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“I can hardly wait,” Edward muttered, his voice dripping with irony as he left the lieutenant and walked from the room.
Chapter Two
Titania was, for the first time, ready and prepared long before her two sisters. Her cousin was, from what the maid had said, being cajoled by Lady Whitehaven, as she had been before, which meant that there was still some time before they quit the house to make their way to Lord Mitchell’s ball.
It was to be their grand entrance back into society, and Titania found herself almost anxious with the anticipation of walking into the ballroom and seeing the crowd, hearing the music, and watching couples take to the floor. Of course, this had been meant to be their second ball of the Season, but ever since her fainting fit outside the house some four days ago, her mother had insisted that she rest. Titania had tried to protest but had not garnered the support of her sisters nor of her cousin, since they were all quite glad that they would not have endure the London Season for some days yet. That had been most frustrating, for there had almost been a look of delight in Merry and Catherine’s eyes as they had steadfastly agreed with their mother that Titania should rest and that they, as a family, should remain at home until Titania was strong enough to return.
Frustrated, Titania shook her head to herself and rose from her chair by the fire to wander to the drawing room window. A slight shiver caught her as she recalled what she had seen the last time she had looked out at this particular scene, remembering the horror that had washed over her as she saw the man falling to the ground, enduring such a vicious attack that she had not known what to do other than attempt to prevent it in some way.
It had been quite ridiculous to run from the house in her underthings and covered only with a dressing gown. Now that she reflected upon it, Titania realized just how foolish she had been, for it had been as though she had run directly into the welcoming arms of danger. The man with the knife had advanced upon her without hesitation, and she had found herself deeply afraid that he would cut her heart from her chest. Yes, she had found the courage to fight against him in an attempt to prevent him from doing what he had said, but had it not been for her rescuer, then Titania had very little idea of what might have occurred. Would she have been held somewhere at the murderer’s leisure? Or would she too have been found the following morning, lying dead on the street?
She closed her eyes tightly as another shudder ran through her. It did not bear thinking about.
Opening her eyes, Titania let out a long breath and thought about what she had discovered when she had awoken. Her hand had been held tightly in a fist, even when she had struggled with unconsciousness, as though she knew she would need to hold onto whatever it was that was within. Once she had been left alone, she had opened her hand and had stared down at the small vial, with the remains of a cord tied to it. Had the murderer been wearing this about his neck? Was it of some importance to him? Would it somehow lead her to discover who the murderer was? All sorts of questions had plagued her mind, and she had been unable to prevent herself from thinking of the situation for a good many hours, wondering whom she might tell of this small vial. Of course, given that she had made a promise to the stranger who had saved her from the murderer, she had quickly realized that the only person she could share this item with was that man himself – although she had very little idea as to whom he was. Her eyes had been so blurred with fatigue, fright, and relief that she had struggled to make out his features and could only recall a pair of eyes searching her own features, as though desperate to discover some secret she held deep within her.
“It seems we are ready at last.”
Titania turned quickly, thrusting away the last of her thoughts as she greeted her mother. “Then Dinah is to attend with us?”
“She is.” Lady Whitehaven’s lips were pulled tight, her expression dark as she beckoned to Titania. “Your sisters are prepared and ready. Come now, we must go. I intend to have a little enjoyment this evening, even if your cousin is determined to make certain that I do nothing but cajole and argue with her!”
Titania, who wished that her sisters and cousin could find some enjoyment from the Season and that they would look forward to such events, sighed her agreement and took her mother’s arm. “I do not understand it, Mama.”
“Nor do I,” Lady Whitehaven said, with earnest. “Have they not seen the joy on your sister Eliza’s face, now that she is wed and settled?” She shook her head, walking along the corridor towards the front of the house. “I am aware that Eliza’s courtship was not particularly easy, but it brought about a very satisfactory ending, did it not?”
“It did,” Titania agreed, smiling to herself as she remembered how joyous Eliza had been when she had informed them all that she was now engaged to Lord Avondale. “One that I hope that I, too, can find for myself.”
“I am quite certain you shall,” Lady Whitehaven said with alacrity. “For you, at the very least, will capture the attention of some of the finest gentlemen in all of London, simply by your smiles and your willingness to engage in conversation. They will see you as open and willing to accept their interest – which is more than I can say for your sisters.” She arched one eyebrow as they reached the carriage, where Merry, Catherine, and Dinah were already waiting. None of them bore any smiles but instead appeared to be quite put out about going to one of the most wonderful balls of the Season. Titania could not help but laugh at their dull expressions, rolling her eyes at Merry as they approached the carriage.
“Do try and appear to be enjoying yourself this evening, Merry,” she chided, as they climbed into the carriage. “There may be a particular gentleman who catches your eye, might there not?”
“I hardly think so,” Merry replied with a sigh. “I shall make no attempt to catch their eye either.”
Shaking her head, Titania sat back in her seat and allowed herself a long, heavy sigh. It was going to be the most wonderful evening, just as long as her sisters did not make matters difficult for her with their bored expressions and lack of interest in anything other than returning home.
* * *
“It is very good to meet you, Miss Wells.”
Titania blushed furiously, unable to help herself. The Earl of Huckleby was charming, handsome, and apparently more than a little interested in making her acquaintance. She had seen his eyes resting on her with interest as she had danced with another gentleman, but given that they had not been introduced, he had not been able to approach her. Now, however, he had discovered an acquaintance who knew Titania well and was, therefore, able to make introductions.
“I must ask, Miss Wells, whether or not you have a spot remaining on your dance card,” Lord Huckleby said, with a slight twinkle in his dark brown eyes. “I know that I will probably find myself rather unfortunate in this, for it is already a good hour into the ball and most gentlemen of wisdom will have sought you out in order to claim a dance with you.”
Titania felt her cheeks burn all the more, smiling up at Lord Huckleby with something akin to admiration. The way he spoke to her, with such a confident yet hopeful air made her think well of him, even though they had not long been introduced. It was clear that he had no hesitation in seeking out what it was he wanted. She thought him more than a little handsome, for his dark brown eyes seemed to glow at the edges as he looked at her, a smile on his lips. His brown hair was neat, his clothing of the highest fashion. With broad shoulders, a strong bac
k, and a firm jaw, he carried himself with all the dignity that befitted his title.
“I believe that you may find yourself lucky this evening, Lord Huckleby,” she replied, surprised to find herself a little breathless. “I have but one dance remaining.” She held out her card to him and felt her breath catch as he took it from her, looking at it carefully.
“But it is the waltz, Miss Wells!” he exclaimed, looking at her with surprise. “Are you truthfully stating that none of the gentlemen of your acquaintance have, as yet, chosen this particular dance?” He shook his head, tutting, as though they were more than foolish. “That will not do. I must take it, Miss Wells, if you would be willing to dance with me?”
“I would be glad to step onto the floor with you, Lord Huckleby,” she replied, honestly. “And the waltz is one of my favorite dances, I confess.”
He grinned at her; his dark eyes alight. “I am looking forward to it already, Miss Wells.”
“As am I,” she murmured, aware that her sister Merry, who was standing next to her, was showing not even the slightest interest in any of the gentlemen around them. She had been introduced to Lord Huckleby also but had said nothing more than a brief ‘good evening’. It was not a behavior nor an attitude that Titania could understand. She noticed her sister’s gaze becoming fixed and, following her, looked across the room to see a gentleman standing in the shadows, not looking at anyone in particular and certainly not speaking to another soul.
Titania grinned. “You think he is similar to you, do you not?” she said pointedly, jerking her head in the fellow’s direction. “I do not know who he is, I confess it, else I would introduce you!”
