Page 7 of Lady Theodora’s Christmas Wish

“Lady Theodora?” Viscount Albemarle’s irritating voice brought her back to awareness. It seemed obvious that he had been attempting to get her attention for some time. “Are you quite well?”

She fanned herself even more vigorously before replying.

“Why yes my Lord, I was simply overcome by the warmth for a moment – it is such a crush! “

Albemarle seemed reassured, and Tia wondered briefly what he had been saying. But those thoughts were almost immediately interrupted, when an unexpected voice spoke.

“I believe you promised me this dance, Lady Theodora?”

It was him! The Duke of Montford stood before her, having somehow caused the crush of her admirers to step back a little. He extended his hand, waiting for her to react. As if in her dream, she took the offered hand, smiling.

“Why yes, Your Grace, I believe I did.” Theodora spoke, knowing full well that she had done no such thing, but, in that moment, intensely grateful that she had been rescued from the crowd of annoying would-be suitors. And to be rescued in such a manner! It was beyond wonderful.

He placed her hand on his arm, and led her across the room, to the area cleared for dancing. She went, feeling as if she floated, aware, through her glove and his clothing, of the warmth of his arm beneath her fingers, and of the scent of him – a mixture of lemon, something exotic like sandalwood, and something else unidentifiable, yet completely masculine.

It was only as he turned her into his arms that she realised, with complete shock, that the music she heard was a waltz.

Instantly, she knew that all eyes would be on her. At barely seventeen, and not yet officially out, the rules of propriety indicated that she should, most definitely, not be dancing a waltz! The dance was still regarded as rather scandalous by the older and more conservative members of the ton - after all, it brought the lady and gentleman into very close contact, with their bodies almost touching.

Startled, Tia looked up at him, to find him watching her, those deep warm eyes filled with amusement, a slight, almost sardonic smile on his sculpted lips. She blushed, instantly. His smile widened.

“Shall we be scandalous, my Lady? Surely you will not be cruel enough to deny me the dance, now that you have escaped the attentions of that flock of young fops?”

There was laughter in his voice, and a challenge. Tia had never been one to refuse a challenge. And, whilst she was, in many ways, wise beyond her years, at that moment she could not bring herself to care one whit about scandal. For this was her dream, only better.

Taking her silence for acquiescence, he began to move, sweeping her into the dance.

They swirled about the floor, and Tia felt even more dreamlike, floating, poised and balanced, safe and protected in his arms, as they moved effortlessly through the other dancers, almost as if they were alone. She was still looking deep into his eyes, but could not look away, no matter how terribly forward of her it was. They barely spoke, comfortable in their silence, trapped in each other’s’ gaze, happily ignoring everyone else.

When she had practiced dancing, learning the steps of the dance from Catherine, she had not realised that it could feel like this. This was completely different, and so much better than even her imagination could have conjured. Eventually, Tia became aware that the music had ceased, as they swirled to a halt at one side of the room.

The Duke released her, seeming (but perhaps she was imagining it?) reluctant to do so, and bowed over her hand again.

“Thank you, my Lady, that was delightful. Shall I escort you to your father?”

“Why yes, I think that would be best, Your Grace, I fear that my appetite for Viscount Albemarle’s conversation is quite sated for now.”

Her remark surprised a laugh from him, and another of those brilliant smiles.

When he smiled at her like that, everything else simply disappeared. As he led her across the room, to where Catherine and Charles stood, chatting with some friends, she noticed, again, how many envious eyes followed her, and how much whispering went on behind the fans of the cluster of young ladies near the terrace doors.

Perhaps they really had been scandalous. If so, she would treasure the fact, rather than flinch from it!

The Earl looked up as they approached, and watched them with interest, but made no comment until the Duke had again bowed over her hand, and taken his leave of her.

Then he spoke, quietly. “Was that wise, Theodora? For now you are most certainly going to be an object of scrutiny for all of the more conservative matrons.”

Tia was not sure what to say and as she hesitated, Catherine spoke.

“My dear, I do not think that we can chide Theodora for being somewhat unconventional. After all, our wedding was not without scandal.”

The Earl smiled at Catherine and took her hand.

“You are quite right my Lady – I am sure that we will all deal with the opinions of others as we must.” He turned more to Tia again, and asked “Scandal aside, are you enjoying yourself, child?”

“Oh yes, Papa, it is wonderful! Well….. everything except Viscount Albemarle’s conversation is wonderful.”

Charles and Catherine exchanged another smile at her words – how typical of Theodora! They all stood talking for a short while, before the hopeful young men came to claim Tia for more dancing.