Chapter 4

Chapter Four

A lex stood in the corner of the ballroom, sipping the punch in his hand that seemed stronger than normal. He usually didn't drink much at all, knowing he couldn't hold his liquor well, but tonight he needed just the tiniest shot of courage. The night had begun when he greeted Lady Hartfield, who had indeed lamented the absence of his mother and urged him to seek out company on the dance floor. But Lady Hartfield did not know he already had one particular young lady in mind.

Miss Frances Allman had been nothing more than a recent acquaintance, but she had quickly become someone he'd grown fond of, more than he'd ever expected. It had happened over a few interactions, providing enough time to learn her nature and capture glimpses of what a future together would be like… only to have her whisked away to visit her cousin in the country. But tonight, he would be reunited with Miss Frances. Alex was certain she would respond favorably to his proposal, for he had already gone to secure the approval of her elder brother that very night. That alone was reason enough to seek the punch in the first place, and he desperately needed a ca lming of his nerves. Now he waited in the corner of the room, where he thankfully remained without the obligation of talking to anyone until then.

Until someone walked in the room who was not Frances, yet it still put his feet in motion.

Downing the last of the fiery drink, Alex set the glass down and shook aside the stars in his vision, then stepped forward.

"Good evening, Mr. Grisham," Alex said with a generous bow.

When he eventually lifted his eyes, the elderly gentleman took in Alex's appearance with an expression that let him know his presence was barely tolerated.

"Evening, Westcott," came the reluctant reply.

This was the relationship that needed to be mended at all costs. The man who had been dishonored by Alex's father and did not trust the Westcott family in the light of day. But it was this man's son that Alex's sister wanted, and Alex would do whatever it took to see Edwina happy.

"Pleasure to see you, sir," Alex said, hoping his words were not slurring together from the strength of the drink. "Is your family not accompanying you this evening?"

"My son is out visiting other friends, and my wife is feeling under the weather. I only came to support Lord Hartfield, so he wouldn't have to bear the evening alone, you understand."

"Yes, of course," Alex replied. The man's tone seemed conversational instead of dismissive, which Alex decided was a point in his favor. "If it would not be too much to ask, I wonder if I might occupy a moment of your time at some point this evening."

Mr. Grisham raised an eyebrow. "In regards to?"

Alex swallowed hard, praying for clarity. "Seeking your approval, sir. I know my father was not honorable in his dealings with you, and gave great offense to your wife, but I hope to help you know that I am not my father. In fact, I very much strive not to be. While I understand your hesitations, I hope to prove that his reputation is not mine, that I am a man of my word, and I hope to repair your good opinion."

The man lifted his chin and inhaled deeply before speaking again. "But why do you seek to make amends with me?"

"On behalf of my sister, sir. I believe she is fond of your son, and I know that such a thing would not be possible without your approval."

Mr. Grisham nodded in understanding. "I see. I suppose this is something we could discuss over drinks. Would you like to join me in the game room while I await Lord Hartfield?"

Alex could have cheered with relief. This was just the invitation he needed, his way in to repair all that was broken.

But just then, in through the doors walked Frances Allman. Alex had to remind himself to breathe and clear his throat that had suddenly become very dry.

"Thank you for the invitation, sir. Only I promised a dance to one young lady, and I would hate to leave her disappointed."

Mr. Grisham patted Alex on the shoulder. "Go enjoy your frivolity and come join me afterward."

Then the old man disappeared, leaving Alex alone to wait for the best moment to approach. Miss Frances stood alongside her mother speaking to a friend, and how majestic she looked. Dressed in a deep purple gown, cornsilk hair swept up in an elegant coif, accompanied by a matching bird feather. It seemed extravagant for her personality, for he knew she did not like to draw attention to herself, so he assumed it must have been at her mother's insistence. It did not change how radiant she looked, even from across the room.

Alex abandoned his post on the wall and pushed through the crush of people to the other side of the room. Miss Frances eventually met his gaze, then immediately blushed, and looked to the floor. One of the many things he admired about her was her humble nature, her quiet demeanor. She would never presume to be favored, but he could tell in her response she was aware of it now. There was no false modesty or pretended airs about her. She was genuine and calm, which very much suited his preferences, and he was convinced they would do very well together.

Mrs. Allman was speaking with another woman, but when she caught sight of Alex, she cut the conversation short. "Mr. Westcott, how good to see you this evening."

He paused before them and briefly bowed, then lifted with a smile. "Indeed, I am pleased to see both you and your daughter here as well." He glanced at Miss Frances, who ducked shyly again. "I trust your visit to the country was pleasant."

"Oh, yes," Mrs. Allman cooed. "My dear niece gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, so it was lovely to meet her little one. And to expose my Franny to the rigors of raising children. For she will need such experience someday, you know."

Alex wanted to laugh. Some of these meddling mothers were quite obvious in their attempts to marry off their daughters, but Mrs. Allman needn't try so hard. "Indeed." Then turning to Miss Frances, he said, "I wonder, Mrs. Allman, if you would mind sparing your daughter for the next set? Unless the dance has already been claimed."

"Not at all, Mr. Westcott!" the mother said. "We've only just arrived, so you would be the first. Do go on and enjoy yourselves."

When he offered his arm to Miss Frances, she stepped into his reach and let him lead her toward the floor. Once they were a safe distance away, Alex whispered, "I am delighted to see you. "

She bit her lip, attempting to hide a smile. "You are too kind, Mr. Westcott."

His nerves too on edge, he couldn't help asking, "Are you not delighted to see me as well?"

"Oh, of course I am!" Her eyes shot up. "You have no idea, for when my cousin asked about my suitors so many times over, you were the only gentleman who came to mind—" Miss Frances's words cut off short, and again her whole face flamed in a blush. "Perhaps I have said too much."

Alex deposited her on the dance line and lingered long enough to place a kiss on her gloved hand. "You have said just enough."

He led her through the dance and remained by her side in an attentive manner, as he considered waiting. Perhaps he should not say a thing tonight, for she may consider him impulsive. Something about the dance steps made his head start spinning, though perhaps that was just the anticipation of his all-important question, or maybe even the punch. But he felt confident in his feelings; he did not need to wait anymore. So when the dance was done, he did not return her to her mother right away. Instead, he walked with her along the outskirts of the ballroom, trying to clear his head.

He finally had the nerve to ask, "Might I beg a moment of your company alone, Miss Frances?"

"Whatever for?" She looked up brightly.

Alex chuckled, her innocence endearing. "Perhaps I mean to steal a kiss from you."

She gasped in response and swatted at his arm with her fan. "Mr. Westcott, restrain yourself!" she hissed, though a smile teased on her lips.

"Then I confess, I actually have a question for you. Something important I'd like to ask you."

Her pretty face paled as understanding dawned, and her gloved hand pressed to her chest. "I… well, you mean… here? Now?"

"Well, yes. Preferably before anyone else has the chance to." She appeared as though she might retreat, so he gently took her hand. "Unless you'd rather I not ask it."

"No. I mean, yes…" She looked around the ballroom, still frazzled. "We can go out onto the west balcony."

"Very well." Alex nodded and turned his steps, but she protested, pulling against him.

"We cannot be seen going out at the same time. It will cause a scandal!" She dropped his hand. "I will go out first, and you will follow in five minutes." Then she scurried through the crowd.

Alex could not help smiling in her departure. He secured a refreshment while he waited by the grandfather clock, this time seeking anything other than punch. Alex shook his fuzzy head, wanting to proceed with a clear mind, wanting to remember forever the moment she said yes. He thought for certain his heart would rage out of his chest at the thought of asking such a question. What if she refused him, after all?

But when the clock had finally passed five minutes, Alex looked around the room in confusion. Which balcony had she said? Westward? He tried to remember the direction the house entrance faced, but his mind still felt muddled. Looking at the corner of the room, he vaguely remembered which door she exited, and made his way around the dancers. It was now or never.

He opened one of the large double doors, closing it softly behind him. The light of the ballroom did not reach far, and the lanterns on opposite corners kept her shrouded in darkness, but he could still see Miss Frances with her back to him as she stared out over the balcony's edge. His heart swelled in anticipation; they were finally alone, and now he could propose.

As he quietly approached, he realized that the feather from her hair was missing. But perhaps she had removed it for this very moment. It had not truly been her style to begin with.

He placed his hands on the sides of her arms, and she jumped, glancing from the corner of her eye over her shoulder.

"I have missed you," Alex whispered in her ear.

She giggled unexpectedly. "It has not been so long."

Alex wanted to scoff. A fortnight might not seem like a great deal of time to her, but it had felt an eternity to him.

His finger trailed over her arm between her glove and sleeve, the dark of night turning her purple gown almost blue.

"Is that so?" he asked in a teasing tone. "Shall I provide some insight on the perks of my company?"

He pulled her back a step closer and lowered his lips to the bare skin of her neck, utterly satisfied when she gasped. With one hand, he caressed the length of her arm, while the other settled around her waist. And he was not ignorant of how her breathing grew increasingly unsteady as he pressed kisses to her soft skin in slow succession.

"What are you… I never thought that you…" she mumbled.

"That I what?" he asked, tracing his lips along the curve of her neck. "That I would desire you like this?"

His mouth secured her tender skin again, eliciting sounds from her he knew he would crave forever.

"You certainly know how to make a woman blush, sir," she sighed. "You must be a complete cad."

Alex released his hand at her waist. "Then should I stop?"

Her hand reached back blindly and found his jaw, pulling him in again. "Never stop."

Securing his hand around her middle, Alex returned to his ministrations, slowly becoming intoxicated by her scent. She must have acquired some new fragrance in her absence, for he thought she had favored rose perfumes, but tonight she smelled decidedly of jasmine, and he found it vastly more appealing.

"But you must tell me, did you secure the approval?" she asked, her voice a struggled whisper.

How did she know he had talked to Mr. Allman? "I did."

"Oh, thank heaven," she whispered, her back relaxing against his chest. She angled her head toward him ever so slightly, face still hidden in shadow. "And the kiss you promised me?"

Alex couldn't help but chuckle. Frances was being quite impetuous tonight, something he hadn't expected, but perhaps their solitude had revealed her true nature. "If you wish for more, then your wish is my command."

With a finger on her chin, he turned her face, and once he caught sight of her parted lips in the dark, he claimed them.

Upon meeting the soft reality of her lips, Alex immediately had to practice restraint. He needed to go slowly, not ravage her from the start, but something about the night or the drink or the jasmine or the dress, or her damned coquettish responses tonight, everything was fighting against him to not give in completely.

He kissed her slowly and thoroughly, once, twice, even three times. But when she turned in his arms and tugged at his cravat, there was no delaying further. He would have one more kiss from her, and then he would make this woman his bride.