Page 31 of My Lord, My Rogue
Their carriage slowed as it approached the top of Milson Street and joined the line in front of the Assembly Hall, waiting for their turn. The patrons had expected foul weather and ordered canopied tents with sides erected in the front, providing a covered entrance from where the guests exited their carriage to the door of the building.
“Ladies, I hope you all have a wonderful time tonight. The queen should arrive soon, according to speculation in the newspaper.”
Honora looked up, spellbound, as she took in the beauty of the ceilings and the walls and lavishness of the lighting and the extra measures the staff had gone to for the party.
The room was tastefully decorated in potted trees and greenery, and beautiful hanging boughs of wisteria and ivy. These rooms always enchanted her.
The women left their pelisses with the cloakroom attendant and accepted the proffered dance card. Honora touched her mask, ensuring it showed no chance of slipping as they sought the ballroom on one side of the horseshoe-shaped building. The ball this evening would take place in the two adjoining assembly rooms—this larger ballroom and a tearoom where they staged the refreshments.
A sudden chill crossed her shoulder, producing a shudder. She couldnotbe cold. With all the candles and the crush of people, the room was anything but cold. So many had already arrived.Would Benjamin even find her in time for the first waltz?
* * *
Benjamin had arrivedwith his mother before most of the other guests. He believed it prudent to be here when the queen arrived so he could take notice of people who might surround her or interact with her. His mother occupied herself with all of her friends as they arrived—acting more like one of the greeting hostesses than a guest, herself.
Loud voices laced with excitement signaled the queen had arrived. He positioned himself in an alcove on the balcony floor from where he might see more activity. He was not eager to be set upon by the cloying debutante mothers who held high hopes of a match with every ball.
He had allowed his mother to believe he had conceded in accompanying her to the event and found the domino mask and cape an added benefit to his Crown assignment. To his counting, he was one of at least twenty wearing a similar costume. Secure in his anonymity, Benjamin had no intention of revealing himself, except to Lady Aster and her family. Thinking of her, he spotted the golden beauty just below him with her family. He would have missed her had she not revealed the color of her gown and mask. Stunning! Her maid had done a magnificent job with the white wig.
Benjamin turned to leave the alcove when he caught sight of what appeared to be a woman dressed like a street vendor making their way toward the entrance, just as the queen entered with her entourage. Had it not been for the masculine gait of the woman, he might not have taken notice. No woman he had ever known took such strides. A black mask covered her entire face, giving another reason to track her movements. Spotting Jess near the queen, he made his way there and let her know his suspicions. His understanding was the Runners had secured tickets to the ball. Jess had arranged it and asked them to dress as British soldiers, reasoning they could avoid the additional expense of costumes and use their own military ware. He immediately spotted the three he had met days ago, covering the corners of the large rectangular chamber and chatting to the other guests as they scoped the vast expanse of the assembly rooms.
“Darling, there you are!” his mother made her way toward him. “I want to introduce you to . . .”
The woman he had been watching bumped up next to his mother and looked around. Vacant eyes stared at him from behind the black mask, adding to his uneasiness.Lud, what was his mother up to? He had already told her he was courting.And I need to watch this . . . person. “Mother. I do not know how you saw me in this crush.” He had hoped to avoid this very thing.
“I was fortunate enough to be escorted here by you and never lost sight of you,” she said in an inconspicuous voice.
He could never sell his mother short. She might have made an excellent spy for the Crown, he thought. Catching up with his mother, he gently touched her arm, gaining her attention. “Mother, I had planned to spend most of the evening dancing with Honora.”
“I assumed that would be the case, especially since you are both masked,” she remarked dryly. “I wanted to say hello to the queen and thought my son would like to be by my side.”
Actually, it served his purpose to gain closer access. “It would delight me, Mother.”
They edged closer toward Queen Charlotte and her entourage before his mother finally had time to make her introduction. “Your Royal Majesty, it is wonderful to have you with us in our fair city. Such a lovely event.” His mother made a deep curtsy. He followed her, offering an elegant leg. “Your Majesty.”
“Yes, my lady. I have been here a few days and am enjoying the waters. Do you ever enjoy the baths?”
“I do, Your Majesty,” his mother replied.
“I am looking forward to the waters and the relaxation. Perhaps I will see you there.” The queen regarded Benjamin. “This must be your son, Lord Willington, I am guessing! I have heard your name bantered about a few times as a man with a promising future, not to mention it is hard to overlook such a handsome rogue. Should you find yourself in want of a partner, please consider our lovely Lady Jessica Stewart.” She inclined her head toward the dark-haired beauty standing behind her. Jess came forward and dipped into a curtsey. “I want everyone to have a night they will remember.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty.” The woman seemed sincere. Benjamin found he liked the queen. There was a reasonableness and a sense of devotion to those she cared about. Her ladies were certainly in her favor. He felt sure Jess had known the queen before this assignment. He hoped he would not regret this statement, but he needed to let Jess know about the vendor. “This party seems to be a great success and a tribute to your popularity in Bath, Your Majesty. The costumes are so imaginative and all-encompassing—for example, there is a female street vendor I found especially interesting. I would be glad to make time to dance with Lady Stewart. I shall come for her following my already promised dances,” he promised.
Jess held his gaze and gave a slight incline. “Thank you, my lord. I look forward to it.”
“If you will excuse me, Your Majesty and my lady, the band has warmed up, and I am due for my first dance.” He bowed and left in search of Honora. He noticed the female vendor had remained rooted in the general crowd near the queen. He would monitor that development. Right now, he needed to dance with Honora, who he spotted near the refreshment table. Jess had shown she had a visual of the vendor he had described.
He approached Honora’s party and stood for a moment until noticed.
“Lord Radcliff. I hope you will not mind my claiming this waltz with your daughter.” His voice was soft, so as not to be overheard.
“Of course not, Lord Willington,” he said, stepping aside, giving room for Honora to move from behind him.
Placing her hand lightly on Benjamin’s arm, she walked with him to the center of the floor, taking their position seconds before the band began playing.
“Is there a reason you took me to the center?” she enquired.
He could hear the tremor in her voice and regretted his short-sightedness. “I have no excuse and ask your apologies,” he murmured. “I usually go to the center of the room because the lady has more room.”
