Page 59 of A Governess' Unbridled Passion
Chapter 30
The ball was a success, Phillip had to admit. Lady Davina may have her faults, but in social events, she clearly knew what she was doing. He’d mingled with many of the guests, and they’d all congratulated him, saying that the ball was a triumph.
However, that didn’t stop him from spending much of the evening trying to avoid Lady Davina altogether. At the beginning of the evening, they’d taken the opening dance together for appearances only. As they’d left the dance floor, she’d told him she had a surprise for him after the ball.
He was in no hurry to know what her surprise was, but once he’d managed to slip away from her, he had a bad feeling about what it might actually be. Phillip’s main strategy for avoiding her was spending as much time as possible playing cards in the games room.
Making his way to the games room, he’d come across a young lady descending the main staircase. He’d considered asking her to dance because she intrigued him. Something about her seemed familiar, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. In the end, she’d disappeared into the crowd, and his chance was lost.
The problem with masquerade balls was that it was hard to tell who was who. At least until one heard their voices, even then, he wasn’t always sure he’d guessed correctly. But he knew exactly what Lady Davina was wearing, so it helped him to keep out of her way.
He must have been introduced to every single mother and daughter attending the ball. At times, it seemed like a never-ending stream of introductions. He supposed he wasn’t following the correct etiquette but didn’t care much about it. Lately, he’d seriously considered leaving England behind once and for all. But would Miss Alice be willing to go with him?
Since the confrontation with his Lady Davina, he’d rarely spoken to her again. But it was his stepsister who’d caused Phillip to reconsider his situation. He’d never wanted to inherit the dukedom in the first place; he’d have been quite happy to let the whole place go to ruin.
But he saw it as his duty to care for his brother’s children. Phillip didn’t think they’d be happy in the West Indies, so he felt responsible for making them a secure home in England. A part of him regretted that decision. Coming home had served to remind him why he’d left in the first place, to get away from the pompous attitudes of English high society.
Now he was back in England, he had no choice but to act the part of a duke, though it was a role he wasn’t comfortable with. His friends in life were all back on the plantation, and he missed them. At least he was grateful for Eli’s company, but even he was organising his return to the islands.
Standing alone, looking at nothing and no one in particular, it surprised him when he spotted the fair-haired maiden once again. Determined not to let her slip away again, he greeted her as she sipped her wine.
“I hope you are enjoying the ball, My Lady?” he asked, wondering who she was.
The woman’s eyes looked familiar as she stared back at him in surprise.What is it about her that’s so familiar?
She nodded in greeting, putting her glass to her lips, which led him to notice how luscious her lips were, very kissable. But he felt he was missing something about this woman; she was indeed a mystery, which caused him to move in closer. As he was about to ask her to dance, a faint trace of coconuts assailed his nose, and he knew the scent had come from her hair.
“Miss Alice,” he said, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “If you do not dance with me, I will die of boredom.”
Miss Alice gasped, almost dropping her wine glass as her hand trembled. Phillip stepped in, taking the glass from her so she could compose herself.
“Do not fear me, of all people. I applause you for your daring feat,” he told her, remaining by her side. He was overjoyed that Miss Alice had attended the ball after all and now they could be together. “Calm yourself, and then we can dance and enjoy this wretched ball; what say you?”
“You are not angry with me?” she asked, and he noted a tremor in her voice.
“Alice?” he questioned, trying not to look at or touch her, even though he only wanted to take her in his arms. “I am thrilled that you are here. Now please, let us have a dance together before I ravage you in front of all these people.”
“A dance would be most welcome,” she said, ignoring the rest of this statement.
Smiling, he offered out his arm to steady her. “Take my arm, Alice, and together we will dance like no other before us,” he assured her, excited to be taking her to the dance floor.
They made their way through the crowds, stopping once in a while as some person or other attempted to get his attention. But all Phillip focused on was dancing with that woman on his arm. She had been so brave to disguise herself and attend the ball, and now she was right where she belonged, by his side.
“You have made this ball much more bearable, my love,” he leaned in to whisper as they arrived at the dance floor. “Are you confident to take this dance?”
She nodded to confirm she was, but still, he could see her fighting with her nerves. He wanted to calm her and assure her that he was there.
“Anytime you wish to leave the dance floor, let me know, and I will be the one to make a mistake,” he instructed her. “But to dance with you, Alice is a great honour for me. Shall we?”
Miss Alice lifted her head high and accepted the hand he’d raised to lead her to the dance floor. They took their places and waited for the music to begin. Phillip looked into her eyes to boost her confidence and take her mind away from the others.
When the music began, Miss Alice took her steps with perfection. He watched her closely because should she falter, he wanted to be ready to take any attention away from her. He needn’t have worried; Miss Alice turned out to be an accomplished dancer, causing Phillip to wonder what other secrets she might be hiding.
“I love that you surprise me with your hidden talents, Miss Alice,” he whispered as they passed one another.
Never taking his eyes away from her, he was pleased to see that she enjoyed the dance. Taking each step as if it came naturally to her.
“You fit the part of a lady very well, Alice,” he said at one point, though always in a hushed voice.
