Page 90 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
They waited until the orchestra had brought the tune to its completion, and allowed the dancers to retire or remain, before joining in the formation. A jaunty piece began to play, providing the backdrop to Henrietta’s favorite dance.
Seeing only Ewan, she flashed a contented smile as she moved towards him, their palms pressing chastely against each other. He did not take his eyes off her, either, as they moved gracefully around one another, matching each other step for step. Henrietta had never imagined she could find a partner who so complemented her, and yet here he was… against all odds.
They turned and whirled, dancing to the sprightly tune with vigor and expertise. All of Henrietta’s troubles fell away as she enveloped herself in the music and the atmosphere. It was only herself and her husband, moving as if they had known one another for an entire lifetime.
Perhaps, I may enjoy myself a little, after all.
As she turned around the next gentleman in line, and skipped back towards Ewan, her heart jumped into her throat. She had to clamp her hand over her mouth to keep from screaming, her knees almost buckling as she staggered into her husband’s arms. To the outside eye, it looked like an unfortunate stumble, but something had startled her: a figure, on the sidelines of the dancefloor.
“Mr. Booth is here,” she hissed in Ewan’s ear. “He is over by the statue of Artemis.”
Ewan turned to look at the spot, but the devil had vanished. “Are you certain?”
“I saw him, Ewan. I saw him.” She realized she had called him Ewan, but she did not have the strength to correct herself. Mr. Booth was here, and if that was the case, then she was on borrowed time.
“I will speak with your father, and have him alert his men,” Ewan said, taking Henrietta away from the dance. Aaron and the five soldiers had arrived in two separate carriages, following Lord Averson’s carriage at a safe distance in case anything happened on the road. The men had already been moved into position, but that did not make Henrietta any calmer. She could not quell her nerves, no matter how she tried.
“Do not leave me,” Henrietta whispered breathlessly.
“I will leave you with Averson for a matter of moments, no more,” he replied, leading her over to where his friend stood. Lord Averson had a goblet of champagne in his hand and was toasting merrily, blissfully unaware of Henrietta’s plight. He had not been let in on the plan, lest it find its way to Seth. However, the secret scheme seemed to be working. If Seth was here, then he had come to take the bait.
“Do not be gone long,” Henrietta pleaded.
Ewan lifted her hand and kissed her glove. “I will be back momentarily, I promise you.” Offering her an encouraging smile, he disappeared into the crowd, in search of Aaron Oliver.
“Lady Peterborough, might I furnish you with a glass of something sparkling?” Lord Averson asked, plucking a goblet from one of the passing trays.
Henrietta nodded. “That would be very pleasant, thank you.” She took the goblet from him without another word, taking a large sip. It was bitter and tickled her nose, but it slipped down her throat easily enough, warming her empty stomach.Perhaps this will take my mind off what is to come.
“Are you unwell, My Lady?” Lord Averson asked. “You seemed faint a moment ago.”
“It is rather hot in here, that is all,” she replied, with a forced smile.
He nodded. “I should say. Better than being out in the frosty evening though, is it not?”
“Certainly, My Lord.”
“Let us hope nothing terrible happens to us this evening, eh? I should hate to have to dive upon you once again to save you from falling masonry.”
She could tell it was intended as a joke, but it was not amusing in the slightest. She cleared her throat. “No, indeed.”
“My sense of humor is often getting me in trouble,” he said, his tone apologetic. “I meant nothing ill by it.”
“It is simply the heat again, Lord Averson. I realize that you were only teasing.”
“Then, let us clink our glasses and be merry. What do you say to that?” Lord Averson raised his goblet up. A small smile turned up the corners of her lips, as she raised her own to his.
“Yes, let us be—” The words died on her lips. Over Lord Averson’s shoulder, she spotted Isobel Booth, peering around the servants’ door at the far side of the ballroom. She was wearing the attire of a cook’s assistant, in lace cap and black dress. Across the divide, they locked eyes. Henrietta was not sure who was more startled—herself or Isobel.
Why did you come?Isobel mouthed, her eyes wide in horror.
Henrietta could not say anything.
You should not have come.Isobel mouthed again.
Tears pricked Henrietta’s eyes as she held Isobel’s gaze. She did not know what to do, for the woman’s expression was enough to turn anyone’s blood cold.
Go! Run! Now!Isobel urged, her mouth wide and panicked as she emphasized each silent word.
