Page 71 of The Thief
He sighed.
“After we speak with Lord Dundamear, we will get something.”
She smiled sheepishly and whispered as their host approached, “All right.”
“Lord Dundamear, how lovely to see you again,” Alastair said, reaching out to shake the man’s hand.
Ten minutes later, Alastair excused them from their exuberant host’s clutches, making a beeline for the table. Scarlett grabbed a small plate and reached for the fruit, piling high her plate with juicy berries and a peeled orange.
“Perhaps we should sit upstairs while you eat?” Alastair suggested, Scarlett nodding in acquiescence.
They headed up the stairs, Alastair keeping a firm hand on her lower back. Ragan and Melody were already up there, sitting together on one of the small couches. With a smile, Melody invited them to join them. Scarlett joined Melody on the small settee, the gentleman taking the chairs on either side.
“How has your evening been so far?” Melody asked with a smile.
“It has gone well. Lord Dundamear seems to be very happy that I was able to attend,” Scarlett replied, straightening her gown.
“As acting queen, I have no doubt that he would be very excited for you to be here,” Melody chuckled, patting her hand where it lay.
“He puts too much into it, but I understand,” Scarlett conceded.
She turned to face Melody.
“What have you two been doing while we were entertained by our host?”
Melody smiled as Scarlett popped a piece of orange into her mouth.
“We stayed with your parents, who made the rounds, then went to the buffet table. There are some delectable cookies down there.”
“She had at least three,” Ragan interjected, making Melody blush.
“I have to confess that I did. They are very delicious.”
Scarlett giggled.
“You always have loved cookies,” she laughed.
“I have.”
The conversation turned to other pastry delights; Alastair and Ragan joining in on the fun and telling them what their favorite desserts were.
A few minutes later, a footman came upstairs and leaned over to speak with Alastair. Scarlett watched his face as they spoke, the look of unease making her feel uncomfortable. Alastair spoke with the man for a few seconds more and then, with a short bow, he took off back downstairs.
“Is there something going on?” she asked him.
“Lord Dundamear would like us to open the dance floor,” he said, making her nervous.
“He can think of no greater honor.”
“It’s just a dance,” Melody whispered in her ear.
Scarlett nodded.
“Let us not disappoint our host,” she murmured, a small smile coming to her lips.
Alastair smiled as well, relief flooding his face as he held out his hand for hers.
She took it and they stood, Alastair placing her hand in the crook of his arm as they headed down the grand staircase. The way cleared and they took their places on the dance floor, Alastair taking Scarlett in his arms as the strains of a waltz started.
