Stay close to Edward during the ball

The ballroom was already in full swing by the time the orchestra began its second set.

Sir Edward spent much of the evening moving between groups of guests, introducing himself to old acquaintances and making polite conversation with neighbouring landowners.

You remained close by, refilling his glass when needed and quietly stepping into conversations only when spoken to.

Edward noticed.

"You've done well today."

"I've only done my duty."

He accepted another glass of wine from a passing servant before lowering his voice.

"You needn't spend the entire evening watching over me."

"I'm here to serve you."

"And you've done so."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"I think you've earned a little freedom."

His eyes drifted briefly across the ballroom.

"I've noticed a certain young maid looking in your direction rather often."

You couldn't help smiling.

"I hadn't realised I was so obvious."

"You weren't."

Edward chuckled.

"I just know my valet rather well."

He lifted his glass.

"Go on."

"I shall survive without you for half an hour."

You bowed your head.

"Thank you, sir."

Emily was standing near one of the tall windows at the edge of the ballroom, enjoying what looked like her first proper break of the evening.

She smiled the moment she saw you approaching.

"I was beginning to wonder whether Sir Edward intended to keep you all to himself."

"He finally decided to let me escape."

"I'm glad."

She held up her glass.

"I was starting to think I'd have to drink this on my own."

"You looked like you were managing."

"I was pretending."

She laughed softly.

"It's much nicer now."

The two of you wandered slowly around the edge of the ballroom, talking as the music played around you.

The conversation came easily.

You laughed together.

Shared stories from the day.

Commented on guests who had perhaps enjoyed the wine a little too much.

Emily seemed different tonight.

More relaxed.

More confident.

"The wine helps," she admitted with a grin.

"No surprise."

"It also helps that I'm talking to someone who doesn't make me nervous."

"You seemed nervous the first time we spoke."

"I was."

She looked at you over the rim of her glass.

"I'm not anymore."

The orchestra began another slower dance.

Emily glanced towards the floor before quickly looking away again.

"I've been hoping they'd play this one."

"You have?"

She nodded.

"But I didn't know whether..."

Her smile became shy again.

"...whether you'd ask."

You offered your hand.

"I was just waiting for the right song."

Emily laughed quietly before placing her hand in yours.

"I think this will do."

The dance floor was busy, forcing the two of you a little closer than either had expected.

Her hand rested comfortably in yours.

Your other hand settled gently at her waist.

She looked up at you.

"I think I'm getting better."

"You definitely are."

"I haven't stepped on your foot once."

"The evening is still young."

She laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

As the music continued, she relaxed even further.

The conversation faded.

Neither of you seemed in any hurry to speak.

She moved just a little closer, her shoulder brushing yours as you turned together.

"I could get used to this," she said quietly.

"So could I."

When the music ended, neither of you stepped apart immediately.

Emily looked into your eyes for a long moment before smiling.

"I don't want the evening to end just yet."

"Neither do I."

She glanced towards the ballroom doors.

"It gets rather noisy in here."

"It does."

"I know somewhere quieter."

She hesitated only for a second before lightly taking your hand.

"Come with me."

You followed her from the ballroom, the music growing softer behind you as you walked through the quieter corridors of Kingsmere Hall.

The laughter of the guests faded into the distance.

Emily slowed her pace, turning to face you beneath the warm glow of a single wall lamp.

"I'm glad you came."

"So am I."

For a moment, neither of you moved.

She reached up, gently smoothing an imaginary crease from your jacket before laughing at herself.

"I don't even know why I did that."

"I was hoping you'd find another excuse."

Her cheeks flushed.

"I think the wine has made me a little braver."

"I don't mind."

She smiled, stepping just a fraction closer.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't."

For a heartbeat it felt as though the rest of the house had disappeared.

Only the two of you remained, standing in the quiet corridor as the distant orchestra continued to play. Her chest was now pushed against yours and you could feel the softness of her small breasts.

Then the great clock somewhere within Kingsmere struck the hour.

Emily let out a disappointed laugh.

"That’s my cue to be on duty. I should go."

"So should I."

She gave your hand a gentle squeeze before letting it slip from hers.

"Goodnight, Thomas."

"Goodnight, Emily."

You watched her disappear down the corridor before making your own way upstairs.

Edward's chamber was already dark.

After quietly preparing for bed, you lay awake for a while, unable to stop replaying the evening in your mind.

The memory of Emily's smile—and the tension lingering in that quiet corridor—followed you long after you closed your eyes.