To Alice’s immense relief, the carriage finally pulled into the driveway. Lord Brownley’s ball was well underway and the usual traffic that marked the beginnings of such events had dwindled. A footman helped them out of the carriage and the moment her feet touched the gravel, Alice distanced herself from the Marquess. She tucked her arm into Emma’s and, together, they made their way to the front entrance without looking back at the others.
“Lord Christopher looks so handsome,” Emma babbled in Alice’s ear the moment they walked away. “I could hardly take my eyes off him the entire time we were in the carriage!”
“I could say the same for him,” Alice commented, grateful for Emma’s knack of distracting her. “I didn’t miss the fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off you either. I’m willing to believe that the moment we are inside the ballroom, he will ask to dance.”
Emma giggled excitedly as a footman approached them and began to lead them toward the ballroom. Alice glanced over her shoulder for a brief, discreet moment to make sure her father was still behind. She ignored the voice in her head that told her she was truly looking out for the Marquess.
“How are you feeling, Alice?” Emma asked her, pulling Alice away from her invading thoughts. “I noticed when Father tugged you aside to say something to you. Was it about tonight?”
“It was about Lord Erlington,” Alice muttered, a bit bitterly.
“He hasn’t given up, has he?”
“I have a feeling that until Lord Erlington is out of our Manor, Father will still hold on to his hopes that I’ll accept him as my suitor.”
“And you still haven’t warmed to him at all?” Emma asked, peering closely at her.
Alice stilled her features, making sure that if Emma saw anything, it was her annoyance. “Lord Erlington is beautiful and charming, I must admit. But that only serves to make him the most irritating man I’ve ever met.”
“Strong words,” Emma murmured.
“Yes, well, they are strong feelings.”
“I heard as much when you told me that you disliked him.” Emma sighed. “Poor Father.”
That made Alice laugh. The conversation, thankfully, was brought to a close when they finally arrived at the ballroom. The soft notes of a pianoforte and harp drifted in through the large, double doors. Two men pulled the door apart, revealing the wide room brimming with people. They were announced as they entered and Alice instantly steered Emma to a vacant spot she noticed near the doors leading out to the gardens.
Lord Brownley’s ball was quite lavishly decorated. Two refreshments tables stretched along either side of the room, laden with small sandwiches, cakes, lemonade and so much more. Twinkling silvers had been brought out for the occasion, the floors shining almost as brilliantly despite the many feet that trod upon it. Alice was impressed by all she saw, but it didn’t serve to distract her from the men who came to stand by their sides.
“Lady Emma,” came Lord Christopher’s voice, right on cue. “Please, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
Emma, to Alice’s pride, didn’t give Lord Christopher an overzealous smile, even as she placed her gloved hand in his. “I would love to, My Lord.”
Lord Christopher smiled and led Emma out toward the other dancing couples. Alice stared after them, just as her father came to her side.
“It appears Emma is already enjoying herself,” the Duke commented.
“Yes, it would appear so,” Alice agreed. “I doubt anything will kill her good mood tonight.”
“And you?” her father inquired. “Will you stand here alone for the entire night?”
“I am not alone. I am with you.”
“I’m certain you understand what I mean.” The Duke dropped his voice to a hushed whisper. “Whether you wish to marry or not, I at least hope you’ll relax tonight and take part in a few dances.”
“One of which should be with the Marquess of Erlington?” she asked, hating how much she sounded like a petulant child.
Her father nodded with no remorse. “That would be ideal, yes. But even if you don’t, I know standing alone will do you no favors.”
Alice held her tongue but, in a brief moment of weakness, she glanced curiously at Lord Erlington.
He was standing only a short distance away, already holding a glass of wine in his hand. He wasn’t paying her any mind, his eyes scanning the room instead. Alice wrenched her gaze away, angry with herself.
Without a doubt, he is searching for ladies to flirt with. I should not have expected any better from a man such as he.
“It is good to see you again, Your Grace, Lady Alice.”
A deep voice drew her out of her thoughts. Alice turned to glance at a tall gentleman standing next to her. He had blond hair, with dark eyes that flickered toward Alice’s father then back to her.
