17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

She Dances, But Not with Him

M iss Christopher had so much talent – always outdoing herself. The ball gowns for Helen and Margaret were extraordinary. The straps fell way down the arms of Margaret’s dress. Miss Christopher had taken two different materials of two different shades of emerald green and made it appear that the two materials had been twisted. She would be the envy of the young ladies at the ball. Helen’s gown had shoulder straps made of silk and glitter. The gown empire fashion, with organza she tri-folded atop silk to give the illusion of a larger bust. Miss Christopher had selected a pale purple bodice with a royal purple skirt. Both the gowns were stunning. Margaret and Helen were more than confident that they would be dancing all night.

The ball is guaranteed to be a crush. Although the high season had ended, the Wodehouse ball brought out all the peerage still in Town and many returned due to the opulence of the ballroom, terrace, walking gardens, and the free-flowing champagne. If anyone left the ball sober, it had to be their own fault.

Lady Green had not necessarily volunteered to take Helen and Margaret to the Wodehouse ball, but she would be meeting those same ladies she met at the ball a month ago. Margaret initially considered asking her parents to take Helen and her. She dreaded having to listen to Lady Green denigrate her daughter during the ride, but Margaret had to remember this allowed her parents to go to the theatre, which is something her parents truly enjoyed. Margaret resolved to try a new strategy of constant engagement in conversation with Helen which would inhibit Lady Green’s barbs.

Because Lady Green had difficulty with her gown, they had left later than Lady Green had wished, which only made her more disagreeable. Margaret’s plan blew up just as Lady Green did. She yelled at Helen.

The trouble with her dress – Helen’s fault.

The dinner not to her liking – Helen’s fault.

The coach had an odd odor – Helen’s fault. Helen and Margaret had to sit across from Lady Green as she continued her cutting insults. Lady Green looked at Helen as if she was some foul creature and told her if she had been even the least bit attractive, she would be married and out of her hair. Helen sat morosely with her hands together in her lap and looked out the window. Likely she wished to be enjoying the comforts of nature. God knows she would never receive any comfort from her mother.

As they arrived, Helen received the same orders she’d received at the last soiree. “Do not interrupt my meeting. Do not disturb me.” Why in the world would anyone want to?

“Come, Helen. Hold your head high, strut into the ballroom, and we will sweep the room. You look so beautiful tonight; you will be dancing all night long. I promise you.” Margaret meant it.

And that is exactly what they did. They danced with Lords Gifford and Elliot. The gentlemen fetched champagne. Lord Lade asked Margaret to dance, then Helen. Lord Haldane, who Margaret had not seen at any of the balls this season, approached her. “Lady Margaret, may I say you are the most beautiful lady at the ball.”

“Thank you, Lord Haldane. Have you been away? I don’t recall seeing you this season.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have been. I am flattered that you noticed. I intend to stay, at least for a while. I missed dancing. Which brings me to the reason for my imposition. Would you honor me with a dance?”

“It would be my pleasure.” Margaret smiled up at him. Lord Haldane – most assuredly, a most handsome man. A duke. Single. Wealthy. But all she would ever want from Lord Haldane would be a dance.

As they lined up for the next dance, Lord Cowper approached Helen. “Lady Helen, you become more beautiful each time I have the pleasure to see you. You must tell me your secret.”

“Secret? I have no secret. I dress, my lady’s maid coifs my hair, and here I am.”

Cowper chuckled. “Lady Helen, you are humble and clever. I hope to continue to enjoy your company and uncover all your secrets.”

The music started at the same time that Fredrick, Henry, and Jonathan arrived. John chuckled to himself to watch Fred watching Margaret dance with the dashing Lord Haldane. ”Do either of you see Ladies Margaret or Helen?” He asked only to hear Fred’s response.

“I haven’t seen her, but I am not looking for her.” Fred answered a little too ‘off the cuff.’

“There she is, Fred.” He snapped his head in Margaret’s direction. “I thought I saw you look right at her. There she is. God, Fred, what does she have on tonight? That would make a cripple man get up and walk simply to have a dance with her.” She did look amazing. “Don’t you see her, Fred? She is dancing with Lord Haldane. You remember him, don’t you? He trounced you in fencing.”

“One time. Only once. John, must you be so obnoxious?” Fred looked to be more irked by the minute. Jonathan thoroughly enjoyed Fred’s angst.

“What happened to the horseman with the keen sense of humor?” John continued to goad. “Look. They are coming off the dance floor.” He watched Fred observe the two. John found Fred’s reaction rather comical. “Oh, he is escorting her to enjoy a beverage. Champagne. I could use a gallon or two of that.” He watched the couple proceed. “I think they…” Haldane walked Margaret out on the terrace. This would be a good time to back off of Fred. “Henry, there is Lady Helen. Looks like Cowper is monopolizing her time.”

“I am going for a drink,” Fred said sternly as he crossed the dance floor with purpose.

“I think we should follow, Henry.” John cocked his head in Fred’s direction.

“I believe you might be right.” They stepped up their pace to catch him.

Fredrick walked to the large bar area where flutes of champagne were filled and ready for the guests to enjoy. He swept a glass off the table without bothering to look and walked out onto the terrace. Lord Haldane and Lady Margaret were standing in the middle of the terrace to the right of the steps leading down to the gardens. Fred quickly changed his demeanor to a stroll as if he was enjoying a Sunday walk in the park. What the hell is she doing out here with him? He is a loathsome cad. She should not be out here with such a lecherous scoundrel. No, no one but me? No one but me. “Lord Haldane, Lady Margaret. What an unexpected pleasure.” He bowed to Margaret although he wanted to wring her beautiful, soft, appealing little neck for standing out here with him.

“Lord Windham, I was unaware you were here. Nice to see you. The lovely Lady Margaret and I came out after our dance. It is rather warm in the ballroom.”

“Yes, the reason I stepped out here. Dancing does tend to conjure a need for cool air.”

Margaret had yet to look at Fredrick. Lord Haldane looked at Fredrick with a bit of skepticism. “You have been dancing? I can’t recall seeing you on the dance floor.”

John, noting the straightening of Fredrick’s spine, thought it time to step in. “Ah, there you are. Lord Haldane and Lady Margaret. So good to see you both.” He bowed to Lady Margaret and shook hands with Haldane. “This is a crush. There are so many people here, I had to fight to even wedge into the dance floor. I failed to notice you were here Haldane, or you, Lady Margaret.”

Fred shot John with a look of irritation. “Were you searching for me, Lord Powis? What is the matter of your need for me?

“The gentleman you wished to speak with is waiting to meet with you. Shall we?” John raised a brow, giving Fred a look of warning.

“Yes, of course. I should go and meet with him. Lord Haldane. Lady Margaret, I hope to have a dance with you later.” He watched her for an answer. She gave none.

“I did not need saving. The cocky bastard had challenged my honesty.” In another minute or two, Fred would have knocked Haldane on his arse.

“Fred, you were lying. Haldane may be a bastard, but he is not stupid. After that little display, he likely understands the motive for your intrusion. Competitive as he is, and particularly when it comes to you, I guarantee Haldane is going to attempt to monopolize all Margaret’s time.”

That had Fred furious at the thought. I will kill him if he even tries to touch her. She is not his to touch. Damnit! What the hell is wrong with me? Fred felt his stomach turn. He should never have touched her. Yet the thought of those moments caused something, a queer sensation in his stomach to happen again.

John nudged Fred. “Come, Fredrick, shall we go find the card room and win enough to enjoy a late night of drinking and camaraderie at Venus? ”

“I regret I am in no mood for cards. I fear I would not have the frame of mind to sweep the room. You may go in my stead. I shan’t be going. Not tonight.” Fred scanned the room for Henry and noticed Cowper on the dance floor having a grand time with Lady Helen. Henry waited for the dance to be over so he could snatch Helen up for the next dance. Fred gave himself a harsh reprimand. You should know better. You have pushed her away twice. What is she to do when you treat her thus? She is no wallflower, Fredrick. Other gentlemen desire her company. He decided to resume his original position on the sidelines and wait for Henry and Lady Helen to return. Perhaps, even Margaret would return – alone.

Ignoring Fredrick

“I believe we should return to the ballroom. My friend will wonder where I am.” Margaret wanted to return to the ballroom to see where Fredrick had gone. It pleased her to know that he might have been even the least bit concerned by her being on the terrace with Lord Haldane. She had been certain he would stay away from the balls for the remainder of the low season, yet there he stood, right next to Helen and Henry. She wished for someone, anyone, to ask her to dance, when Lord Guest interceded.

“Lady Margaret, you look exceedingly lovely this evening.” He attempted a bow. The crowd inhibited his ability to do so gracefully. “Lord Guest. I wonder if we might be able to move toward the perimeter.” She hoped he would agree to walk over before they were both pushed there. She wondered if Fredrick might be watching her, but she refused to allow herself to look. She would never admit, even to Helen, how he had made her feel; so wanton and reckless. Fredrick had made her feel things she had never experienced before, then he suddenly stopped, as if he realized who he had spent those sensual moments with – her . She would not allow him to hurt her that way again.

That night at the ball, on the terrace, she was able to trick herself into thinking that he might have feelings for her. But the night in the carriage, he made her feel as if she was not worth the effort. She was some kind of wanton – one of his many. Whatever his reason, it had shattered her. She had cried into her pillow and hoped Helen had not heard her. She wondered the reason for her even allowing him such liberties; such an intimate moment. She feared she knew the answer. For years she had held a tendre for him.

“Lady Margaret? Are you alright?” She saw the look of concern on Lord Guest’s face.

“Yes, of course. Why do you ask, Lord Guest?” What was I doing?

“I asked if you cared to dance. Did you not hear my invitation?” He had tucked her arm in the crook of his.

“Apologies, Lord Guest. What a lovely ball this is for the low season. Would you not agree?” She peeked up at him and smiled. Lord Guest had a handsome face, a nice physique, and wealthy. As were many that had remained after the high season ended. With the men being attentive, all handsome and wealthy, why had she always, only been drawn to Fredrick? As Lord Guest escorted her onto the dance floor he asked her about the upcoming balls she would be attending. Of course, she said she would be, at least until Papa could take no more of the impending summer in Town. He mentioned that his tenants were predicting a hot summer. “Then my family will certainly leave for our estate outside of Kent.”

"That is a lovely country. I have had the pleasure of riding through that particular part of the country and found it to be most pleasing. You must let me know when your family plans to leave Town. I may wish to call on you there. I have a lovely estate in Thurrock. It would not be too far to call.”

“Thank you, Lord Guest. I would be happy to do that.” The dance ended. “Could you walk me to my friend, Lady Helen? Do you recall her?”

“Yes, but I must say if that is indeed Lady Helen, she has grown into a handsome young lady.”

“Yes, that she has. You must come and give your felicitations.”

“I would be pleased to. Perhaps she would enjoy a dance?” Oddly, he looked rather coy as he spoke.

“I am sure that she would be pleased to dance with you if she is not already spoken for.”

“Lady Helen, do you recall Lord Guest?” Margaret said by way of introduction, “He only now asked of you.”

“Indeed?” Helen looked at Guest with interest.

“Indeed. You certainly are looking lovely this evening. I wonder if you are free for a dance?” He seemed thoroughly taken by Helen. Most advantageous for Margaret. She had no interest in him at all. Her agreement to inform him of the family’s travel to Kent resulted only out of courtesy. Helen and Lord Guest walked onto the dance floor which left Margaret in the company of the horsemen.

“Lady Margaret. You do look beautiful this evening. Please don’t misunderstand me. You are always beautiful, but you flatter that gown exceedingly well.” John bowed to her.

“Lord Herbert, you are being too kind. It is the dress that does much to flatter me.” The polite response.

“That is not true. You are beautiful, Margaret. You would flatter a flour sack.” Fredrick gave her a side glance as he barked his words out.

“Thank you, Lord Fredrick, I think?” She glanced away from him for fear of either screaming at him or breaking down and crying. Neither one appropriate for a well-born lady. From his demeanor, it appeared that Fredrick would have cared little either way.

“Lady Margaret, would you care to dance?” Lord Henry Addams inquired.

“The dance is almost half over.” Margaret posed it in more of a question.

“It gives us more than half the dance to enjoy. Shall we?” He extended his hand with a charming smile.

“I would be happy to dance with you, Lord Addams.”

“I’m wondering, Fredrick.” John stood next to Fred and watched him glare at Henry. John could easily see that Fred had his ire up with Henry on the dance floor with Margaret.

“Wondering what, or dare I ask?” Fred’s attention focused on Margaret.

“How much more you might be able to do before the night is over to further ingratiate yourself to the lovely Lady Margaret.” John looked down as he checked his gloves and shot his cuffs.

“You are right. You are.” His head down, hands on his hips. “I have no idea what has gotten into me. I apologize for my obstinate behavior.” Fred disgusted himself. If his goal happened to be alienating Margaret, he could never do a better job of it. He had no idea what the hell he thought he was doing or exactly why he was doing it. She had him inscrutable to himself, for heaven's sake.

“It is not me that you should apologize to, Fredrick. I know you are an arse. She is quickly learning. If you don’t do something, you may easily convince her as well.”

“The problem is, I don’t know what I want to do with her.”

John raised a brow. “Really?” He smirked.

“No, I don’t mean I – yes, I do want her, but not at the expense of her reputation.” Fred slapped his hand against his thigh a few times. “Am I making any sense at all, John?”

“Yes, I suppose you are. You could try being honest with her. This hot and cold demonstration is not effective, Fredrick. If that is the way you wish to handle this, I suggest you make it either all hot or all cold. You can’t continue to have it both ways. I believe the lady may have already made that decision for you.”

Fred continued to watch her on the dance floor. She seemed to be enjoying Henry’s company. “She is better off.”

“I never thought I would see the day when I would call you an absolute fool, but Fredrick, you are indeed, an absolute fool.”

“Thank you for the insight. I thought I had achieved the arse moniker. Now I am an arse and a fool. How much lower can I go?” He gave John a scornful look.

“I am your friend, Fredrick. You can be a complete arse to me and I don’t give a shite. She is another thing altogether, but it is your life.”

Fred put his hands on his lapels and scowled at John. “Thank you, John. For a moment I wondered.”

Henry escorted Margaret off the floor when he noticed some kind of disagreement transpiring between his two comrades. “Would you allow me to direct you to the beverage bar? I am parched. What say you, my lady?” He gave her a friendly chuckle.

“That would be lovely. Will that give them enough time to settle their differences?”

“Quite perceptive, Lady Margaret. Hum, well, I would still enjoy a glass of champagne. Shall we continue to the bar?”

“I insist, Lord Addams.” She gave him a slight giggle. The last thing she felt like doing, but a lady’s image must be protected. Even if the lady herself was the one doing the protecting.

They had their glasses and decided to walk back and join the other men. Lord Guest had returned with Helen so whatever the argument, it had ceased. “Thank you, Lady Margaret, for the dance. You are an excellent dance partner.” Margaret stood silently deciding what she should do to end this awkwardness the group appeared to be suffering. But as she tried to come up with some sort of strategy, a footman walked up to the party. “Lady Margaret Maxwell?” He had a missive in his hand.

“Yes?” She walked into the group and looked at the footman, wondering who would be sending her a message.

“There is a missive for you, my lady.” He handed the note to her. Fred and Henry began to walk away. “Gentlemen, you need not leave.” She opened the note and read. “Something must have happened. I have been asked to return home immediately.” She looked over at Helen.

“You know Mother will not leave. She will only be angry if we ask.” Helen gave Margaret a sad look of regret. “I’m sorry.”

“I must get home. I can flag a hackney. I had better collect my wrap and see about waving one down.”

“No, no. You will not travel alone in a hackney. I can take you home.” Fred interrupted. He looked at John and Henry. “I will return to collect both of you.” Fred, visibly concerned for Margaret. It is never good when you are summoned immediately.

Jonathan could sense Fredrick’s return would take much more time. People rarely sent a missive to return home immediately over a minor crisis. “We can get home, Fredrick. You tend to Lady Margaret.” Fred looked at John. “Go, Fredrick.” John waved his arm as a dismissal.

“Lord Fredrick, I can get myself home. You need not leave your friends for me.” She started to walk toward the front when he reached for her again.

She stopped and he turned her to face him. He put both hands on her arms as he spoke to her quietly. “Margaret, we can argue later, if you like, but I will take you home.”

She gave him a skeptical look. “Oh.” She looked away from him, trying to think. “Alright then.” She forced herself to remember his demeanor could change as quickly as the London weather.

With one hand on Margaret’s arm, Fred turned back and looked to Helen. “Helen, will you accompany us?” If the news should be dire, Margaret would want Helen with her.

“Yes, of course. Give me time to tell Mother I am leaving.” Helen had already turned away, making haste to find her mother.

Margaret whispered to herself. “Helen is such a good friend.” Fred took Margaret’s hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. “Lord Fredrick, are you sure this is what you want to do? It is no trouble for me to hire a hackney. You can stay. Many lovely ladies are wishing to have a chance to dance with you.” It pained her to say it, but she knew she had to protect her heart.

“Oh, heavens. I’m sure there will be a next time.” He smiled down at her. She had beautiful eyes, emerald green. And those luscious lips, so kissable. His breeches became tight again. This is not an appropriate situation for such thoughts . He had to stop thinking about how he desired to kiss those lips again. To have his hands on those luscious breasts, again. To make her come, again. His lustful musings were interrupted as he spied Helen walking back to them. Thank goodness. He had to think of something else. Remember the situation, you simpleton!

“I saw Mother. She only told me not to bother her.” What else was expected?

“So, are we ready to go?” Fredrick asked.

Margaret, barely audible. “Yes, Fredrick. I suppose.” Fred took Helen’s arm and put it through the crook of his free arm; Helen on one side and dear Margaret on the other.