Page 54 of Disenchanted
“Just one of my gifts.” I lowered my lashes, feigning a simper of false modesty. “I may not be sweet, but I am exceedingly clever. Far too clever to place any stock in these nonsensical beliefs about foundlings.”
He did smile then, completely, and unreservedly as he rarely did. His eyes shone with such gratitude it brought a lump to my throat. He covered my hand with his own and then raised it to his lips, brushing a soft kiss on my fingertips.
Again, I experienced that strange tingle, warmer and stronger this time. I shivered. Mistaking my response, Crushington released me. “I am sorry. Was that too bold of me?”
“No, no. It is only…” I sought for a way to explain my unaccountable reaction. “Your whiskers tickled me. I am not fond of beards.” I flushed and added hastily, “Although yours is— is quite—”
“Tolerable?” he asked dryly, arching one brow.
“Yes.” I gave a sheepish laugh.
We stood for long moments smiling shyly at each other before I gave myself a brisk mental shake.
“I really should be getting back before my stepmother comes in search of me,” I said. “There is still a great deal of sewing to be done on the ball gowns and we only have another week.”
“So, you are all going to the ball?” he asked.
I pulled a face. “Yes, may all the fairies help me.”
The commander fell into step beside me as we left the stables. I led Crushington toward the back gate by the kitchens, to spare him having to run the gauntlet of my family again. He stopped abruptly and cleared his throat. “I also plan to attend the ball.”
“You do?” I glanced up at him in surprise.
“Yes, the Scutcheon commanders have always been invited, but I have never had the slightest inclination to go before. However, this year is different with nearly all of Midtown going. As the head of the garrison, I feel I should put in an appearance.” Even as he offered this excuse, I sensed it was my attendance that had influenced his decision.
“Of course, I have been ordered not to stand about like a stone pillar and look as though I am policing the crowd. I will be obliged to take part in the dancing, so I was wondering…” He paused for a deep breath. “I wondered if you might grant me a dance, although I perfectly understand if you do not wish to do so. I know you will be besieged with so many other offers, knights, and lords. I am sure even the prince will want to—”
“Horatio!” I laughed, stopping him. “Yes. I will dance with you.”
His face suffused with pleasure. “Thank you. That will be most kind of you.”
“The kindness is all on your side. I only ever wanted to attend the ball because my stepmother and sisters wished it so badly. I dread the prospect of meeting so many strangers, especially all those aristocrats from the Heights. It will be good to find a familiar face in the crowd.”
“I feel the same way. Especially if it is yours.”
I smiled and offered my hand. “Then consider it a pact. My first dance shall be yours.”
He beamed at me and started to raise my hand to his lips. Recalling my earlier objection to his beard, he gave my hand an awkward shake instead.
I cannot explain or excuse the mad impulse that came over me. I stood on tiptoe and kissed the tip of his nose. As I rocked back on my heels, Crushington looked surprised but pleased.
He fumbled with his beret, dropped it twice before he managed to get it settled on his head. The man was so flustered, I had to help him unlatch the garden gate.
“Until next week then,” he said. He bowed and bid me farewell several times before striding on his way.
I laughed softly as I locked the gate behind him, thinking that perhaps attending the ball would not prove to be such an ordeal after all. It was only after the commander was gone that I came back to earth with a thud. My foolish grin faded.
What in the name of all the fairies was wrong with me? I had behaved as though as I was some ordinary girl looking forward to waltzing the night away in the arms of a handsome man, not who I was, a desperate brigand, plotting to pilfer the king’s treasury. Idiot that I was, I had promised to dance with the one man sharp enough to guess what I was up to and seek to prevent me.
Once I had been sure if the commander ever caught me breaking the law, he would arrest me without compunction. Now that I knew him better, I was not as certain. What would Horatio do if ever forced to choose between his duty and me? I did not know but I never wanted to put him in that position.
I sank down upon the kitchen stoop and buried my face in my hands. Why did my life always have to be so frapping complicated? Imelda kept insisting what a magical night the ball would be. All I had to do was look out for my younger sisters, ensure they had a good time, meet Imelda’s expectations by attracting a wealthy suitor, dance with Horatio, try not to arouse his suspicions and steal the orb for Mal.
I heaved a deep sigh. I did not know how magical the night would turn out to be, but it was certainly going to be a very busy one.
eleven
The day of the ball dawned at last or far too soon, depending upon one’s point of view. I veered between both emotions, trembling with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Mal had yet to arrive with my gown. I was still clad in my cotton dressing robe as the sun set. I paced to my bedchamber window and peered down the lane. Across the street, I could see the Misses Hanson rustle out of their house in their silk gowns. They headed eagerly toward the waiting barouche, as though determined to be the first to arrive at the palace as soon as the gates opened.
