Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
The air was filled with the lush fragrance of thousands of fresh flowers arranged in intricate bouquets that adorned every surface and corner and infused the space with the scent of roses, lilies, and exotic blooms imported from the far reaches of the empire. The floor, a polished expanse of gleaming marble, reflected the shimmering lights and the colorful array of gowns worn by the ladies in attendance, creating a kaleidoscope of movement and color.
Ornate tables lined the edges of the room decorated with silver candelabras and an array of refreshments. Delicate pastries, sumptuous meats, and an assortment of fruits and cheeses were displayed alongside crystal decanters filled with fine wines and champagnes.
The string quartet, positioned at one end of the ballroom, filled the air with the strains of a lilting waltz. Many attendees had already taken to the floor to partake in the dance. Tricia, her heart beating with anticipation and wonder, felt as though she had stepped into a living dream, a world of splendor and celebration where every detail had been crafted to perfection.
And then she saw him.
Thomas made a striking entrance into the ballroom of his grand estate, his brown hair impeccably styled, catching the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers overhead. Dressed in a tailored evening suit that accentuated his muscled frame, he exuded a natural, understated grace. Every detail, from the silk lapels to the subtle glint of cufflinks at his wrists to his polished black boots, only served to heighten the natural beauty of his face and body.
As he moved through the crowd, his presence commanded attention. His smile, when he offered it, was genuine and warm, bridging the gap between his noble stature and the gathered guests. The murmurs in the room crescendoed as he passed, with many an admiring glance cast in his direction, marking his arrival as the highlight of the evening’s commencement.
Tricia’s gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace that matched the deep blue of her eyes, rustled softly as she shifted her weight from one slippered foot to the other. She mustn’t stare. She absolutely mustn’t.
Lord Victor Polk, whom she had met briefly at the funeral as he was a good friend of the Duke of Lybrook, approached her and nodded to her mother.
“Lady Patricia,” he began, his voice smooth as the velvety night, “you illuminate this room. May I be so bold as to request the pleasure of this dance?”
Tricia, her heart fluttering like a caged bird, managed a smile. “My lord, I am honored. Yes, I would like that very much.” She shifted her gaze from one end of the ballroom to the other, feeling a slight quiver in her breast. “I must admit, though, this is all quite new to me.”
His laugh was light and dispelled some of her apprehension. “I understand completely. But fear not, my lady. Think of the dance as merely a conversation between our steps.”
Her laughter joined his, a sound more nervous than she intended. “In that case, I hope not to converse too clumsily on your feet, my lord.” Now why had she said that? Why would she draw attention to her clumsiness? She would now surely fumble.
Lord Victor responded with a dazzling smile. “Should such a misstep occur, Lady Patricia, it will only serve to make the evening more memorable. Besides, the true joy of the dance lies in the company, not the perfection of the steps.”
Lord Victor’s lively banter helped sooth the knots of her nervousness. “Then I look forward to our conversation, my lord.”
They moved to the dance floor, the music enveloping them. As they began to dance, Tricia’s initial trepidation melted away under the guidance of Victor’s assured steps.
She cast glances at Thomas, hoping he might pay her some attention, but for now he stayed at his mother’s side as young lady after young lady was introduced to him.
No one would introduce Tricia to Thomas. They already knew each other. Their circles ran quite close to each other, especially after Rose and Cameron were married.
He most likely still thought of her as a child…though they had shared that spectacular kiss the day of his father’s burial.
The kiss that had haunted Tricia’s dreams for the past twelve months.
She could still feel his lips on hers. Still smell the earthy tinge of the brisk air. Still see his beautiful brown eyes as he looked at her. As he offered his apologies.
He looked much the same now, except his forehead held some new wrinkles. The year had been turmoil for him. Rose had spoken of it from time to time, and of course whenever Thomas’s name came up, Tricia had perked up her ears.
“You dance divinely,” Lord Victor said to her.
“Oh.” Tricia looked back to meet the gaze of her dancing partner. “Thank you very much, my lord. You do as well.”