Prologue
There she is.
Marcus was unable to express how joyfully his heart sang at the sight of Lady Almeria. It seemed to still in his chest, his breath coming raggedly as he saw her smile. He and Lady Almeria had been friends all through childhood, but it had been some time since he had last laid eyes upon her. Now, it was as though the candles in the ballroom glowed a little more brightly, as if the music from the orchestra played a little more sweetly, simply because he was looking at her. Her dark hair curled over her shoulder in one large ringlet, the rest pulled away from her oval face. Her rosebud lips were curved into a smile, her hand going to her mouth as she laughed at something her friend had said – and Marcus’ lips lifted as though he were a part of the conversation, as though he too were enjoying the merriment.
I have been apart from her for too long.
A troubling thought passed over his mind and he pulled his eyes away from her.
What if she is already betrothed?
News had not reached him of her betrothal but that did not mean that it had not taken place. He had been unable to attend London the previous Season due to complications with his estate - some of the fields were flooded with an unexpected rainfall and he had been forced to set aside frivolity for the sake of his tenants and his finances. Aware that it had been Lady Almeria’s coming out, he had been deeply frustrated to have to remain at his estate, but there had been no other choice. However, he had prayed very often that he would not be too late, that she would not find herself a husband – and as yet, his prayers seemed to have been answered.
Might he yet find himself much too late? It had been a fortnight since the Season had begun, and much could happen in that time – especially with someone as beautiful, as refined, and as kind-hearted as Lady Almeria! Taking a breath, Marcus set his shoulders, and lifted his chin, pushing away his fears. He had heard nothing as yet about any betrothal, had heard no whisper that she was even being courted by anyone, thus far. He had to hope, had to pray for a chance that she might look at him in a different way – in the way that he had always looked at her.
With a nod to himself, Marcus pushed away his nervousness as best he could. He had no need to hold himself back. Lady Almeria was his friend. They had known each other for many years now, and it would be foolish to stay away from her out of the fear that he might hear the very worst of news. If she discovered that he was present and had not come to greet her, she might wonder at it, questioning why he had done so, and finding herself displeased with him. That was the last thing he desired.
With a slight lift of his chin and with confidence in his step, Marcus made his way directly across the ballroom. Lady Almeria’s gaze flicked to his face and then away again, only to return in an instant. Her hazel eyes flared wide, and she put one hand to her mouth, catching her breath.
“Marcus!”
He smiled broadly at her whisper and bowed low.
“Almeria - I meanLadyAlmeria.”
A flush of embarrassment touched his cheeks, only for the lady to laugh.
“I think I shall easily be able to forgive you, for we are great friends, are we not? We have been friends for almost as many years as we have been alive! Therefore, I think it perfectly suitable for you to call me Almeria.”
She put her hand out to him, and Marcus grasped it quickly, the warmth in his face now coming from a different feeling entirely.
“Indeed, we are, Almeria.” He smiled at her and looked into her eyes, aware of his heart picking up its pace. “You cannot know how glad I am to be in your company again.”
Her eyes lit up.
“And I yours,” she promised softly. “Although I had hoped to see you last Season. You were not present in London, and I missed you excessively.”
“No, I was not.” Catching the curious glances of her companions, he shrugged his shoulders, keeping his explanation for another time. “But I am here now and have every intention to stay in London for the entirety of the Season.”
“As do I.” Almeria smiled softly. “Now, would you ask me to dance? It has been some time since we have done so, but I am certain that we will remember how!”
A sudden tightness grasped his heart, squeezing it as he accepted the dance card from her. How little she knew of how her nearness affected him, how much her closeness to him as they danced would send his heart into a flurry! His very soul seemed to dance about him with delight as he wrote his name down for her cotillion, and thereafter the waltz, relieved that it had not been taken. With a small smile, he handed the card back to her.
“I hope you do not mind that I have taken your waltz. After all, it has been some time since we have danced together, as you said.”
Lady Almeria looked down at her dance card and then smiled.
“No, indeed. In fact, I am a little relieved that you have taken the waltz, for there are so many gentlemen who, when dancing the waltz with me, are inclined to tread on my toes or grasp my hand far too tightly. Indeed, there are even some who think it a suitable moment to whisper certain things into my ear, none of which I am grateful for. I am sure that you understand.” Marcus said nothing but nodded, thinking silently to himself how much he should like to whisper certain things into Almeria’s ear. “I shall be very glad to dance with a friend.” Reaching out, she touched his hand with hers for just a moment. “I am soveryglad to see you.” Marcus managed a smile, although his heart began to slow its quick pace. “Indeed, I think it is a very good thing that I shall have a gentleman friend here this Season,” she continued, as the happiness which had bloomed in Marcus’ heart slowly began to wilt. “You shall be able to tell me all about the various gentlemen of theton, and if any of them appear to be at all interested in my company, I shall ask you of them.”
Marcus managed a tight smile, a faint relief pushing away some of his sorrow.
She is not betrothed as yet, then.
“Of course…”
She smiled in response to his words, and then one of her friends – who had not yet been introduced to Marcus – murmured something to Lady Almeria, who smiled and shrugged.
“And of course, I must now introduce you to my friends. They are all wondering who you are and why I have not spoken of you as yet!”
