Page 44 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

The Rutherfords and Stanleys opened the ball, dancing several measures alone before other couples finally joined in. She managed to only step on her partner’s toes once. She’d been so busy trying to count and watch her steps that she didn’t remember his name or what he looked like.

The evening continued and she tried to hide her disappointment. She stopped looking around to see if Mr. St. Clair had arrived. Obviously, he hadn’t and he wasn’t coming. Her most recent partner returned her to the spot where he’d claimed her and she found herself talking with Lady Alford, who introduced Mia to her companion.

“This is Lady Mayfield, Lady Mia.”

Lady Mayfield’s eyes lit up with interest. “You’re the inventor Luke has talked about incessantly. How very good to meet you, Lady Mia. I hear you’ve also attended the book club. There are several members who will be joining now they are in town for the Season. You will make many new friends.” Her eyes sparkled. “Hopefully, that will include me.”

“Am I included? Oh, that’s right, it’s women only as members.” Hudson St. Clair kissed Lady Mayfield’s cheek and did the same to Lady Alford. He took Mia’s hand and kissed it. She wished she weren’t wearing gloves so she could feel the heat of his lips against her skin.

“I thought you weren’t coming.” Lady Stanley joined them. “What is your excuse for arriving so late?”

“Work. Something came up that needed my attention,” he replied.

“At this time of night?” Lady Stanley asked.

Lady Mayfield chuckled. “As a business owner, I know predicaments arise at all hours. We are glad you could make it, Hudson. Have you danced yet?” She smiled at him and then Mia.

“I was hoping to.” He turned to her. “I suppose it’s too much to hope you might have the next dance available?”

“I do,” she told him. “If you’re ready to have your toes mashed, that is.”

Lady Alford laughed. “Hudson is the best dancer in our family. He will take good care of you.”

“And I have very tough toes,” he quipped. “If you do step on one, I doubt I’ll feel a thing.”

As the strains of the music began, he offered her his arm and led her onto the dance floor.

Somehow, everything changed for Mia. In this man’s arms, she understood what her dance master said and felt the beat of the music. She moved with more grace than she’d shown in a lifetime. She did stumble once but he caught her and they danced on. It was the most exhilarating minutes of her life.

Except for when he had kissed her.

As the music died away, couples began leaving the dance floor.

“Oh, it was the supper dance?” Mr. St. Clair asked.

“I suppose so. I’m new to all of this.” His hand remained on hers, which was tucked through his arm.

“Do you have plans to eat with anyone else?”

“No,” she said faintly, hoping he would ask her to join him.

“Good.”

They entered the room where the buffet was laid out. Mia had trouble comprehending the great quantity of food on display. They could have eaten off it for months at Morris Park.

“I see Lord and Lady Merrifield motioning us. Would you care to dine with them?”

“That would be nice,” she replied.

Lady Merrifield embraced her. “I’m so glad you could join us. This is the Duke and Duchess of Durham. The duchess is my sister. And here is my brother, the Earl of Reston, and his countess.”

“I hope we’re not intruding on your family,” Mia said.

“We are happy to have you,” Lady Merrifield reassured her, indicating for Mia to sit on her right. “I know how busy you are with your work, but I do hope we can become better acquainted during the Season.”

The supper passed quickly. Mia laughed heartily, feeling a sense of belonging. She was grateful that everyone at the table treated Mr. St. Clair as an equal. When it came time to return to the ballroom, Lady Merrifield invited her for tea the following Tuesday and Mia accepted the invitation.

Mr. St. Clair returned her to the ballroom. “I regret that I must leave,” he told her.

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