Page 78 of Leap of Faith
Faith blushed as the Regent held out his hand to her. It was so unexpected, Faith was unsure of what to do.
“Take his hand, my dear,” Westwood said in her ear with a chuckle.
Faith looked apologetically at the Prince and gracefully extended her arm. He bowed over it and kissed her knuckles in a scandalous way that was no longer the fashion. He did not let go of her hand, but proceeded to pull it to his elbow.
“A waltz,” he proclaimed quietly, but it seemed even the orchestra was at his command.
He was every bit as rotund as she’d heard rumoured, but could see the remnants of a handsome youth left in his visage along with the remnants of grief. Her heart ached for him.
He drew her into the waltz. Despite his size, he was a graceful dancer.
“Are you enjoying London, Miss Whitford?” he asked politely.
“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”
“I heard there has been some difficulty.”
Faith wondered at the remark and who could have told him.
“Matters shall soon be set to rights,” he said with calm assurance.
A nagging suspicion occurred to Faith. Had Westwood implored the Prince to come on her behalf? Surely her guardian did not have so much power? She looked up to see the Regent smiling down at her. Faith’s throat began to burn with the threat of tears.
“You must smile, my dear,” he said. His kindness overwhelmed her. “You have four sisters, I hear?”
She was grateful for the distraction. “Yes, Sir.”
“Perhaps you could introduce me when the dance is over. I hear they are all as beautiful as you, and perhaps even a trifle hoydenish?” His eyes were twinkling.
“Only the youngest, Sir,” Faith replied, in awe of his knowledge. Though she had heard he was a great flirt, she felt in no danger from him. She was almost of an age with his daughter who had died. It was a sobering realization.
“I have a fondness for a bit of playfulness.” His gaze moved to her shoulder and he looked lost in a memory for some time as emotions from happiness to sadness crossed his features. Her heart ached for him. “Forgive me. I am not very good company these days, but hopefully this dance will do enough good.”
“I am most grateful to you, Sir.”
When the set ended, Faith noticed more people staring as he led her from the floor towards Lady Westwood and her sisters.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” She curtsied deeply.
“It was my pleasure. If Westwood fails to come up to scratch…”
“Your Highness,” Westwood interrupted before he could finish the sentence. Instead of taking offence, the Prince grinned at the Viscount before turning to be introduced to Faith’s sisters.
He left directly after that, making it clear to all why he’d come.
“Did you ask him here?” Faith asked Westwood.
“Of course. I had a small favour to call in, but he would have come anyway.”
“Why?” She could not fathom his reasoning.
“He can never resist a damsel in distress. Especially not one with your beauty and four sisters to match!” he answered sardonically.
* * *
When the ballended without disaster, Dominic was pleased. He ushered the girls and his mother into two carriages and took the place beside Faith.
“I would call that a success,” he said to her, while her sisters sat across from them and chattered about their evening.
