“I might, Mama,” Amelia admitted, though for whatever reason, the Duke of Ashbourne immediately came into her mind. “Though I shall not make any judgements about any gentleman, not when I am only just about to make my own debut.”
Lady Stanton laughed. “Very wise, my dear,” she answered, releasing Amelia’s hands. “Now, shall we make to the carriage? If you are ready, then we should take our leave.”
Amelia nodded and then let out a slow breath, surprised at how suddenly anxious she was. Whether it came from knowing that she was to attend her very first ball as a debutante or because of Lady Ashbourne’s presence – as well as her potential introduction to the Marquess of Highcroft – she could not say. Try as she might, however, she could not rid herself of her nerves as she made her way alongside Charlotte to the carriage and onward to the ball.
***
“Good evening, Lady Amelia. How very glad I am to see you again!”
Amelia smiled and dropped into a curtsy. “Good evening, Your Grace. I am very pleased to see you. I do hope you have been enjoying the London Season thus far?”
Lady Ashbourne’s eyes sparkled as she smiled, making it appear to Amelia that she was enjoying the Season almost as much as Amelia herself!
“It is an excellent Season thus far, I must say. I have been delighted to spend time in my younger son’s company, for he has spent many years at Eton and the last few years, settled in his own estate and I do miss his company a great deal.” She smiled at Amelia and then looked to Charlotte. “And is your betrothed to come to London?”
“I have had a letter stating that he hopes to be here within the month,” Charlotte replied, her own smile growing as Amelia watched, knowing that her sister and Lord Stirling had been exchanging letters for some time now and wondering to herself if these letters had built an affection for Lord Stirling in her sister’s heart. “I do look forward to seeing him again.”
“That is good. Ah, and there is your own dear mother!”
Amelia stepped to one side as Lady Ashbourne greeted Lady Stanton warmly, glad that the ball was going so well at this present moment. Yes, she had been nervous but after one promenade around the ballroom, she found herself less anxious and, thereafter, had been delighted to see Lady Ashbourne again. There were more than a few acquaintances that Amelia had been able to greet and while there would be many new acquaintances to be introduced to, she had enough friends to keep her contented.
“Now, would you permit me to introduce you all to my younger son? Since you have all met my eldest, it would be a great honour for me to introduce Highcroft to you all.”
“But of course!” Amelia’s mother exclaimed, her delight obvious as she glanced to Amelia, a small smile touching the corners of her mouth. “Is he present this evening?”
“He is.” Lady Ashbourne waved one hand. “If you will excuse me for just a moment, I will fetch him.”
Amelia stood quietly, watching as Lady Ashbourne stepped away. Charlotte and their mother immediately began to converse but Amelia herself stood silently, taking in the many gentlemen and ladies present within the ballroom. Her gaze shifted slowly around the room – only to snag and then to stop on one particular gentleman.
The Beastly Duke.
His eyes flared and then centered on her again, his jaw tightening, his shoulders straightening as he slowly inclinedhis head. Not knowing what to do, Amelia held his gaze for a moment or two longer and then, with a brief nod, turned her head away entirely. It felt as though every part of her was burning, heat flaring through her as she felt her skin prickling, wondering now if the Beastly Duke was continuing to study her even though she was not looking at him.
“Thank you for your patience.” Lady Ashbourne reappeared, a gentleman beside her though Amelia quickly took in that he had a slight limp though it did not appear to affect him too greatly. It was only that he appeared somewhat stiff in his gait. “My dear friends, permit me to introduce my son, the Marquess of Highcroft. Highcroft, this is Lady Stanton, married to the Marquess of Stanton and their daughters, Lady Charlotte – now engaged to the Marquess of Stirling – and Lady Amelia.”
Lord Highcroft immediately dropped into a bow but when he lifted his head, there was a light smile on his face which Amelia felt lift her heart. He had the same blue eyes as his brother but they were warm rather than cold and the dark hair on his head was a shade lighter than that of the Beastly Duke. It was his smile, however, which she felt altered him so significantly from his brother. It lifted his entire expression, sent light into his face and made her feel as though he were glad to be introduced to them all. How different this was from the Beastly Duke!
“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, though I am sure that we were introduced to each other as children at some point.”
Amelia laughed as he smiled back at her. “No doubt, Lord Highcroft, though I confess I do not remember it.”
“Nor I. Therefore, we must pretend that this is our first meeting then, yes?” That smile had grown to a grin. “My mother informs me that this is your debut ball, Lady Amelia. Is it going well?”
A slight flush touched Amelia’s cheeks. “Thus far, yes. I have been glad to greet some old acquaintances and there are many here that I must still be introduced to!”
“And your dance card is quickly being filled, I hope?” He smiled and held out one hand. “Though if there is any space, I should be glad to take one.”
Amelia blinked, a little surprised at how quickly he had changed the topic of conversation. “You should like to dance with me?”
He nodded. “If I can.” Turning to Charlotte, he smiled at her. “And you also, Lady Charlotte, if you would be willing to stand up with me?”
“I am sure that both my daughters would be very glad to do so.” Lady Stanton threw a quick look towards Amelia who, still a little surprised, took the dance card from her wrist and offered it to Lord Highcroft. The gentleman smiled, thanked her and perused it quickly.
“If you might be willing, brother, I will take the dance cards thereafter.”
A streak of astonishment had Amelia’s breath hitching as she turned her head to see none other than the Duke of Ashbourne himself had come to join them, though he had come from behind them all so she had not seen him approach.
“That is, should you both be willing to permit me to stand up with you.” The Duke cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back. “It is entirely up to you.”
