Abandon him and seek out Martha right away

The ballroom had grown warm with music, laughter, and wine.

Sir Edward was deep in conversation with a circle of neighbouring gentlemen, discussing estates and hunting as though the evening had only just begun.

You listened for a while.

Then your attention wandered.

Across the room, Martha was carrying a tray between tables, exchanging quick jokes with the servants and drawing more than a few admiring glances from the younger footmen.

She noticed you watching.

A teasing smile tugged at the corner of her mouth before she disappeared through a side door.

You looked back towards Edward.

He showed no sign of finishing his conversation any time soon.

For a moment, duty won.

Then curiosity did.

Quietly excusing yourself, you slipped into the crowd and left the conversation behind.

You found Martha in one of the service corridors, setting down an empty tray with a relieved sigh.

"There you are."

She folded her arms with an exaggerated look of satisfaction.

"I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me."

"I was trying to behave."

"And?"

"I decided it was overrated."

She laughed.

"Now that's more like it."

She stepped closer.

"So..."

"Did you come looking for me?"

"I did."

"Good answer."

She gave your jacket a playful tug.

"I've spent half the evening wondering whether you'd ever work up the nerve."

"And if I hadn't?"

"I'd probably have come and stolen you myself."

"I was hoping you might."

Her eyebrows lifted.

"Oh?"

"I thought I'd save you the trouble."

She shook her head, laughing.

"I like this version of you."

"So do I."

Rather than turning towards the ballroom again, you nodded further down the corridor.

"Come with me."

She looked at the quiet hallway ahead before looking back at you.

"Now who's getting bold?"

"You started it."

"I certainly did."

With an amused grin, she followed.

The two of you wandered through the quieter wing of Kingsmere Hall until the sounds of the ballroom became little more than distant music.

You eventually found a small sitting room overlooking the gardens.

Empty.

Only the fire crackled softly in the hearth.

Martha closed the door behind her.

"I think this is the first peaceful room I've seen all day."

"You sound impressed."

"I am."

She sat down on the edge of a sofa before patting the space beside her.

"You don't have to stand over there."

You joined her.

Closer than either of you probably should have.

She studied you for a moment before smiling.

"You know..."

"I've caught half the footmen staring at me tonight."

"I noticed."

"Were you jealous?"

"Perhaps a little."

Her grin widened immediately.

"I knew it."

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to."

She nudged your shoulder with hers.

"I was hoping I'd get your attention eventually."

"You had it long before tonight."

For once, Martha seemed almost caught off guard.

Only for a second.

"That's a dangerous thing to say."

"I thought you liked dangerous."

"I do."

She leaned in just enough that your knees brushed.

She reached up and straightened your collar with slow, deliberate care.

"There."

"You look much less like the perfect valet."

"Is that an improvement?"

"Oh, definitely."

Her hand lingered for a heartbeat before falling away again.

Neither of you moved.

The room suddenly felt much smaller than before.

"You know what I like about you?" Martha asked.

"What?"

"You actually answer back - truthfully."

"I get the feeling you'd be disappointed if I didn't."

"I would."

She smiled warmly.

"Far too many people let me win every conversation."

"And I shouldn't?"

"Absolutely not."

She laughed.

"Make me work for it."

You leaned back slightly, unable to hide your own smile.

"I think I can manage that."

"I was rather hoping you would."

The orchestra began another dance somewhere beyond the walls.

Neither of you made any attempt to return.

For a few quiet minutes, you simply sat together, talking, laughing, and enjoying the rare chance to be away from everyone else. Martha made a bold move and put a hand on your leg. You moved closer, turned and looked her in the eye. Your faces were inches apart and you could smell her lips. Pausing for a moment, you glanced down and realized you had a direct view down between Martha’s breasts.

“Are you staring at my breasts young man?”, Martha whispered with a cocky smile.

“What would happen if I did?”

“I’d have to punish such acts”

When your lips were an inch apart you were interrupted.

A knock was coming on the door.

A second later the door was opened.

Martha sighed jumped back and giggled. Visible in the doorway was Emily with a sheepish look on her face. Realising what she had walked in on, she looked down at the ground - her face flashing red.

“I’m terribly sorry, Martha, but Cook is asking for you.”

"I suppose that's our cue, Thomas."

"I'm afraid so."

She stood, smoothing the front of her dress before looking back at you.

"I've enjoyed this much more than dancing."

"So have I."

She stepped close once more, her smile softer now than teasing.

"Next time..."

"...don't wait so long before coming to find me."

"I won't."

"Good."

With one last lingering look, she slipped back into the corridor. You sat back and decided it would be better to wait and cool off for a few minutes.

A little later, after returning to Sir Edward and accompanying him upstairs, you finally retired for the night.

As you lay awake, one thought returned again and again.

Leaving the ballroom early had been a risk.

Looking back on the evening, it was one you suspected you'd gladly take again.