Page 30 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
He knew that he had pushed it too far and needed to clamp his lips together so he did not make a fuss.
“Lady Victoria,” the Duchess replied, her tone equally formal. “It is always a pleasure.”
Lady Victoria turned her gaze to Wesley, a subtle but firm expression on her face. “Wesley, dear, I do believe it is time for the first dance. It would be most fitting for you to lead Lady Arabella to the floor.”
Wesley’s heart sank. He had hoped to avoid this particular scenario, especially with his thoughts so preoccupied with Lady Sylvia. However, his mother’s intent was unmistakable, and defying her in such a public setting was not an option. He had upset her too much, he had to do what she required right now. There was no choice in the matter.
“Of course, Mother,” Wesley replied, his voice even. He turned to Lady Arabella, offering his hand. “Lady Arabella, may I have the honour of the very first dance?”
Lady Arabella’s smile widened, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. “I would be delighted, Lord Wesley.”
As the orchestra struck the first notes of a waltz, Wesley led Lady Arabella to the center of the ballroom. The guests parted to make way for the lead couple, and all eyes were on them. Wesley felt a mixture of resentment and resignation. This was not where he wanted to be, but duty and decorum demanded it. They were things he could not escape from, however hard he tried.
“You look quite dashing tonight, Lord Wesley,” she remarked, her voice soft and engaging as she performed the dance steps perfectly.
“Thank you, Lady Arabella,” Wesley replied, his tone polite but distant. “You look lovely as well.”
Wesley’s exterior was the picture of grace and poise, his movements precise and practiced. To the onlookers, he probably seemed perfectly composed, but inside, he seethed with frustration. This was not the woman that he wanted in his arms, and he was sure that his mother knew that much. He felt much more comfortable with Lady Sylvia in his arms. He did not want to give Lady Arabella the wrong impression either, even though it might have been too late for that.
As they glided across the floor, Lady Arabella continued to attempt to engage him in conversation. “You know, Lord Wesley, I do believe this is the most splendid event of the season so far. What do you think?”
Wesley nodded politely, forcing a smile. Had she not said the very same thing about every event they had attended? Everyone did, it was almost like it was the mantra of the ton. No compliment could ever be trusted, because they complimented everything. “Indeed, it is quite the affair.”
Lady Arabella continued to chatter, undeterred by his lack of enthusiasm. “I wonder if there will be a grand announcement tonight. I always enjoy it when there is excitement.”
Wesley’s smile tightened as he tried to focus on what Lady Arabella was saying, but he knew that Lady Sylvia was in theroom now and he could not shake her off. He wished that he could spend the evening talking to her without worrying about what others might say.
Lady Arabella, sensing his distraction but misinterpreting it, leaned in slightly, her voice softer. “Lord Wesley, I do hope we can spend more time together this season. It has been a lot of fun. I do not like dancing with anyone as much as I do with you.”
Wesley’s jaw clenched, but he maintained his polite demeanor. “Lady Arabella, you honour me with your words.”
As the dance drew to a close, Wesley felt a surge of relief. He bowed to Lady Arabella, offering her a polite smile. “Thank you for the dance, Lady Arabella. It was a pleasure.”
“The pleasure was mine, Lord Wesley,” Arabella replied, her eyes lingering on him with clear intention.
Wesley escorted her back to her parents, his mind racing with thoughts of Lady Sylvia. He needed to extricate himself from Lady Arabella’s company without causing a scene so he could find who he really wanted to speak to. With practiced politeness, he excused himself. “If you will pardon me, Lady Arabella, I must attend to other guests.”
Lord Arabella’s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. “Of course, Lord Wesley. I hope to see you again soon.”
With a final nod, Wesley turned and moved swiftly through the crowd, his heart pounding. He scanned the room, searching desperately for Lady Sylvia. He had fulfilled his obligation for the evening, and now he was free to follow his heart. At least for a little while. As long as his mother did not catch him.
The crowd seemed to blur around him as he made his way towards the far end of the ballroom, where a flash of green caught his eye. Lady Sylvia stood near a cluster of guests, her presence radiant and captivating. Wesley felt a sense of calm wash over him as their eyes met, a silent understanding passingbetween them. He ached to speak with her, and to feel that sense of intense joy overcoming him.
Just as he neared Lady Sylvia, his mother appeared as if from nowhere and stepped into his path, finding him at the worst possible moment, just as he feared she might. She took Wesley’s arm, guiding him in a different direction. Her voice was low, but her tone was firm. “Wesley, you must not approach Lady Sylvia.”
Wesley’s heart sank, but he maintained a respectful façade. “Mother, I do not understand. Why not?”
Lady Victoria’s eyes flashed with a mix of concern and authority. “You know this. We have talked about it. Her standing, Wesley. Her family’s reputation. You must consider what is expected of you, the weight of our family name. After dancing with Lady Arabella, it would be very rude of you to approach someone below your station.”
Wesley listened, his face a mask of calm, but inside, he was roiling with conflict. He hated listening to his mother talking this way, it sickened him to his very core. She had always been concerned with social standing, but that seemed to have gotten worse over time.
“Mother,” he began, his voice measured, “Lady Sylvia is a guest here, invited by Lord Thomas and Lady Rebecca. Surely that speaks of her character and her standing. It does not matter what the scandal sheets say, she is here, it is time to accept her.”
Lady Victoria’s gaze hardened. “It is not about her character, Wesley. It is about perception. The eyes of the ton are always watching, judging. One misstep could ruin everything. This is such an important Season for you, and you are going to lose it all.”
Wesley nodded, appearing to comply with her concerns, but his mind was already made up. The constraints of society felt like chains around his heart, and he could no longer bear theirweight. In a moment of quiet rebellion, he decided to defy his mother’s caution and to do exactly what he wanted to, proving that he simply did not care what others said.
“Thank you for your advice, Mother,” he said, his tone respectful. “I will be mindful.”
