Page 61 of A Governess' Unbridled Passion
Returning to the veranda, Phillip wanted to continue enjoying Miss Alice’s company.
“Now that we are holding one another up, let us enjoy at least one more dance,” he suggested, leading her inside. “If I cannot kiss you, please let us continue to deceive these people and dance again. I am loathed to let you go.”
He wanted to take her in his arms and assure her everything would be fine, but that would be too obvious. Instead, he awaited her answer.
“Very well, Lord Phillip, but then I must leave before anyone begins questioning who I am,” she replied.
“Agreed but know that I have loved every moment with you by my side at this ball,” he told her.
They returned to the dance floor and made the most of their time together, even if only for one more dance.
Chapter 31
Alice had been very nervous about attending the ball in disguise. If not for her friends, she would never have dared to do it. As it turned out, once she was with Lord Phillip, those nerves settled, and she began to enjoy the adventure.
It had surprised her that he had recognised her, whereas Lady Davina had not, though the French woman hadn’t got close to her, thanks to Lord Phillip, who’d kept her at a distance. But all the while Lady Davina had been present, Alice’s heart thudded in her chest, sending waves of nausea through her stomach. She had no idea what the woman would have done had she caught her, but she would have been furious.
The duke had handled the situation well, and Alice knew that he’d been so tactful for her sake. She felt renewed confidence as she agreed to dance with him one more time. After all, that was why she risked so much to be in his arms at a ball.
Entering the ballroom again, the duke momentarily excused himself, telling her to stay where she was. He then headed off towards the musicians, causing Alice much confusion. Even worse, he then stopped the ball and took to the musicians’ platform to speak to all his guests. She could only wonder what he was up to, with dread in her stomach.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you, one and all, for attending this ball at Haroth Hall,” he announced, getting the crowd’s attention.
“There is about to be a slight change to the programme you have been given. I know that what I am about to do will upset some of you while others will be delighted. I am proposing to add a little fun to our evening by requesting that the musicians play a waltz.”
Alice noticed a buzz in the room as many guests mumbled their shock, while others appeared to be delighted, though it worried her that she didn’t know the steps to a waltz.
“We will take the dance at a slower pace because not everyone will be familiar with this fashionable new dance. I am convinced many among us will enjoy the challenge, including myself,” he called out, stretching out his arms as he spoke. “Let us take to the floor and fall over each other’s feet. Who dares to join me?”
A deadly silence descended over the floor, and Alice felt annoyed at the pretentious guests. She couldn’t believe it when she found herself taking to the dance floor and clapping her hands together in support of their host.
Standing and applauding the duke’s bravery, she knew was a great risk for her, especially if Lady Davina took a closer look. Not that she could see the French woman anywhere, which seemed unusual. Nonetheless, she was determined to support the duke and stood her ground.
Her legs felt like they might buckle at any moment, with the people staring at her. To her relief, others began to join her on the dance floor. Soon, many couples applauded and laughed as they waited for the music to begin.
The duke came to stand with her, whispering to her as he took her hand. “Phew, I thought I was doomed for a moment there,” he said, placing his hand on one side of her waist. “Worry not, I will show you the steps, but you will love this dance.”
“Bravo, Your Grace,” a young lady called out to him as they waltzed past them.
“Well done, old boy,” the gentleman, her partner, called out too.
“It seems you are becoming popular among the younger members of the gentry,” Alice said in a low voice as the duke led her around the floor.
“I needed to feel you in my arms, my dearest Alice,” he mumbled to her softly. “And this dance allows us to be closer without causing too much of a scandal.”
“Well, your first ball will certainly be memorable now.” Alice chuckled, thoroughly enjoying being close to the duke, especially the touch of his hands. “The older guests will scorn you, and the younger ones will adore you.”
“I care not what they think, Alice; only your opinion of me matters,” he whispered, pulling her even closer.
Alice had been relieved to quickly pick up the steps of the dance, but she wasn’t the only one to stumble a little on the dance floor. Everyone who’d joined them was having fun.
Some taught others how to waltz, and others were simply excited at getting the opportunity to try out the scandalous new dance. It was a controversial dance, but from what Alice witnessed, she guessed it would soon become popular. Young people were enjoying the excuse to hold their partners closer.
“I am surprised that Lady Davina has not stopped the dance,” Alice said, wondering where she was.
“Hmmm … let us enjoy the moment before she gets a chance to interfere,” the duke said, rubbing his hand at her waist discretely, which she did not object to, not one bit.
“It could be that she does not dare go against you in public,” Alice guessed, though she dreaded discovery and worried at the attention she drew to herself by supporting the duke as she had.
