“Miss Hayward,” Glenraven began, his voice a soft murmur amidst the chatter of the ballroom, “this evening has been a most unexpected pleasure.”
Her smile was touched with a hint of melancholy. She was well aware that the moment was fleeting. “Indeed, Lord Glenraven. I shall treasure our dance.” Her gaze lingered on his.
A loud announcement from Lady Gladstone abruptly burst their intimate bubble. They both turned to listen.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present to you a special performance by none other than the esteemed diva of the London opera, Miss Angelica Catalani. Renowned for her unparalleled soprano and captivating stage presence, Miss Catalani will grace us with an operatic solo that promises to be the highlight of our evening. Please join me in welcoming her to Gladstone Hall.”
Glenraven’s hand tightened briefly on hers before they were separated. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Hayward.” Was that a note of regret in his voice? Or was she dreaming?
“The pleasure was mine,” Juliet responded, her heart sinking as the current of the crowd surged forward, pulling them apart.
As the performance finished, Aunt Geraldine came up to Juliet. “I saw you dancing with Lord Glenraven. You make a handsome pair. It is common knowledge that he must marry to hold his title and lands.”
Aunt Geraldine tilted her head toward her.
“Close your mouth, my dear. It’s not becoming.”
“Miss Hayward, I believe the next dance is mine.” Lord Carter, an impeccably dressed gentleman, stood next to her.
“Of course, my lord.” She took his lordships offered arm. They nodded to her aunt as they entered the dance floor.
Lord Carter danced with precision, but his conversation was as dry as the champagne he favored, lacking any hint of passion or wit. He was suitable by society’s standards, but he didn’t pique her interest.
He returned her to her aunt.
“Thank you, Miss Hayward. You are a wonderful conversationalist. I do hope there will be room on your dance card for me in the future.” He nodded to Aunt Geraldine and stepped away.
“Wonderful conversationalist?” her aunt asked.
“Yes. I let him do all the talking.”
Aunt Geraldine’s laughter rang out. She quickly covered her mouth with a gloved hand, her eyes bright with amusement. “My dear Juliet,” she managed, her voice laced with laughter, “you have indeed mastered the art of conversation with such grace that it leaves the gentlemen utterly enchanted.”
Juliet shook her head. “Aunt Geraldine, you mustn’t laugh so loudly. “You’ll give away my secret to surviving these endless dances,” her tone a playful scold.
Still smiling, Aunt Geraldine gave her niece a fond look. “If laughter is the key to enduring the season, I shall laugh as heartily as I please. Besides, it seems to me you’ve found a far more enjoyable diversion tonight.” Her gaze shifted meaningfully towards where Glenraven had disappeared into the crowd. “Ah, if I’m not mistaken, here comes your next dance partner.”
Juliet nodded to Sir Collingwood, who led her onto the dance floor. The gentleman had a reputation for bravery, but his brashness on the dance floor and the boastful tales of hisexploits left Juliet feeling underwhelmed and seeking a retreat. Excusing herself with a practiced grace, she slipped away to the refreshment room, yearning for a moment of tranquility. To the world, she was Miss Hayward, a lady of poise and potential. No one suspected the silent desperation that clung to her like a shadow. How much longer could she keep her family’s financial state a secret, or the pressing need for a marriage that could save them from ruin? Yet, in the quiet solitude of the refreshment room, she allowed herself a brief respite from the relentless pursuit of suitors who knew nothing of the urgency behind her smile. She stared blankly at the refreshments.
“Miss Hayward, might I tempt you with a refreshment?” Glenraven approached her with a glass of lemonade and a gentle smile.
Juliet accepted the glass, her fingers brushing against his, sending an unexpected shiver through her. “Thank you, Lord Glenraven.” Her voice was soft. “It’s quite warm in here, isn’t it?”
“Indeed, it is,” he agreed, his eyes not leaving hers. “But I find the company more than compensates for the temperature.” Their shared laughter was light in the heavy air as they parted. Juliet felt a warmth that lingered, one that seemed to radiate from within rather than from the room itself.
After her refreshing encounter with Lord Glenraven, Juliet again found herself amidst the crowd of dancers. She was led onto the floor by Mr. Harrow, a gentleman of respectable standing whose impeccable manners were marred only by his constant talk of the weather. His attempts at conversation, as predictable as the dance patterns, left Juliet politely nodding but inwardly yearning for the intellectual banter she had shared with Glenraven.
Her next partner, a young Viscount named Mandeville, had a charming smile and a lively step. Yet, as they spun across the floor, his eyes wandered more than Juliet found comfortable,often leaving her words hanging in the air as he greeted acquaintances with a nod or a wink. This dance partner lacked the connection she craved, and as the music ended, Juliet excused herself with a gracious smile.
Unable to stand another dance, Juliet retreated to the library to avoid the next gentleman on her dance card. Closing the door behind her, she took a deep breath, thankful for the quiet haven away from the overwhelming clamor of the gala.
Chapter Nine
Lord Glenraven hadscarcely put down his lemonade glass while watching Miss Hayward take to the dance floor with Mr. Harrow when he found himself the target of a determined matriarch.
Lady Wetherby was the first to approach him. With a predatory gleam in her eye, her daughter fluttered beside her like a trapped sparrow. “Lord Glenraven, have you met my Annabelle? A more accomplished pianoforte player you’ll not find in all of London.” The woman pushed the young lady forward.
“Lady Annabelle, I understand you have quite the talent for the pianoforte.” He had no intention of slighting the girl because of her meddlesome mother. Instead, he gave her his full attention. “Music has always been a refuge for me, especially after a long day.”
