Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The grand ballroom of the manor glittered with opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft strains of a string quartet. Daniel took a deep breath, adjusted his jacket, and stepped into the room.

As the Earl of Duncaster, his presence was immediately noted. Guests turned to acknowledge him, offering polite nods and smiles. Daniel responded with the practiced ease of someone well-versed in the social niceties of high society, but his mind was elsewhere. His thoughts kept drifting back to the library, where he had spent an enchanting afternoon with Isabella.

An afternoon that he wished did not have to come to an end.

Shaking off the memories, he scanned the room for familiar faces. He quickly spotted Henry and Barret near the refreshment table, engaged in animated conversation. Their laughter rang out above the general hum of the crowd, a sound Daniel found both comforting and grounding.

"Ah, there he is," Henry called out as Daniel approached. "We were just wondering when you would arrive."

Barret grinned, raising his glass in a mock salute. "Daniel, It is about time you joined us. We were beginning to think you had abandoned the Season entirely."

Daniel chuckled, shaking hands with both of them. "Good to see you, gentlemen. I hope I have not missed too much?"

"Just the usual," Henry replied with a smirk. "Barret here was recounting his latest hunting exploits. Apparently, he wrestled a bear single-handedly."

"Exaggerations," Barret said, waving his hand dismissively. "It was only a wild boar."

Daniel laughed, feeling some of the tension ease from his shoulders. "I am sure it was quite the battle. But what about the battle in here? How is the night faring?"

"So far so good," Henry said. "The wine is excellent, as always, and the company is...varied."

Barret nodded in agreement. "Though I must say, the ladies this evening seem particularly intent on finding husbands. I have barely been able to escape their clutches."

"Ah, the perils of being a charming bachelor," Daniel teased. "Perhaps you should consider settling down."

Barret gave him a wry look. "You can talk. When will you find yourself a bride, Daniel? Is there something you have not told us?"

Daniel smiled, his thoughts again drifting to Isabella. "No secrets here, Barret. I have just been preoccupied with other matters."

Henry raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eye. "Other matters, you say? And what might those be? Have you finally been taking dance lessons?"

"Speaking of dancing," Barrett interjected, sensing the shift in mood. "Shall we take to the floor? I believe Lady Margaret Thompson has been eyeing you, Daniel."

Daniel glanced over to where Lady Margaret stood, surrounded by admirers. She was beautiful, poised, and exactly the type of woman his peers expected him to court. But tonight, the thought of engaging in empty flirtation felt particularly unappealing.

"Perhaps later," he said smoothly. "I am more interested in catching up with my friends at the moment."

Henry raised an eyebrow but did not press the issue. "Very well. But do not think you can avoid the dance floor all night."

Daniel chuckled, though his mind was still elsewhere. "I suppose I cannot," he conceded. "But for now, a drink would do nicely."

As they moved toward the refreshment table, Daniel tried to immerse himself in the lively chatter of his friends, but his thoughts kept straying back to the library and Isabella. Her intelligence, her kindness, and the way her eyes lit up when she spoke of literature. He could not help but wonder what she was doing at that very moment. Was she thinking of him too?

But it seemed that he would not be able to enjoy his respite.

As Daniel stood by the refreshment table, nursing his drink, he sensed a presence approaching. Turning slightly, he saw Lady Marie making her way toward him. She was adorned in an exquisite gown of deep emerald green that highlighted her striking features. Her confident stride and regal bearing commanded attention, and it was clear she was accustomed to being the center of it.

"Good evening, Lord Duncaster," Lady Marie greeted with a radiant smile. Her voice was smooth and poised, each word measured to perfection.

"Lady Marie," Daniel replied, inclining his head respectfully. "A pleasure to see you this evening. You look splendid."

"Thank you," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You are too kind. I must say, you are looking rather dashing yourself."

Daniel smiled politely, though his mind was still occupied with thoughts of Isabella. "I appreciate the compliment."

"My lord," Lady Marie began, her voice soft and coquettish. "I believe you promised me a dance earlier today."

Daniel's mind raced. He had not exactly offered to dance with her, but he also did not wish to cause a scene.

He could see that he had very little choice.

"Of course, Lady Marie," he said, bowing slightly. "Shall we?"

Lady Marie beamed, taking his offered hand. As they moved to the center of the ballroom, Daniel noticed her fingers frequently touching the delicate necklace he had returned to her. She seemed to be doing whatever she could to draw his attention to it. Unfortunately for Lady Marie, it only reminded him of Isabella…

The music began, and they swept into the dance. Lady Marie was an accomplished dancer, her movements graceful and assured. Yet, Daniel found it difficult to focus. His thoughts kept drifting back to Isabella and the unfairness she had endured at Marie's hands. She might have been polite to him, but it was clear she was not to others.

"My lord," Lady Marie said, her voice cutting through his reverie. "You seem distracted this evening."

Daniel forced a polite smile. "I apologize, Lady Marie. I have many matters on my mind."

She laughed lightly, her hand again brushing her necklace. "I understand. Running an estate as grand as Duncaster must be quite the responsibility. But surely, you can spare a moment to enjoy the dance? I have been looking forward to it all day long."

"Of course," Daniel replied, though his heart was not in it. He could see the admiring glances they were attracting from other guests, and it only added to his discomfort. To them, this pairing seemed perfect—a beautiful, eligible lady and the distinguished Earl. But to Daniel, it felt hollow.

Daniel could not help but notice the stark contrast between Lady Marie and Isabella. Where Marie's charm felt forced and superficial, Isabella's kindness and passion were genuine. Where Marie sought to impress with her beauty and status, Isabella had captivated him with her intelligence and resilience.

"My lord," Marie said, her voice a touch sharper, bringing him back to the present. "You are quite the elusive dancer. I have heard you have managed to avoid several ladies' requests this evening."

Daniel smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. "I have been preoccupied, Lady Marie. But I assure you, I am honored to dance with you now."

Marie's smile turned triumphant as if she had won a prize. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I must admit, my lord, I find your reticence quite intriguing. It only adds to your allure."

Daniel said nothing, his mind elsewhere. He thought of the books he had given Isabella, of her delighted expression as she ran her fingers over the covers. He remembered the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity and the depth of their conversations. He realized that what he felt for Isabella was something far deeper than mere attraction; it was a genuine connection, one that transcended social barriers.

Reading to her had been the greatest pleasure of his night so far.

As the music reached its final, graceful notes, Daniel guided Lady Marie to a halt. The dance had been exquisite, but his thoughts were not with his partner. He had done his best to appear engaged, but the charm of the evening had eluded him.

"Thank you for the delightful dance, Lady Marie," Daniel said, his tone polite but distant. He offered a slight bow. "I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did."

Lady Marie smiled, though her eyes held a hint of disappointment. "I did, my lord. It was simply lovely."

She did not seem keen to leave Daniel's side, but Daniel did not have anything else to say. He was exhausted from all the false niceties already and simply wished for a moment alone.

"I must return to the refreshment's table," he said, almost as if he meant it regretfully. "Please, enjoy the rest of the evening."

Lady Marie nodded, but her reluctance was evident. She offered him a parting smile, though it did little to mask her disappointment. "Very well, my lord. I shall see you later, I hope."

Guilt flooded Daniel, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He did not want to give Lady Marie any indication that he had any attraction to her, because then he would only have to let her down.