Chapter 16

Chapter 16

"I do not understand," Ophelia said, completely confused.

She had been on her way back to the nursery when Rosalina had all but pounced on her, handing Amy to the housekeeper and dragging Ophelia into the drawing room. The demand Rosalina was making of her did not make much sense to Ophelia. She needed her to pretend to be a member of the ton and the woman Edward was wooing to make sure no other young lady tried to catch his attention with their elaborate schemes and left Edward alone.

"Ophelia, you must say yes," Rosalina insisted once again, firmly holding both of Ophelia's hands in her grasp.

"But why does Lord Cavendish even wish to keep young ladies away from him? If he is attending a ball, he is bound to receive such attention."

"He fails to understand that," Rosalina sighed, "I do not want him to isolate himself from the ton completely, which is exactly what he will do if this behaviour from the debutantes persists. Hence, I believe this plan will make him continue to be a part of the ton during the Season and keep all attention away from him."

"The plan is excellent, Rosalina," Ophelia agreed, "but I hardly think I am fit for it. I am Amy's nanny, and I have to take care of her. What will happen to her at night when we have to attend social gatherings?"

"These gatherings begin and end very late, Ophelia," Rosalina explained further, "and Amy is a friendly child and will easily settle in with someone else as well. And you will be with her during the day anyway."

"I still do not think it is a very great idea."

"You must do it for me if you consider me a friend. Please."

Rosalina certainly had a way of convincing others, and Ophelia felt completely cornered. It was as if saying no was no longer an option, even if she had initially wanted to. Although, she could not lie to herself and deny that a part of her was not already looking forward to it. Edward had been a constant part of her dreams and thoughts for days now, and the very idea of being wooed by him in front of the entire ton was enough to send her heart into a frenzy.

Would she really be able to take this?

"Alright," she agreed, nodding at last, and Rosalina all but jumped in glee.

"You promise?" she asked excitedly, almost hugging Ophelia, who began to laugh at Rosalina's contagious happiness.

"I promise."

"Oh, this is divine!" Rosalina stood up, walking about the drawing room. "Now, we must make sure you are ready for the whole charade to begin. Can you dance?"

"Dance?" Ophelia could certainly not tell the truth. "Just a little bit, I think."

"Nothing to worry about at all." Rosalina extended a hand towards her. "I can teach you."

Ophelia stared at her extended hand for a couple of seconds, finally placing her hand in hers and standing up. Rosalina pulled her to the middle of the drawing room, quickly placing their hands in the correct positions as they stood facing one another.

"We have no music," Ophelia commented, unsure how this would pan out.

"I shall sing and dance simultaneously," Rosalina replied, already beginning to sing.

Ophelia laughed at her terrible singing, but Rosalina immediately began to move, taking Ophelia along with her as they twirled around the open space, even though it was turning out to be disaster. Rosalina could definitely not focus on singing and dancing at the same time, and to make things easier for her, Ophelia did not try to mess up the dance purposefully. Instead, she danced comfortably, completely in control of her movements.

If Rosalina noticed, she did not comment on it, continuing to lead Ophelia along.

"If I am not intruding, may I ask what the two of you are trying to achieve?"

They immediately stopped dancing at the familiar voice, and to Ophelia's surprise, Edward stood at the drawing room door, a smile dancing on his lips. She could not even imagine how long he must have been standing there, simply staring at them going about their terrible dancing, and the thought mortified her.

"Oh, Edward!" Rosalina dragged him inside, closing the door behind him, "I am so glad you are here. I cannot sing and dance together. Clearly."

"But why exactly are you dancing for no reason?"

"I was teaching Ophelia, of course," she replied as if it was the most obvious thing, "since she has agreed to become a part of our little charade."

Edward's eyes widened, and Ophelia wondered if he had been expecting her to say no.

"You have? I hope Rosalina did not force you into it?"

"No." Ophelia shook her head. "She simply presented her case and reasoning, and I agreed."

"And now the two of you must dance together while I play a waltz for you at the piano," she added, making her way towards the grand piano and beginning to play.

Edward held Ophelia close to him; their eyes focused on one another as his hand slipped around her waist and her other hand remained tightly clasped in his. She could not believe this was really happening. The one thing she had dreamt of constantly was dancing with Edward and here they were in his drawing room, dancing together.

"Are you ready?"

Ophelia nodded.

He smiled at her, moving with an easy grace as he guided her along, even though she did not need much guidance. She had already been taught dancing in her early years by a tutor her father had hired, and Ophelia had enjoyed learning thoroughly. Never having been a part of the social Season in London, she hardly had an occasion to practice her skills, but they were still intact.

Despite that, dancing with Edward was easy. She hardly had to put in any effort as he easily helped her through the entire thing. He was extremely handsome, and part of her could not believe he held her in his arms this closely.

"No one can say you do not already know how to dance, Miss Jennings," he said, twirling her.

"I have been taught a little here and there," she replied, "but you are guiding me along really well, My Lord."

"I believe then I can be a good teacher."

"You are an excellent partner." She smiled, replying thoughtlessly. Her eyes widened at what she had said, but Edward remained quiet and simply smiled.

His touch was still electric for Ophelia, making her feel things she did not even know she could feel at all. The softening of his gaze was enough to tell her he felt it, too. He had felt it the other day at the picnic, and he felt it today as well. The connection they shared was more than one could put a name to, and Ophelia did not know how to characterize it.

The music began to slow down, and Ophelia knew Rosalina was about to come to an end, and just after the final climax, the set ended. Ophelia backed away, curtseying as Edward bowed, the distance between them already beginning to bother her. She had come to crave the proximity in just a few minutes and wished to have it back.

"Ophelia, you are a beautiful dancer," Rosalina said, standing up from the piano. "I hardly think you need any lessons at all. You are perfect as it is."

"I agree," Edward added, "that is exactly what I was telling Miss Jennings while we danced. It certainly does not seem as if it is the first time she has danced."

Ophelia did not know if she was imagining it or if she could really hear suspicion in Edward's voice. Could he see past her charade? She hoped for him not to. She felt safe in his invisibility and her hidden identity and had no desire for anyone to find out her truth. She simply could not afford it. Not after she had settled in so well already.

"It does seem a great master has taught you, but I believe some people just have a natural talent," Rosalina commented. "Now that this matter has come to an end, we must focus on other things."

"What other things?" Ophelia asked, unsure of how far she would have to go for this charade.

"Tomorrow, we will be going to the modiste to get you an entirely new wardrobe for the season, and we must think of an elaborate story to introduce you, too." Rosalina stayed quiet for a few seconds as Ophelia and Edward stared at her expectantly. "Yes! You shall be my old friend who moved to France in childhood and has returned just now. Can you speak French, Ophelia?"

"I can." Ophelia sighed, wondering how things were falling into place this neatly.

"Well, in that case, I believe, everything is settled already."

It seemed as if Ophelia was about to be thrust back into her old life while simultaneously balancing her new life alongside it. She only hoped she could do it.

She had no other choice.