Page 61 of An Unwitting Alliance
Patricia’s smile turned demure, and she smoothed the rich satin of her red dress before moving her hand to her expensive pearls at her throat. “It is an honor to have you at our humble ball.”
Cassandra removed her arm from Megan’s, who tended to cling to her at these types of events, and was tempted to make a public claim on Tom. But Megan latched on to her again as fast as Cassandra had attempted to escape.
“Thank you,” Tom said, his words and manners perfectly poised. “I am most grateful to be included in tonight’s festivities.” His short bow was one of practiced precision.
Cassandra’s heart fluttered.Shehad nearly forgotten his position in Society. He was so relaxed and different at Fairview. This polished side of him, with his dress coat tight against his broad shoulders, his posture resolute, and his hair expertly combed, drew her in too.
When they stepped away from the line, they were caught in a crush of people milling just inside the door. In the chaos Harriet claimed Megan from Cassandra’s side. Cassandra had never been so happy to see Harriet.
“Have you seen Marianne?” She could not see her good friend anywhere.
“Her mother is here but said Marianne has the sniffles and stayed home.”
Cassandra nodded in response, sorry her friend was ill and missing the party. Harriet and Megan hurried away, their arms linked and heads together as they whispered about something or other. Then it was Aunt Evans’s turn next to see an old friend, and she hastened off to greet her.
Cassandra was alone but not entirely disappointed by it. But would Tom come to her? She stepped to the wall, hoping he would not disappear to the billiards room, where she knew a few card tables had been set up, and gazed about the room. Hundreds of candles cast a romantic glow over the ballroom, and a thrum of anticipation filtered through the guests. She turned to discover Tom was not far behind her, and she was pleased when he moved to her side.
She was about to ask what he thought of Patricia when he said, “I once thought yellow was your color, but blue has no equal.”
“Thank you.” She knew she was blushing, but she could not bring herself to look away from him.
Someone passed by them, and Tom stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. Even her toes seemed to have felt the featherlike contact, and her fingers itched to hold his. There had been a rapid progression of her feelings toward Tom since their kiss, and every glance and accidental touch sent her heart racing. Even his nearness now made her forget everyone else in the room.
“Am I allowed to be standing by you?” he asked.
“I think it is acceptable. So long as you behave.” She gave him a stern look, but her smile sneaked through.
He chuckled. “What if someone gets an idea about us?”
She could not believe she was thinking this, but she actually hoped they would. “I—” Her voice faded when she caught sight of Mr. Gibbons entering the ballroom. She swallowed, and the immersive cloud of happiness dissipated.
Tom followed her gaze. “Ah... the man who got away.”
“He is not so bad.”
“I hope not, because he is coming our way.”
Mr. Gibbons wove through a few other couples just as the first dance was called. When he reached her side, his smile was broader than any she had seen from him. “Miss Vail, I have been anticipating seeing you tonight.”
Tom laughed softly into his arm. “My apologies, but if you were so anxious to see Miss Vail, why did it take you so long to arrive?” He looked to Cassandra. “Come, Miss Vail. I find the current company quite tedious.” He extended his arm for her to take.
Mr. Gibbons snorted. “You need not go anywhere with him. He not only makes for a clumsy dance partner but a terrible liar. I doubt he ever saw your cat run away. If I had to guess, he scared it himself.” He extended his arm too. “But I am here now, and I am happy to escort you anywhere you choose.”
She looked from one to the other, wondering how this had gone from a simple evening to a very complicated one. “Gentlemen—”
Cassandra was interrupted by Patricia. “Oh, there you are Mr. Gibbons.” She slipped by and accepted his proffered arm. “I was looking everywhere for you.” She glanced at Cassandra. “You are not the only one who arrived with a new face tonight.”
Arrived? Patricia already lived here. And there was nothing new about Mr. Gibbons’s face.
Patricia studied their faces and frowned. “Wait. Are you already acquainted? Mr. Gibbons is from Bradford, and Cassandra, were you not just visiting there?”
“I was, and I saw Mr. Gibbons frequently.” Her words were absent of enthusiasm. She might have wanted to marry him once, but she had viewed him as merely a means to an end. She had not worried about her own level of devotion as she should have. And it was growing increasingly clear that her past desires had sufficiently faded while her feelings for Tom had only grown.
“How quaint.” Patricia’s words were too sweet to be sincere. She took an exaggerated look at the dancing. “I should probably set an example for my guests. I beg one of you gentlemen to please take pity on me and be my partner.” Only Patricia could make a pouty face and still look pretty.
“Certainly.” Tom stepped forward.
Tom? A cool breeze brushed Cassandra’s skin as he stepped around her to Patricia’s side. She tried not to watch as they walked away, but her eyes had a mind of their own. Had she spent too long pushing him away? It would be better to be blind than to watch him fall for Patricia. The very idea nauseated her.
