and you’ve been sitting here, watching me. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” He was under her spell, and the fact didn’t bother him in the least.
He put his mug of ale on the table and led her towards the middle of the room. “It’s a contredanse, isn’t it?”
“This one is out of fashion. You won’t find it in any fancy ballroom, but it’s one of my favourites.”
He followed her steps and copied the other dancers. He was slow compared to the others, but his brain surprised him because the instructions on the routine he’d learnt with his dance master resurfaced. Once he remembered the sequence of steps that had to be repeated a few times, he let the dance flow.
He laughed with Edith, holding her in his arms.
“Too many people?” she asked.
“Yes, but if I focus on you, I don’t mind.”
“Get off me!” a man yelled from behind him.
Loud voices and insults erupted from the back of the room. People shoved each other. Someone bumped into Perry’s back, and he ended up smashing against Edith.
“Ouch.” She lost her balance.
He held her up and led her away from the jostling crowd.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“A brawl. They often happen after a few drinks. It’s better if we leave.”
The sound of wood smashing came along with that of punches and glass shattering.
