“And I to you.”
“Well, then.”
His lop-sided smile widened. “Well, then.”
The sound of musicians tuning their instruments drifted up the stairs. The ball was about to commence. “I shouldn’t linger. The guests will be arriving soon. My parents will expect me in the hall to welcome them.” She paused. “Will you escort me downstairs?”
“Er…you go ahead. I’ll stay here awhile.”
“You’re right. We’d do better to go down separately. We wouldn’t wish to be remarked.”
“No, indeed.” He caught at her hand as she moved to leave. “Sophie?”
She met his eyes. “Yes?”
He looked steadily back at her. “I mean to claim those waltzes.”
“They’re yours, Ned,” she said. But what she really meant was I’m yours. And, as she slipped out of the alcove and hurried down the hall, she suspected he knew it.
The ballroom at Appersett House was magnificent. It was also hot, stuffy, and overcrowded. The crystal gasoliers and the gas jets in the gilded wall sconces worked in concert with the guests to suck the oxygen from the room. Three ladies had already fainted. It was quite an achievement—and not at all a negative one. Indeed, no party was counted a success unless it was an absolute crush.
As the orchestra played the last notes of Ned’s final waltz with Sophie, he contemplated inviting her for a walk on the terrace. The snow would be a refreshing change from the cloying scent of men’s pomade, women’s perfume, and human perspiration. Besides, he wanted to kiss her again and the odds of finding any privacy indoors were next to nil.
She stepped back as their dance ended, returning his short bow with a shallow curtsy. “I told you I wouldn’t be a good partner. I must have trod on your toes three times.”
“Four times. Not that I’m keeping count.”
She gave him a laughing grimace. “How mortifying. I’m not usually so clumsy.”
“You’re tired, that’s all. The gentlemen have danced you off your feet.” Ned didn’t think she’d ever lacked a partner. She was a firm favorite with both the gentry and villagers alike.
“You’ve been no less popular.”
“I’ve been much less popular.”
“Nonsense. You danced with Mrs. Lanyon and Miss Tunstall and I don’t know how many others.”
A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Were you keeping count?”
“You needn’t look so smug. I only noticed because Mrs. Lanyon fainted after the lancers.” Sophie cast a quick look around. “I hope she’s feeling better now. I don’t see her anywhere.”
“My mother took her upstairs to rest in one of the guest rooms.”
“Bless your mother. She’s not having very much fun, is she?”
“She dislikes frivolity. And I’m sure the lack of fresh air doesn’t help. She’d rather have a few moments of quiet than linger at the side of a ballroom. Even if those moments are occupied wafting smelling salts under someone’s nose.”
Sophie sighed as Ned led her from the floor. “I can’t say I blame her. It’s so dreadfully close in here.”
He didn’t disagree. “Would you care for some punch? Or—if you have a wrap—perhaps you might accompany me out onto the terrace?”
“Both, if you please.”
“Which would you like first?”
“Punch. I’ll come with you to the refreshment table. We can…” Sophie’s voice trailed off, her attention arrested by something happening across the ballroom.
Ned followed her gaze. Sir William and Lady Appersett stood at the edge of the polished wood floor, engaged in a heated conversation with Emily…and Walter Murray.
“What in heaven…？” Sophie wondered under her breath.
Ned’s stomach clenched in a knot. He had a sinking feeling. A feeling which was only intensified by the sight of Walter’s hand on Emily Appersett’s back. Ned watched it move in a soothing, and wholly proprietary, circle. As if Walter was trying to calm the agitated young lady. As if…
Damn it all to hell.
Hadn’t he warned the man? Hadn’t he told him…？
“Something’s happened. They’re leaving.” Sophie moved to follow after them.
Ned caught at her hand. “Wait. I’ll go with you.”
She looked at him, her eyes filled with helpless dread. “Ned…”
“I know. It will be all right.” He squeezed her hand before tucking it through his arm. “There’s nothing broken that can’t be mended.”