Perhaps if he did not allow himself to look into her blue eyes, his head would not be overpowered by his heart. It was worth a try, unless he wanted to be nursing his bruised pride—and a broken heart.
Odette gazed into Jorgen’s blue-green eyes and imagined him as a child, alone and living on the streets, forced to defend himself against bullies. To see the confidence in his walk and the way he held his shoulders, the attractiveness of his dark-blond hair and features, she knew Peter was right. Jorgen had done well for himself. And since they had both been orphans, she felt a kinship with him.
But if he knew what she did every night, he would arrest her and have her thrown in the dungeon. Her Midsummer night’s dream of him doing just that came vividly to mind.
She was about to ask him another question when the minstrels strolled closer, coming to stand just behind where they were seated, and it was no longer possible to be heard over their singing and playing.
Then she noticed Mathis with an exaggerated expression of hope on his face. He was the mayor’s son, so she should make an effort to spend some time talking with him before the night was over.
When the minstrels finished their song, Rutger stood and announced that it was time for dancing. The guests began to speak in excited tones as they all rose, and the servants came to take away the trestle tables and benches where they had been eating.
“Odette,” Mathis said, hovering over her shoulder and forcing her to turn around to face him. “I have been looking forward to dancing with you tonight. Would you dance the first dance with me?”
Mathis’s pale skin, hair, and eyes contrasted well with his bright red, green, and pink robe. He took Odette’s hand between both of his. “You are the most beautiful maiden I have ever beheld. You are like an ethereal creature, a pure maiden sent from heaven to earth.”
Odette laughed. But when he did not seem pleased by her laughter, she forced the smile from her face and tried to look grateful. “I thank you for your kind words, Herr Papendorp. I was taken by surprise by your lavish praise. You are very poetic.”
“Please, call me Mathis. And that was rather poetic, wasn’t it? But I meant every word.” He lifted her hand to his lips while staring into her eyes.
She pulled her hand from his grasp, hoping she didn’t look repulsed.
The eager way he touched her hand was a bit disconcerting. She would much rather be dancing with Jorgen.
She had nothing against friendliness, but this man was looking at her as if he might ask her to marry him at any moment. Even if she wanted to marry Mathis, how could she be sure he would want to spend his money to help feed the poor?
“That is a sober expression for a woman who is dancing and enjoying herself.” Mathis broke into her thoughts as the dance was ending.
“My mind tends to wander sometimes. It is a lively gathering, is it not? Do you see my friend Anna?” She looked around the room and spotted her standing next to her husband. She looked beautiful tonight.
“Ah yes. She is Peter Voreken’s wife, is she not? I shall have to ask her to dance.” Mathis leaned close to Odette’s face, so close his breath brushed her cheek. “But first I would like to dance again with you, Odette.”
A man approached them.
“Mathis, won’t you introduce me to this beautiful young maiden?”
Mathis gave her an apologetic smile. “Odette, this is Ulrich Schinkel, the margrave’s chancellor. Ulrich, this is Odette Menkels, the niece and ward of Rutger Menkels.”
Without wasting any time, the stranger smirked and asked, “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, fair maiden?”
He was a prominent person so Rutger would be pleased. “I will.”
She danced with Ulrich, but there was an arrogant self-consciousness in his expression that Odette didn’t like. When the dance was over, she said, “You may take me to my uncle. I am sure he would like to speak to you.”
They made their way over to Rutger, who stood alone since Peter and Anna had gone to dance.
Ulrich greeted Rutger, then said, “If I am not asking too much, would you please allow me to dance again with your fair niece? I do believe she is the most graceful and beautiful maiden in Thornbeck.”
The fact that he asked her uncle if he could dance with her instead of asking her did not sit well with Odette. But Rutger smiled as though pleased and gave his consent. Odette allowed Ulrich to lead her back to the dance.
The dance with Ulrich seemed to take a long time.
When it was over, Ulrich opened his mouth, but Jorgen interrupted him. “Pardon me.” Jorgen stepped quite close to them. “I would like to dance with the birthday maiden.” He took her hand as if she had already accepted.