Page 76 of Disenchanted
This night was becoming a total disaster. I should have followed my first instincts about this ball and remained at home, blissfully tucked up with a good book. I needed a moment to collect myself. When I spied an alcove just beyond one of the pillars, I limped in that direction.
Unfortunately, the nook was occupied. My jaw dropped open at the sight of Imelda ensconced on a settee with a grey-haired gentleman sporting mutton chop whiskers. Neither of them noticed me because this scarecrow of a man was gazing fondly at Em and holding her hands.
I froze, uncertain whether to retreat or march forward and demand that this stranger release my stepmother at once. Before I could decide, Imelda caught sight of me and snatched her hands away. She did not appear in the least abashed as she sprang to her feet and called out to me. “Oh, Ella, do come here.I wish to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine, Lord Charles Redmond.”
The gentleman rose in more leisurely fashion, bending down to whisper loudly to Em, “Only an acquaintance, my dear?”
Em blushed and groped for her fan. “Chuffy, this is my darling stepdaughter, Ella.”
Chuffy?
I cast Em an astonished look. She avoided my eyes as I stepped closer.
His Lordship was a tall, gangly man, clad in the sort of ornate gilt-trimmed frock coat still favored by the older generation. The stiff satin fabric crackled as he sketched a courtly bow.
“Charmed, my dear, charmed.”
I curtsied. “Your Lordship.”
“Oh, no need for such formality, my dear. You must call me Chuffy as your stepmother does.”
“Then you have known Em for a long time?”
“Oh, my yes.” Imelda cooed, fluttering her fan. “Chuffy was one of my friends back when I was a mere slip of a girl. Such a long, long time ago.”
“Not that long ago,” His Lordship insisted. “And I was far more than a friend. I was Imelda’s most ardent suitor. It devastated me when she married that other chap. Just devastated.”
“Oh, pooh.” Imelda simpered.
Chuffy clapped one hand dramatically to his chest. “This enchanting lady stole my heart away and she never gave it back to me.”
“Old fool.” Imelda rapped him with her fan, but she appeared quite pleased with his flattery.
I was delighted that Em was enjoying herself with this old beau of hers. I wished I could leave her to her flirtation. It had certainly never been my way to bear tales about my sisters.I usually tried to handle everything myself, but after all the revelations and disconcerting turns this night had taken, I was feeling tired and overwhelmed.
I tried to keep the anxiety out of my voice as I said, “Em, I have been looking for you everywhere. I have not seen Netta since the ball began and now Amy has disappeared.”
“Oh, it is difficult to find anyone in this crowd.” Em dismissed my worries with an airy wave of her hand. “I am sure your sisters are off dancing somewhere.”
“But you need to speak to Amy. She has been behaving a bit too exuberantly.”
“Why shouldn’t she? She was the first one Prince Florian chose for a dance partner.” Em smiled at me. “And you have not been doing so badly either. I saw you led away by Prince Ryland. I was so proud of you both.”
“But not at all surprised,” Chuffy put in. “Such pretty girls. Those Helavalerian men are no fools. They’ve always had an eye for beauty. That’s why I’ve been trying to keep your stepmother tucked away here. Now that I have found her again, I don’t want one of those rapscallion princes snatching her away from me.”
“Oh, you silly man.” Imelda gave a girlish giggle.
I stared at her in dismay. Granted Imelda has never been what one could call a sensible woman, but tonight she was acting as if she was a bit pixified. Uneasily, I recalled Imelda and the girls sharing the contents of that flask in the carriage and I wondered exactly what Mal had brewed into his elixir besides rose hips. If I survived this wretched ball, I intended to have a sharp word with him about that.
I made another attempt to bring up Amy’s impulsive behavior, but Em interrupted. “Stop worrying so much, Ella. Your sister is merely enjoying herself which is what you should be doing.”
“Indeed, you should, my dear,” Chuffy said. “If I am not mistaken, I see an eager young chap heading this way, no doubt in hopes of dancing with you.”
I groaned. “It better not be another frapping prince.”
“Ella!” my stepmother squealed, and His Lordship’s eyes popped.
I turned around, wishing with all my heart that it might be Horatio, finally coming to claim his dance. My hopes were dashed when I saw Fortescue Bafton sauntering toward me.
