In that moment, Alexander wasn’t the aloof duke playing a role; he was a man with ambitions, fears, and a deep sense of responsibility. Phyllis observed the way he spoke, the sincerity in his eyes, and for a fleeting moment, she saw beyond the mask they both wore. It was a revelation that left her stunned, realizing that perhaps, underneath the layers of their ruse, they shared a common ground.
“Besides, I must say that I am quite the dancer,” he suddenly added, eyeing her.
“Are you, now?” She was unable to resist chuckling. “Well, I must say that not many gentlemen can boast that skill.”
“It is not boasting when it is a fact, Miss St. Clair,” he replied equally mischievous, and once again, her heart fluttered with amusement. “We have already danced together, but it seems you need some more conviction.”
“It is a fact that can be easily proven,” she replied playfully. “And you will get the chance to do so. To be quite honest, I’ve forgotten whether you were a good dancer or not.”
“I shall gladly remind you of that fact,” he nodded, raising an eyebrow importantly, enjoying the banter. “So, do make note to write down in your card that all your dances will be occupied by me. I shall obviously have to convince you several times, just to assure myself that my point has been made.”
He said it in such a theatrical manner that she wasn’t able to remain serious. “But what if someone else asks for a dance?” she wondered.
He shrugged. “I feel bad for them. Like I said, all your dances are reserved. There is a point to be made here.” They both chuckled to these words.
The fluttering in her heart wasn’t just a result of the act they were putting on – it was a response to the genuine connection she felt in that unguarded moment.
Their conversation continued in the same manner, after which he excused himself and they saw him off. She waved at his departing carriage, depicting a woman truly in love. That night, before she closed her eyes to sleep, she realized one both thrilling as well as frightening thing.
They hadn’t quarreled nearly as much as before.
CHAPTERTEN
Two hours had already passed. Two long, anguishing hours and yet, Phyllis was still nowhere to be seen.
Alexander had already greeted the hosts of the ball, Lord and Lady Weatherby, he stumbled across several of his acquaintances, but none of them were of much interest. His eyes surveyed the area in search of only her. But no woman had her eyes. No woman had her silky hair. No woman had her grace of movements. They were nothing but a sore sight in the sea of people he didn’t want to be around.
After what seemed to be a small eternity, he finally caught a glimpse of her. Phyllis gracefully descended the grand staircase, accompanied by her sister and father. Her gown was flowing like liquid moonlight. The dress, a masterpiece in its own right, was crafted from the finest azure silk, adorned with delicate lace that traced intricate patterns along the neckline and sleeves. The bodice, tailored to perfection, accentuated her figure with a modest yet captivating allure.
The gown cascaded into a full skirt, expertly pleated to create a mesmerizing dance of fabric as she moved. The silvery undertones of the silk caught the candlelight, creating a soft, ethereal glow around her. A subtle shimmer graced the gown, courtesy of delicate sequins and beading that adorned the bodice and skirt, catching and reflecting the light in a gentle cascade of radiance.
Phyllis’ hair, styled in intricate curls, was adorned with a delicate tiara that glinted like stars in the night sky. A strand of pearls adorned her neck, their luminescence echoing the gown’s silvery sheen. The overall effect was nothing short of enchanting, transforming her into a vision of elegance and grace.
Alexander found himself momentarily breathless at the sight of her. The regal gown, combined with her natural poise, made her radiate a quiet yet undeniable allure, capturing both his attention and admiration. He knew that he wanted to be the one to have the first dance with her. He couldn’t allow any other man to have that honor. Then, just as he told her, he would have every subsequent dance with her as well.
“Lord St. Clair,” he said upon reaching them.
Phyllis locked eyes with his. Her smile only added to the sophistication of her charm. He wondered if she was even aware of the magnetism she exuded.
“Your Grace,” the earl responded with reverence. “We were wondering if you would be here already.”
“To be quite honest, I have been waiting to dance with your daughter,” he said, unable to wait a moment longer. “If she would honor me with a dance, of course.”
Before Phyllis could say anything, her father gently nudged her towards the duke, so that she almost flew into his arms. This made her blush slightly, but she accepted with a graceful nod.
“Certainly,” she replied, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her to the center of the grand ballroom that was to be a stage for their elegant performance. “After all, we have an agreement, do we not?”
“We most certainly do,” she smiled back mischievously. In fact, they had more than one agreement. He wasn’t certain which one she was referring to, but that didn’t matter right now. All that did matter was that she was in his arms.
As the music began to play, the couple moved with practiced finesse, their steps perfectly synchronized. The attendees marveled at the seamless harmony, a dance that seemed to transcend the polished ballroom and encapsulate the enchantment of the evening.
As the dance unfolded, the rhythm of their steps mirrored the easy flow of conversation between them. The lively cadence of the waltz provided a gentle backdrop to their verbal exchange, allowing their words to weave seamlessly into the music.
Alexander couldn’t take his eyes off of her. “Miss St. Clair, I must say that London seems to come alive in a new light tonight. Perhaps it is the company, or perhaps it is the enchantment of this splendid ball.”
Her eyes were reflecting a mixture of amusement and curiosity as she responded. “Indeed, it appears that the grandeur of the occasions has cast its spell on everyone present.”
“That may be so, but I do believe it is the former, rather than the latter,” he clarified, as he swirled her about, waiting for her to return into his arms. “You look stunning this evening.”
