Mr. Whitfield thought for a moment. “I’d have to say the camellia. It’s an exotic choice from the Orient, but there’s something timeless about its beauty and elegance. And you, Lady Lora?”
“I’ve always been fond of lavender,” she replied with a smile. “The scent is soothing, the flower is a lovely color, and it reminds me of home.”
As they continued to dance, Mr. Whitfield glanced around the room. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Sommer-by-the-Sea.”
Lora smiled. “Have you had the chance to reconnect with anyone this evening?”
“A few acquaintances, yes,” he said. “But I must admit, meeting you has been the highlight of my evening.”
Lora blushed slightly. “You’re too kind, Mr. Whitfield.”
As she glided across the dance floor with Mr. Whitfield, his words became a distant murmur, hardly penetrating the haze of her thoughts. The room swirled around her in a blur of colors and laughter, but her attention was drawn beyond her partner’s shoulder. There, at the edge of the ballroom, stood Rockford. Although his tall figure stood partially in the shadows, his gaze was unmistakably fixed on her, piercing through the crowd with an intensity that sent a thrill racing up her spine. The world seemed to slow, the music fading as their eyes locked across the distance.
In that charged moment, he gave a subtle nod, a gesture so slight that it could have gone unnoticed by anyone not utterly captivated by him. Her heart skipped a beat, then fluttered wildly like a captive bird yearning for release. A warm flush bloomed in her cheeks, spreading through her like fire leaving her both exhilarated and unsteady. The air between them felt tangible, stretched taut with unspoken words and lingering possibilities.
Lora barely noticed when Mr. Whitfield spun her gracefully, his polite smile not reaching the depths of emotion she sensed from Rockford’s mere glance. What is he thinking? she wondered, her mind racing.Does he feel this compelling pull as I do?The questions tumbled in her thoughts, igniting a spark of anticipation and desire she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge until now.
As the dance drew to a close, she found herself breathless, not from the waltz, but from the profound connection that had passed between her and Rockford in those fleeting, stolen moments. The awareness lingered and left her longing for more.
Chapter Four
Rockford’s gaze shiftedfrom Lady Lora. He spotted Sir Reginald Medburn near the terrace door in a heated discussion with another guest. The flickering light from the terrace torches cast shadows on their faces, accentuating the intensity of their exchange. He made his way over, catching pieces of their conversation about local land disputes. As he approached, the other gentleman excused himself and walked away.
Medburn was a man of average height. His neatly trimmed grey hair and sharp dark eyes suggested a man of authority and wisdom. The lines on his face spoke of years spent in negotiation and leadership, each wrinkle earned with experience and resilience. Rockford knew that behind Medburn’s calm exterior was a man who could be both shrewd and fair. It was a combination that had earned him respect and, at times, fear among his peers.
“Sir Reginald,” Rockford greeted with a polite nod. “It’s been a while.”
Medburn turned, his expression softening as he recognized Rockford. “Rockford, indeed, it has. How have you been?”
“Busy with parliamentary duties,” Rockford replied. “I couldn’t help but overhear your discussion. Land disputes can be quite challenging.”
Medburn sighed. “The proposed expansion of the clinic requires additional land, which the local council plans to acquire through compulsory purchase.”
“No wonder the landowners are upset. They will be forced to sell even if they don’t want to, and without the ability to negotiate the selling price.”
Medburn shook his head. “There is that, but there are concerns that the increased activity and noise will disrupt the quiet nature of the area. But their bigger issue is the potential for lowering the property values.”
Rockford nodded thoughtfully. He understood their concerns. “I see. It’s a delicate balance between public good and private interests. Have there been any proposals to address these concerns?”
Medburn shrugged. “Some have suggested relocating the clinic to a less populated area, but that would defeat the purpose of making it easy for those in need to get to it. Others suggest paying the landowners more money and making improvements to the area to lessen the impact, but it’s a fiercely debated issue.”
As Rockford nodded thoughtfully, he noticed Lord Barrington approaching with Mrs. Bainbridge by his side. Medburn followed Rockford’s gaze and smiled politely.
“Good evening, Barrington, Mrs. Bainbridge,” Medburn greeted them as they came up beside them.
“Good evening, Sir Reginald,” Barrington replied with a nod. “Rockford, Mrs. Bainbridge demanded she greet you.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I must attend to another matter.” Medburn turned to Rockford. “It was good speaking with you.”
“Of course, Sir Reginald,” Rockford replied. “Thank you for the conversation.”
Medburn bowed slightly and stepped away, leaving Rockford, Barrington, and Mrs. Bainbridge to continue their discussion.
“Mrs. Bainbridge, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Rockford inclined his head respectfully.
Mrs. Bainbridge returned the smile, her eyes twinkling. “Your Grace, the pleasure is mine. How have you been?”
“Busy with parliamentary duties, as always,” Rockford replied. “But it’s good to be back in Sommer-by-the-Sea. And you, milady?”
