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“He is harmless,” Madalene countered.
With a shake of her head, Mrs. Foster replied, “You are entirely too trusting when it comes to men, my dear. They will take advantage of your innocence.”
“I can handle myself.”
The coach came to a stop, and it was only a moment before the door was opened. After they exited the coach, they started following the line of people into Hawthorne House as they made their way towards the ballroom.
Stepping into the rectangular room, they were immediately greeted by Jane. She went to embrace Madalene and whispered next to her ear, “I am so glad that you are finally here.”
Madalene laughed and replied in a hushed voice, “I can only imagine how much you hate standing here to greet people.”
“You have no idea,” Jane said, taking a step back.
Mrs. Foster spoke up. “You are looking lovely this evening, Lady Jane.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Foster,” Jane responded, running a hand down her pink ballgown.
“I am so glad that you could accompany Madalene this evening, Leah,” Lady Hawthorne interjected.
“Someone needs to keep her out of trouble,” Mrs. Foster joked, earning a laugh from Lady Hawthorne.
Madalene looked over and saw Lord Hawthorne standing rigidly next to his mother. He was speaking to one of their guests, but he didn’t appear to be enjoying himself. He shifted his gaze towards her, and she realized that she had been caught staring, causing her cheeks to grow increasingly warm.
“Madalene, you are holding up the line,” Mrs. Foster murmured before she gently nudged her down the line and closer towards Lord Hawthorne. Their gazes met and, for the briefest of moments, she felt as if they were the only two in the room. However, it was evident that he didn’t feel the same because he dropped into a stiff bow.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Dowding.”
She curtsied. “You are too kind, Lord Hawthorne.”
Lord Hawthorne turned his head towards Mrs. Foster and said, “Thank you for coming to my ball.” She couldn’t help but notice the terseness in his voice.
After Mrs. Foster responded politely, they left the line and stepped further into the ballroom. An ostentatious golden chandelier hung from the painted ceiling, and the ivory papered walls were embellished with golden accents. In the rear, there were a set of French doors that opened to the gardens.
A half-orchestra was warming up in the corner, and guests lined the walls, leaving the chalked dance floor open.
They had barely advanced further into the room when Madalene was approached by Mr. Ridley and his mother.
“What a pleasant surprise!” Mrs. Ridley exclaimed. “I hadn’t expected to see you in Town, Miss Dowding.”
Madalene smiled politely. “I’m afraid my departure has been delayed.”
“I am sorry to hear that, but happy that we are able to enjoy your company a little longer,” Mrs. Ridley said, giving her son a pointed look. “Aren’t you?”
A line of sweat was forming on Mr. Ridley’s brow as he replied, “I am. I hope this means that you will be willing to save me a dance?” His tone was hopeful.
“I would be happy to.”
Mr. Ridley let out a relieved sigh. “I thought you would say no,” he said before his face grew splotchy.
Madalene suspected that Mr. Ridley had not intended to say his last words out loud. Poor man, she thought.
“Why would I say no?” she asked. “You have been an excellent dance partner on multiple occasions.”
Mr. Ridley puffed out his chest in pride at her praise. “I am happy to hear you say that, Miss Dowding.”
Mrs. Ridley must have liked her response as well, because an approving smile was on her lips. “My son will be by later to collect his dance.”
As they walked off, Mrs. Foster whispered, “I wish you wouldn’t give that man false hope.”
