7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

A Dance and a Kiss? More or Less?

H elen had always dreaded going to balls. She would sit on the sidelines or wander through the owner’s house, or inspect their greenhouse conservatory, and wish to be home with a book on birds, plants, or bugs. It amazed Margaret what a gorgeous gown and a lovely coif could do in going from a wallflower to a rare, celebrated flower. And almost overnight. Well, not exactly overnight. This being their third season. The last half of this one looked much more enjoyable.

Tonight, Helen rode with the Maxwells. A relief for her, not to listen to her mother’s barrage of insults; especially in front of Margaret. The Maxwells were a wonderful couple. Anyone could see how much they loved each other. And they both cared very much for Margaret. Her father called her all kinds of endearing names; poppet, sweeting, darling girl. Helen sat in the coach and started thinking how wonderful it would be to have such parents. “What are you thinking about, Helen? You look to be miles away, darling girl.” Lord Maxwell called her ‘darling girl.’ She had to get her handkerchief out of her reticule. She feared she would tear.

“Only wondering who will be at the ball tonight.” Helen bit her bottom lip. She fibbed.

“I can tell you what you will be doing tonight. My darling – Margaret and you will be dancing the night away.” He looked over at Lady Maxwell. “Am I right, my sweeting?”

“You are absolutely right. I’m sure they will complain of tired feet when we are in the coach, on our way home.” But Lady Maxwell smiled at him.

“You will be the prettiest two ladies in the room. Besides this gorgeous creature sitting next to me.” Lord Maxwell put his arm around his wife and pulled her to him. “And I want one dance with you tonight.”

“Edward, I always have to remind you, it is frowned upon for a man to dance with his wife.”

“And I always have to remind you, I care not one whit about the ton’s rules. Some ole stick in the mud made them up. I’m changing the rules. I say it is frowned upon not to dance with your wife.” He caressed her cheek.

“Edward, they will stop inviting us. I would not like for Margaret to miss out because of us.”

“Nonsense. We have entirely too much money to be ignored. Have no worries, my sweet. We will dance one dance and I will play cards and walk out of there tonight with all their money. So there!” He laughed. She tried to look mad, but he pulled her to him again, and she began to laugh, then Margaret and Helen laughed with them. Helen had the most fun carriage rides with the Maxwells. Margaret looked at her parents and hoped she would be lucky enough to find someone to love her like her Papa loved Mama.

Their coach pulled up, the footman assisted them out, and they entered the ball with Lord and Lady Maxwell leading, Margaret close behind, then Helen had to be announced by herself. Margaret waited for her and opened her fan, “Helen, I have already seen gentlemen watching us. Do you think it is because we look so nice or do they wonder what we are?” She gave an ornery grin.

“Perhaps they think we are bugs!” Helen opened her fan to hide her titter. “Hopefully, ladybugs.” Helen swiveled her hips and gave her best sultry look.

“We have had a wonderful time and we arrived only minutes ago.” Margaret’s eyes glowed with excitement. Anticipating an evening full of dancing and merriment.

Helen calmed and looked at Margaret. “You know why?”

“Tell me.” Margaret took her arm and looked at her warmly.

“Because we are happy,” Helen said seriously. So serious. Like in the coach, she thought she would tear. She would not. They were going to dance the night away. Like at the Spring dance.

As they were talking, they failed to notice Lords Gifford and Elliot's approach. “You ladies look as lovely as ever.” Lord Gifford told them as he bowed to them. The ladies reciprocated with their curtsies.

“My sentiments exactly, Lord Gifford. I believe we are most fortunate to be able to be the first to request a dance. Would you ladies oblige us? We would be most honored.” Lord Elliot – always so ingratiating.

“We would be pleased to dance with such fine gentlemen,” Helen remarked as she smiled at them.

“Shall we? May we be so bold as to request a dance with both of you tonight, as we were pleased to do at the Spring dance?”

“My lord, I find your request perfectly acceptable and I’m sure we will enjoy your company for another dance, will we not, Lady Helen?”

“Of course. You both are wonderful dancers with such delightful conversations.” Helen seemed a different person. Margaret wished Helen’s mother would notice, but she doubted that it would happen.

They danced two dances, once with Gifford and once with Elliot. “Remember you have promised us another dance later this evening?” Gifford spoke, reached for Helen’s hand, and bowed. Repeated the bow with Margaret. Then Elliot’s turn. The two ladies curtsied and the gentlemen made their exit.

Helen looked at Margaret. “We are no longer wallflowers. We are budding roses.” Helen took Margaret’s arm. Shall we walk the periphery? That is your favorite thing to do.”

“I think not. Helen. Before, I always hoped for someone to see me. Now, I will simply stay here and let them find me.” She looked at Helen with such confidence.

“That is a brilliant statement, my dearest friend.” Helen hugged her.

The Horsemen Come Prancing

Fred and Henry had arrived and assumed their usual position; to the right of the staircase, not too far from the wall and as high up as they could get. Although Martin and Fred were the tallest. Martin had always been the tallest, Fred and John were approximately the same height, and Henry came in last. But none were short. All four were taller than the average height. Fred found himself looking for a raven-haired buxom beauty with emerald eyes.

“Looking for anyone in particular, Fredrick?” Needled Henry.

“And what of you, Lord Henry Elbert Addams?” Fred looked rather smug.

“I desist. Please don’t rattle me with such a deplorable name.” Henry raised both hands – he surrendered to Fredrick. Using Henry’s middle name stopped Henry every time.

“Enough of your foolishness. I am, indeed, looking for Lady Margaret. Do you see her?”

“No, but I scanned for Lady Helen. Do you see her?” Henry, on his toes, tried his best to look over the crowd.

“There they both are. On the dance floor. Of course. How silly of me to think they would be sitting somewhere against the wall, observing. It looks more like people are observing them.” Fred wanted an opportunity to rub up against those lovely breasts. If he could reach into her decolletage and get his fingers on one of those nipples. He had to stop that internal dialogue. His friend down south demanded to make himself known. He needed to think of something else. “Might you be interested in playing cards?” Now, that would work.

Henry’s eyes were focused on Lady Helen. “I suppose. Later. Now, I would like to dance. The musicians are good which always helps.” He watched the dancers. “The dance is over. They are walking off the dancefloor. Shall we make our move, Lord Fredrick?” Henry elbowed Fred.

“Yes, I believe we shall, Lord El…Henry.” He elbowed Henry back, harder.

Fred watched as the two gentlemen made a few bits of conversation, bowed, and walked away.”

“Ladies. How is the evening finding you, Lady Margaret?” He bowed to her. “And you, Lady Helen?” And bowed to her. The ladies curtsied. After completing the protocol, Fredrick honed in on Margaret.

“It has been nice so far. And you, Lord Fredrick?”

“We just arrived. I spotted you and thought to come pay my respects, and ask if I could have the next dance?”

“I think that could be arranged.” Margaret acting coy.

“And who must you consult to see it is arranged, if I may ask?” He gave her his best smile. This dazzling, sultry lady, so ripe for…What the hell are you thinking? She is a na?ve. Innocent. She is a beauty, but you can’t take advantage of that naivety. Would it be wrong? Fredrick, it would be iniquitously wrong. A little taste would be something she might be grateful for – a fond memory – for both of us. Who am I fooling? I want her.

“There are many, however, in this case, I will make an exception and agree without the need for consultation.” He could see she tried to hold back a giggle.

“I feel so honored that you would humble yourself for the likes of me.” His lips curled to one side as he bowed to her. “The music is starting. Shall we, Lady Margaret?”

“I believe we shall.” He made her nervous. He could tell. He could feel it. He wondered why. There could be many reasons, but for now, he would only dance.

“You are a perfect dance partner.” She sounded breathless.

“I think we dance well together. I enjoy dancing.” He turned her. He took advantage of the dance and moved a little too close to her. Make her a little more nervous.

“You must dance well with many partners?” He thought it worth asking.

“I cannot say, my lord.” She gave him a curious look. “Hmm?”

“You dance well with some, then?” He enjoyed goading her. He would see how she would respond.

“I might agree – I might. If so inclined I might even say there were several other gentlemen with whom I dance well.” She smiled up at him. She played well at this part of the game.

“But if you were not so inclined?” Push her.

“My several make it unlikely I would not be so inclined. Besides, I like to dance, my lord. It is invigorating, would you not agree?” He spun her again. He wanted to get closer.

“Yes, I think it could be. With the right partner.” She purposefully avoided his eyes on her.

“And who would be the right partner, if I may be so bold?” The question sounded sincere. Odd that.

“I require some time to tabulate, my lady. Perhaps I will have a tally by the end of the evening. Is that fair?” He enjoyed the banter. Good heavens, she is so…so…lovely. So sensuous, the way she moves to the music. He had never seen any other woman dance so sensuously and yet be so respectable. She caused a problem for his partner down south. He had to think of something else.

“My lord? I think the dance is over. Where were you? You went somewhere. Still, tabulating? Hmm?” He ignored her question; took her arm and tucked it in the crook of his.

“I think we should go for a beverage. What would you have, my lady?”

“I will have champagne if they have it. Please, no ratafia. I would rather go without.”

“I thought all ladies enjoyed that particular drink.”

“Then I must not be a lad – “

“Lady Margaret, your face has suffused to such a lovely shade of red.” He chuckled. “Oh, look. Champagne. You are saved.” He took two glasses and gave her one. “Shall we go out on the terrace? It is too warm in the ballroom with all the dancing. I never thought there would be so many here tonight. Especially since the big spring dance had been only two days ago.” He could see her looking around. “Do you think I will ravish you out here, Lady Margaret?” Those emerald eyes of hers were glowing.

“Of course not. I never considered it.” She took a big sip of champagne. He was making her nervous. He had been fairly sure earlier, but quite sure now. Other couples were leaving the main room for the terrace. “Come over here.” He took her hand. “We should move out of the traffic. Here. Now, this is better.” A small alcove had been missed by other couples, but not Fredrick. “Your face looks like tiny glittering stars surrounding two of the most gorgeous emeralds.” He took the back of his hand and stroked the side of her face.

“I bet you say such things to all your lady friends.” She took her champagne glass and placed both hands around it. He assumed she held the glass in front of her as a defense. He could take care of that rather easily.

“I don’t have lady friends, Lady Margaret.” He took the champagne glass out of her hands and placed it on the ledge beside them. He never broke his focus off of her. “Margaret,” His lips were inches from hers. “Have you ever been kissed?” He had her back to the wall. He put one hand on the wall next to her lovely face.

“Well. Of course…of course I – I have. Many times.” She stuttered.

“You are lying, Margaret.” He said, as quiet as a whisper. He had to kiss her. He wanted to kiss her. And he knew she wanted him to kiss her. She seemed nervous. Good. He would be her first. He liked that. Her first. “I’m going to kiss you, Margaret.” He put his lips on hers. Her lips were luscious. Thick and warm. He ran his tongue across her lips. He startled her. She opened her mouth and his tongue entered and explored. Oh, that mouth could do wonderful things to his cock. He pressed against her. He slid his hand up from her waist. His hand cupped the bottom of her blessedly large breast. She moaned. Oh, she could be a grand lover. She began to use her tongue to play with his. He let out a moan. He did do that? He never does that. He has never done that. Never. Not at all. She put her hands on his chest. Good heavens. She was much more than he had ever imagined. He could not do this. He had to stop. He pulled away from her. He picked up her champagne glass, then his. “We had better go inside before people come looking for us.”

“Fredrick?” She looked up at him like a little girl. “Did I do it right?” He could hardly speak. So in awe of her. She had completely thrown him off. He could see she was a gorgeous creature, but good heavens. His body reacted unsure of what had just happened. He had never experienced it before. He wanted more of her. All of her. But… no, no, no.

“Margaret, if you had done it any better, I would have fucked you out there in front of God and everyone and not cared one modicum. Do you understand me now?” He shook his head. “Yes, you did it right.” He took her arm, put it through the crook of his, and walked her back to where Henry stood, talking with Helen. Fred released Margaret’s hand. “Come, Henry, we need to go. We need to get up early tomorrow.” He could not even look at her. He would kick himself if he had the capability. What the hell had he been thinking? He needed to get out of that ballroom. He kissed her and suddenly it felt as if he had been struck by something from his stomach, then up into his chest.

Henry explained to Helen. “We are going to Fred’s horse farm tomorrow. I will see you at the next ball, yes?”

“Yes, I certainly hope so.” Helen’s face lit up. Margaret could have been curious about Helen’s complete turnaround regarding Henry, but her mind kept spinning, too busy contemplating what had happened with Fredrick.

“Thank you for the dances, Helen,” Henry spoke to her as he walked backward away from her. “Good night, ladies.” At least Henry had the decency to say something prior to their abrupt departure. They walked out into the night air and toward Fredrick’s coach.

“What happened with you and Lady Margaret? You would not even look at her. Did you two argue or were you acting like a cad? A rakehell? Fred. What did you do?”

“Nothing. Forget it. I want to get out of here. These balls are a pain in the arse. I would rather go to Venus . At least there you know what you are getting.” He was so angry. With himself. She is a nice girl, you idiot. What were you thinking? There inlies the problem. I failed to think at all. I wanted her. My good heavens. How in the hell did that happen? Then she has the nerve to look up at me with those beautiful emerald eyes and ask me if she did it right. Oh, shite. At least I told her the truth about that – and probably should not have. I swear, I honestly would have fucked her out there. I have lost my mind. She made me crazy.