Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

L ogan had been careful not to take on the dances that required too much exertion. Even so, he felt himself tire with this third dance. As he swung Lady Rose about the dance floor in a waltz, he noticed her counting. He gave her a reassuring smile. "You dance beautifully, but I could not help noticing that you seem a little nervous. I wonder if I might offer a suggestion."

"It's that obvious?" she said, wincing. "I thought I was only counting in my head."

"I'm afraid so…you probably were in the beginning, but I'm glad I heard you because I think I can help." Logan smiled. He could not embarrass her by telling her he heard her counting with every move. "Take a deep breath and let it out slowly."

She did as he asked and she looked so endearing, he was reminded of his younger sister, Beth, or Elizabeth as she liked to be called now that she was nearing her come out.

"Excellent. Now, close your eyes and we will start again. Relax and let me guide you. Allow yourself to feel my lead. Try closing your eyes."

As she closed her eyes, Logan placed his right hand around her waist.

"Do you feel where my hand is here on the small of your back?" His fingers lightly moved.

"Yes." She giggled.

"Good." He chuckled at her laughter. It sounded like a tinkling bell. He regretted Caden wasn't here as her partner. She was a lovely young woman, and clearly besotted with Caden. If she could keep herself calm, she would be able to maintain her natural grace throughout the dance.

"Now keep your eyes closed and I'm going to take your left hand and place it on my shoulder."

Rose nodded as he did so.

"Remember to relax and keep breathing."

Rose smiled.

"Now I'm going to take your right hand and hold it up in the correct position for a waltz."

Rose nodded as he clasped her right hand in his.

"Eyes closed and breathe deeply. Let's stand here for a few moments so we can feel our feet and get our bearings before we begin."

Rose smiled again and Logan could see the color return to her cheeks as she continued to breathe, he felt her begin to calm herself into a natural state of relaxation.

Logan noticed a movement out of his right and looked up as Charlie and Mr. Grindle waltzed by. Her extraordinary green eyes met his and she winked as her thumb shot up in encouragement behind Grindle's back. Logan couldn't help but grin at the way she expressed herself. Charlie was the most intriguing and unique woman he'd ever met.

Returning his attention to Rose, he waited for the music to reach a particular point and said, "You're doing very well, Lady Rose. Keep breathing and let me guide you." With gentle pressure, Logan guided Rose about the dance floor. Once she allowed him to lead, he noticed, she stopped counting, and he felt her relax into the music. He nodded to Bronson to keep playing and watched as Bronson whispered something to Lady Agnes, who blushed and smiled as she continued to play. Rose's counting stopped, and she flowed like silk around the dance floor.

After a few turns around the ballroom, Logan could see that Rose was enjoying herself. Her eyes remained closed, but her lips curved up in a sweet smile as they danced. As the music finally came to an end. Logan slowed down until he came to a stop. "Could you feel the difference?" he asked her.

"I could. This helped so much!" she gushed, finally opening her eyes. "It felt like I can dance. I can really dance!" She beamed. "Thank you, my lord. You have worked wonders today."

"You are most welcome, Lady Rose. But it takes two to waltz, and you did beautifully. If you get nervous, take a calming breath, and remind yourself to relax. You have a natural grace, and any man would be lucky to be granted a dance with you," he said, sketching a bow.

Rose curtsied and said, "I was always so nervous that I never allowed myself to truly feel the music. I never realized how enjoyable it is to dance. But today, I did, because of you, my Lord. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Logan lifted her hand and kissed it. "I was happy to be of service, my lady." He straightened and felt a twinge of pain. "And now, I must beg your patience for a moment of respite."

"Of course, I hope you're not in pain," Rose said, concern etched on her face.

"Nothing that a short break won't put to right," Logan replied as he led her to the chairs along the side of the room.

Charlie joined them, clapping enthusiastically. "Oh, Rose, you danced like an angel. I told you that you could do it. You are a natural."

Genuinely pleased, Rose blushed and smiled at Charlie before turning to Logan. "Thank you again, Lord Fitzwater."

"No need to thank me. You did the work. Remember, all you need to do is feel the music, breathe, and enjoy yourself," Logan said.

Logan watched as Charlie listened attentively to Rose's excited description of their dance. He sighed inwardly, wishing he could have had the opportunity to dance with Charlie as well. For some reason, he felt a sense of unease building at the thought of the coming ball. Charlie would be there, dancing with other men. She would be the belle of the ball, with dozens of eager suitors flocking to her side. Who could resist those eyes, that figure, and that luscious, sun-kissed hair? What in the world has come over me? I had no interest in any woman until I met her. And now, I can't get her off my mind.

"Do you really think I will attract suitors?" Rose whispered. "There is one person I hope will ask me to dance. But what if he doesn't show?"

Logan knew exactly whom she meant. He cleared his throat. "If you'll permit me to offer an opinion. I believe the young man in question does indeed plan to attend the ball. I think he simply wanted some time to himself and a chance to enjoy nature."

"Caden said he still plans to come to the ball?" Charlie blurted.

Logan suppressed a smile at Charlie's faux pas. Her cheeks had turned an adorable shade of pink. Logan looked into her eyes, but before he could speak, Rose's aunt got up from the pianoforte and clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. Aunt Agnes reminded him of his favorite aunt, who had passed away a few years before his father, her brother. Aunt Mary had always added life to any family event she attended.

Bronson rested his fiddle on his knee and looked at the diminutive woman in amusement.

"Those last dances were beautifully executed. Well done, everyone." She turned to Bronson and smiled. "I must confess, it's been a while since I've played so many songs continuously. Perhaps refreshments and a slight break are in order."

"You read my mind, my dear friend," drawled the dowager approaching Aunt Agnes. "I've ordered tea and biscuits, which—"

The door to the ballroom opened, and a footman entered with a teacart.

"Are here," she finished. "Thank you, Markham. I will serve." The footman gave a nod and turned to leave.

Aunt Agnes laughed. "Mind reading runs in the family."

Uh oh , Chapelle thought, sauntering into the room just as Markham closed the door. Aunt Agnes is in full swing. Let the fun begin .

Charlie couldn't help noticing the curious looks on both Bronson and Lord Fitzwater's faces at Aunt Agnes' remark . I hope Grandmama apprised Aunt Agnes that these men are mortals who know nothing about our magical ways .

Would it matter? I utterly detest the saying, but Aunt Agnes always lets the cat out of the bag. It's only a matter of time , Chapelle opined.

Her grandmother walked up to the cart and whispered something in the ear of Aunt Agnes, who nodded. "Excellent idea, my dear." Without another word, the two of them worked together, pouring tea and passing out the biscuits.

Once everyone had partaken of the refreshments, Aunt Agnes stepped forward. "Mr. Grindle, would you be so kind as to partner with our dear Rose?" She turned to Lord Fitzwater. You have done wonders, Lord Fitzwater, but I think it would be good for Rose to dance with another gentleman today. For the practice, you see."

"That's an excellent idea," Mr. Grindle said with a sniff before Logan could reply. "Lady Rose will benefit greatly from my added tutelage."

Charlie suppressed a smile at Grindle's huffy tone. She couldn't help noticing he'd had his knickers in a knot at Rose's effusive praise of the earl's teaching ability.

Right there! I knew they had something cooking. Chapelle chuckled as she made herself comfortable on the chair next to Charlie. A cat can smell shenanigans a mile away. And look who's coming this way. Chapelle wacked Charlie's arm with her paw, making Charlie jump in her seat as the earl approached.

Might as well suck it up and say yes, mistress. After all, what do you have to lose?

My heart, for one, thought Charlie. She frowned at her cat as she rubbed her arm. And ow, that hurt.

Chapelle shrugged. What can I say, love hurts.

I would love nothing more than to dance with him. But not like this…under Grandmama's eagle eyes.

It looks like you have no choice, Chapelle purred, swatting her large tail in Charlie's direction. Besides, your grandmother will be at the ball watching you, so what's the difference if you dance here with her watching you?

"Would you honor me with the next dance?" Logan smiled, sketching a light bow.

Cat got your tongue? Chapelle meowed in laughter. And do try to relax. You look as nervous as Rose did just before she vomited on Caden last year.

Oh, just you wait. I'm going to hide your catnip where you'll never find it.

Charlie felt her cheeks heat. She smiled at the earl as he seemed to wait expectantly for her answer. It felt as if they were at the ball—the very place she dreamed of being with him. Charlie tried to speak but couldn't. Her tongue wouldn't move. Hearing her heartbeat thunder in her ears reminded her to breathe. And nod. "Y-yes, Lord Fitzwater, that would be lovely." Charlie stood and placed her hand in his, mesmerized by his sea-blue eyes.

"Can I ask a favor?" he asked as he escorted her to the dance floor.

"Y-yes."

"It would please me if you would call me Logan when we are together. Lord Fitzwater seems too formal."

I'd love to call you Logan, especially since you've been in my dreams and every waking thought since I met you . "If you'll call me Charlie," she replied.

Logan placed an arm around her waist and reached for her hand—his touch sending bolts of sensation spinning in her midsection.

As Bronson's fiddle struck up the introductory notes to a waltz, he was joined by Aunt Agnes on the pianoforte.

Lost in the music and the whirling of the dance, Charlie remembered Logan's advice to Rose and took a deep breath. As he twirled her around, she glanced up and noticed the large crystal chandelier—something she had seen for years—suddenly looked different. No longer just a chandelier, the magical glow it cast about the room felt dreamlike. As her eyes met Logan's, she felt a strange weightlessness, as though her feet were moving far above the ground, as though they were both in some enchanted dream.

"I must confess that while Lady Rose is a delightful young woman, I have been wanting to dance with you all morning. I am glad for the opportunity now," he said in a whisper as they whirled past the far corner of the room.

Charlie barely noticed Chapelle lounging on a chair, grinning like she'd just lapped up a bowl of cream.

Yes, I see you, the cat mused. This is more interesting than cornering a kitchen mouse.

Not now, Charlie thought. Leave me to my dreams just this once.

Of course, mistress. You know how I like to tease. All in good fun. Chapelle stretched out and began licking her paws.

Charlie ignored her feline friend and her eyes met Logan's once more. "This dancing…it isn't causing you pain, is it?" she asked, feeling ridiculous as soon as the words left her mouth. Of course, it hurt. But he was such a gentleman.

"I cannot lie. There is still pain, but dancing with you is a balm to the wounds."

She beamed. "Well, perhaps the ball will finish healing those wounds," she teased. "If you could go, it would make it so much more enjoyable—for Rose, and uh, all of us."

"Are you asking me to attend the ball with you?" he asked as he twirled her.

We barely know each other, but yes , her heart screamed. "Are you telling me you would consider it?" she asked. She had wanted to ask earlier but had waited to see how he was feeling. It appeared he was, indeed, healing quickly.

"What would your grandmother say if I said yes?" he parried.

"Oh, Grandmama believes that every Society event should have an abundance of gentlemen in attendance and a dearth of ladies. It's all about numbers, you see." She grinned.

"Ah, that is wise thinking." His lips twitched.

"Grandmama is wise," Charlie said.

"I agree with you there, but you haven't answered my original question," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Were you asking me to accompany you to the ball?"

"And if I was?" she countered, arching a brow.

He chuckled. "Then my answer is yes."