The Daughter of Highland Hall (21 page)

ELEVEN
 

William tapped his foot in time to the music as he watched couples circle the dance floor. He checked the main doorway for newcomers, but saw none. As soon as he was certain most of their guests had arrived, he planned to take Julia out on the floor and join the dancers. The thought brought a smile to his face.

Julia looked especially lovely tonight in her cream and powder-blue silk dress. Her dark brown hair was swept up, revealing silver earrings with little blue gems. A few wispy curls dangled down the back of her neck, teasing him to come closer.

He cleared his throat and looked away. It was still four months until the wedding, and for the life of him he couldn’t imagine why he had agreed to wait that long. But she was worth waiting for, no matter how long it would be.

Sarah, Penny, and Clark returned, carrying small plates filled with delicious-looking desserts. His sister appeared to be very happy tonight. Leaning on Clark’s arm, her limp was hardly noticeable. She might not be able to join Clark on the dance floor, but he didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he seemed quite pleased to have his wife close by his side.

William had not been in favor of their union when he’d first discovered his sister was carrying on a secret romance with his head gardener at Highland, but as he got to know Clark, he had changed his mind. And now he was glad he’d reconsidered and admitted Clark into the family.

William turned to Penny. “So, are you enjoying the ball?”

She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed and eyes glowing. “Oh yes, it’s lovely.” She looked quite grown up in her light-green dress with ivory lace at the neck and sleeves. Penelope had begged her aunt to allow her to wear her hair up like Katherine, but Louisa had put her foot down and would not be swayed.

Penny lowered her gaze, then smiled up at Theo through her eyelashes.

William supposed he ought to introduce them. “Penelope, I’d like you to meet Mr. Theo Anderson. He is a medical student at St. George’s and Jon’s good friend.”

She held out her hand. “Mr. Anderson, I’m happy to meet you.”

Theo took her hand and bowed. “Miss Ramsey, it’s a pleasure.” He asked her about her time in London, and she asked him about his studies at St. George’s. He commented on the number of guests attending the ball, and she asked if he’d had any refreshments yet.

William watched it all closely. Penelope seemed to be handling herself well, and Theo appeared to be respectful and courteous.

Theo turned to William. “I understand this is Miss Ramsey’s first ball.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Would it be all right if I asked her to dance?”

William’s eyebrows rose. He glanced at Penelope. She smiled, signaling her positive reply. He turned back to Theo. “Yes, I believe that would be fine, and thank you for asking me first.”

“Of course, sir.” Theo held out his hand to Penelope. “May I have this dance?”

Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and her eyes sparkled. “Yes, you may.” She handed her plate to Julia, then took Theo’s hand. He guided her onto the dance floor.

Julia leaned toward William, lowering her voice. “That was kind of him to ask her to dance.”

“I’m not sure kindness is his only motivation.”

“William.” She sent him a playful smile.

“I simply mean Penelope is a lovely young woman, and I’m not surprised he wants to dance with her.”

“I’m sure he’ll treat her well.”

“Yes, I suppose he will.” William watched them for a few moments, then looked for Katherine. Had Jon been able to steal her away from Louisa, or was she still tied to her aunt, making an endless round of introductions?

He located Jon, standing alone by the buffet table, his gaze focused on
the dance floor. William looked in that same direction and saw Katherine and Edward dancing near the center of the room.

He bent toward Julia. “Katherine is dancing with Edward Wellington.”

“Yes, I see them.”

“I thought Jon was going to ask her to dance.”

“I suppose Edward asked first.”

“Do you think he’s serious about her?”

“You mean Edward?”

“Yes, of course.”

A faint line creased the space between Julia’s eyebrows. “He has paid her a great deal of attention.”

“What is Louisa’s opinion of him?”

“She’s very fond of his mother. I’m sure she’d be in favor of them becoming more serious.”

“Do we know anything else about him or his family?”

“Not really.”

William narrowed his eyes. “Then perhaps it’s time we found out.”

The music ended, and Kate stepped back. Edward smiled as they turned and clapped for the musicians. She’d enjoyed their waltz, especially since Edward’s invitation had given her an exit from the conversation with that awful Charles Felton. But Edward hadn’t said more than two sentences to her during their dance. She must remember her training and make more of an effort to engage him in conversation.

The next song started, and he moved to her side. “Shall we take a walk? It’s a bit warm, and I could do with some fresh air.”

Kate glanced toward the open window. “That would be lovely. Perhaps my cousin Sarah and her husband Clark would like to join us, or my sister Penelope.”

A smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “I’d rather it be just the two of us.”

Kate’s heartbeat sped up. She wanted to say yes, but should she go outside with him without a chaperone?

He tipped his head. “There’s no need to worry. I’ll take good care of you.”

“I’m sure you would, but my aunt might not approve of me leaving my other guests.”

“I don’t think she’d mind. Why don’t you ask her?” A hint of a challenge appeared in his gray eyes.

“All right. I’ll just be a moment.” She crossed the ballroom toward her aunt.

Louisa narrowed her gaze as Kate approached. “What’s wrong? Why did you leave Edward standing there by himself?”

Kate leaned toward her aunt and lowered her voice. “He asked me to go outside for a walk … alone.”

Louisa’s expression brightened. “That sounds promising.”

“Yes, but shouldn’t someone go with us? I thought you said I must always have a chaperone.”

“If you stay on the terrace in the light, no one should object.”

Kate glanced back at Edward.

“Well, don’t just stand there! Hurry along before Edward becomes distracted and asks someone else to dance.” Louisa huffed and turned away, apparently certain Kate would follow her instructions without any more questions.

Kate blew out a hot breath. She was just trying to do the right thing. Why did her aunt have to scold her for asking?

A waiter approached, carrying a tray of glasses filled with punch. Kate suddenly realized she was terribly thirsty and helped herself to a glass. The cool punch soothed her dry throat. She finished her drink, set her cup aside, and rejoined Edward.

He cocked his eyebrow. “So, do we have your aunt’s permission?”

“Yes, she suggested the terrace just outside those doors.” Kate motioned toward the open double doors at the end of the ballroom.

He offered her his arm. “That sounds perfect.”

She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow, and they set off. Several people turned and watched them as they crossed the ballroom and walked out onto the terrace.

The gentle splashing of a fountain could be heard in the distance, and overhead, stars sparkled down from a blue velvet sky.

“Ah, this is better.” Edward led her to the edge of the terrace overlooking the gardens. Torches had been lit on the balustrade and along the pathways below. A light breeze ruffled the leaves of a nearby tree, and the quiet hum of insects filled the air.

Kate pulled in a slow deep breath of the cool evening air. “This is lovely.”

“Yes, lovely.”

She glanced at him and realized he was focused on her, not the garden or the night sky. She looked away, and pleasant warmth filled her face.

“Kate.” He waited until she looked at him again. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you these last few weeks, and I’d like to know you more. Would you be open to that?”

Kate hesitated. “To … what?”

“Please, Kate, it’s not easy for a man to be open about his feelings.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to understand what you mean.”

“I think we could make a good match, and I’d like to know if you’re open to … exploring that possibility.”

She blinked at him. What should she say?

He took her hand. “So what do you think, Kate?”

She looked down at their clasped hands. Edward had many of the qualities she was looking for in a husband, but they’d only spent a few hours together. Was that enough time to make such an important decision?

She slowly raised her gaze to meet his. “I’m flattered by your … interest, but don’t you think it’s a bit early in the season for you to focus on just one person?”

He laughed softly. “Kate, your honesty always surprises me.”

“I’m sorry. I suppose that wasn’t the right thing to say.”

“Don’t apologize. I want to know what you’re thinking, and I want to be
honest with you as well.” His expression grew more serious. “My parents are eager for me to marry. They’ve encouraged me to choose a wife this season. My mother and your aunt both seem in favor of it. I think they’d be pleased.”

She searched his face. He seemed sincere, but he hadn’t said anything about his feelings for her. Were family connections and a common background enough of a basis on which to build a happy marriage? Would love grow if she gave it time?

She’d seen the way William looked at Julia, and how Clark Dalton could not take his eyes off Sarah. She’d always hoped the man she married would feel that way about her, and she about him. Was that too much to hope for?

“Please, Kate, don’t keep me in suspense. I’m not asking for a commitment now—just your willingness to consider it.”

Once again she read the sincerity in his eyes, and there only seemed one answer she could give. “Yes, I’m open to it.”

His smile spread wider. He took her hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed her fingers.

A couple danced past, blocking Jon’s view of the terrace. He leaned to the side, trying to keep Edward and Kate in sight. Since they’d left the ballroom, he’d stationed himself a few feet from the door, and he didn’t intend to shift his gaze away until Edward brought Kate back inside. So far, Edward had kept a respectable distance, but Jon was ready to intervene the moment Edward did anything the least bit questionable.

Jon tapped his fingers in a steady rhythm against the side of his punch glass, his eyes fixed on Kate. It was hard to read her expression in the torchlight. If only he could hear their conversation, but the distance was too great.

Edward turned toward Kate with a warm smile, then lifted her hand and kissed her fingers.

Jon tensed. What did that mean? None of the possibilities he considered eased his mind.

As Kate and Edward entered the ballroom, light flooded her face. A slight crease between her eyebrows seemed to indicate uncertainty. She glanced around the room as though searching for someone.

Jon’s hopes rose. Perhaps Edward’s kiss on Kate’s hand was simply his way of ending their conversation and nothing more. At least he could hope that was all it meant.