Callie exited the ballroom and made her way to the private balcony. No one should be there since it was closed off to the guests for her debut ball. There she could gather herself and prepare for the rest of the evening. She could also let go of the expectations she’d had for her dance with Viscount Goodland. He’d let her down. She had never thought he would sign her dance card and then fail to appear for the waltz. Had he even realized what sort of dance that he’d agreed to? The waltz was considered the most intimate of dances and some thought it shouldn’t be allowed. Thankfully, she had gained permission to participate in the waltz. It was such a lovely dance.
It didn’t take her long to reach the balcony. The doors were already open that led out to the terrace. There were some steps along the one side that led down to the gardens. If she wanted to escape for a little bit longer she could walk down and sit amongst the roses…or the bushes anyway. The roses hadn’t yet started to bloom. In a few weeks though that area would be filled with some wonderful scents that Callie adored.
She slid outside and walked to the railing and stared out at the garden. The moonlight wasn’t as bright as she would have liked but she could still see enough for what she needed. This had been a great idea. She took in a deep breath and then slowly let it out. There was no one there and she could just be herself. She didn’t have to smile or pretend to be something she wasn’t. Callie had wanted nothing more than to have this day arrive. She had been looking forward to her debut for months.
Now that she was in the midst of it she wondered why she had wanted this ball so badly? What was so wonderful about it all? The dancing was nice, the attention a little thrilling, but so far…it ultimately left her feeling a bit empty inside. She needed something more. The problem of course was that she didn’t know what that something could be. Callie just knew that something was missing.
Perhaps she should go down to the garden—even if there were no roses for her to admire. At least it gave her something to do other than stand and stare at the garden with nothing but her melancholy soul and wistful dreams to dwell upon.
She was strolling down the stairs before she thought too much about it. This is what she needed. After she took some time alone in the garden she would return. After the waltz they were supposed to go into dinner. Lord Goodland would have been given the chance to escort her inside. Luckily there was time in-between the dance and dinner to give everyone time to prepare or use the retiring room if needed. Since Lord Goodland had failed to show for her dance she had the time to herself. It wasn’t how she had wanted things to go, but she was a firm believer in fate and following the path set before her. She couldn’t change what had happened, but she could control what she did going forward.
When she reached the bench near the rose bushes she stopped, then sat. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Callie took several slow breaths then opened her eyes again. She stared at the night sky and drank in the dark canvas. The stars twinkled against the black velvet as if they were winking at her. She smiled at the sky and sighed.
“You sound happy,” a man said. His voice echoed around her and startled her. She fell backward and prepared herself to hit thorns, but instead warmth surrounded her.
“Thank you,” she said a little breathlessly. The warmth that had enveloped her was heat from his body, and his arms were nestled around her keeping her from hitting those thorns.
“It’s the least I could do. It is my fault you were startled.”
His voice was like fiery silk slithering over her. She didn’t let that feeling settle to deeply. She couldn’t. Not with him. “You missed our dance,” she told Lord Goodland.
“Did you come searching for me?” There was a mocking tone in his voice. She rolled her eyes. What did he think of her? He clearly didn’t believe she was worth honoring a promise to or he wouldn’t have besmirched her by failing to show for the dance.
“Should I have?” She lifted a brow, but she doubted he could see the movement in the dark. “I am not in the habit of chasing down men you signed my dance card. That would be rather unladylike. Ladies do not, or at least should not, behave in such an uncouth manner.”
He chuckled. “I suppose I should apologize.”
“Would it be sincere?” she retorted.
He was silent a moment. “Is there an answer I can give that you would believe.”
“I’m afraid not,” she said frankly. “You’ve behaved badly. But if I’m to be honest I expected nothing less. I had hoped you wouldn’t treat me as abysmally as the rumors have suggested, but I suppose it is best I know now you’re unworthy of my respect.” Callie stood. “As entertaining as this has been I must return to the house. I will be missed if I do not appear in time to go into dinner.”
Callie didn’t give him a chance to respond. It was time to move away from him before she said something she would soon regret. She had wanted to explore how Lord Goodland made her feel, but that didn’t appear to be wise. He was unreliable and too nonchalant for anything real. Clearly he would be the only one of the scandalous gentlemen to continue to live up to that moniker.