Enjoy the ball on your own terms

The ballroom had become noticeably louder as the evening wore on.

The orchestra continued to play, though more than a few guests were now paying more attention to the wine than the music.

Sir Edward had become engaged in conversation with an elderly baron and his family.

You stood dutifully at his side for a while, but your attention kept drifting elsewhere. When Edward looked particularly invested in the conversation you saw your moment and slipped away.

You had no particular destination in mind.

You just intended to enjoy the evening on your own.

As you rounded one of the marble pillars, a familiar voice caught your attention.

"...surely one dance isn't too much to ask."

Lord Blackwood.

Emily stood with her back almost against the wall, politely clutching an empty tray.

"I'm afraid I'm still working, my lord."

"You've been working all day."

His smile remained perfectly composed.

"You deserve a reward."

"I appreciate your kindness."

Her voice was courteous.

Her eyes were pleading.

"I really should—"

Blackwood stepped half a pace closer.

"I insist."

Emily's shoulders tensed.

Before she could answer, you walked straight between them.

"There you are."

Emily blinked.

"My apologies, my lord."

You turned towards Blackwood with a polite nod.

"Sir Edward has been looking everywhere for Miss Emily."

"Has he?"

Blackwood asked coolly.

"He requires her assistance immediately."

You smiled.

"I wouldn't dream of delaying his evening."

Blackwood studied you for a long moment.

"I do hope Sir Edward's affairs are truly that urgent."

"They generally are."

For a heartbeat, neither of you moved.

Then Blackwood stepped aside.

"Very well."

"Do pass on my disappointment."

"I shall."

You met his gaze without lowering your own.

"Good evening, Lord Blackwood."

Without waiting for another word, you gently took Emily by the arm and led her away through the crowd.

Only once the music had faded behind you did she let out the breath she'd clearly been holding.

"I don't think I've ever been so relieved to see someone."

"That’s what I thought."

She looked at you.

"He wasn't backing down."

"I noticed."

You continued walking until you reached the quiet terrace overlooking the gardens.

Emily leaned against the stone railing.

"I know he's a gentleman."

She shook her head.

"But whenever he speaks to me... I just want to leave."

"You never have to apologise for that."

She looked down at her hands.

"I keep wondering if I'm overreacting."

"I don't think you are."

She smiled weakly.

"I hoped you'd say that."

The two of you wandered slowly through the gardens until the sounds of the ballroom became distant.

The cool night air seemed to calm her.

"So..."

She looked at you with a small smile.

"I suppose I owe my rescuer a proper thank you."

"I was hoping for one."

She laughed.

"I've had enough excitement for one evening."

"Then we'll settle for something quieter."

The conversation soon drifted away from Blackwood.

You spoke about the hunt.

About Kingsmere Hall.

About the guests.

About life beyond great houses and grand balls.

Emily gradually relaxed.

The worried look disappeared from her face.

"I don't think I've laughed this much in weeks."

"That’s a victory."

She nudged your arm playfully.

"You were rather brave back there."

"I wasn't about to leave you alone."

"I'm glad you didn't."

The two of you reached a small stone bench overlooking the gardens.

Emily sat first. You joined her.

For a while neither of you spoke.

The music drifted faintly across the grounds.

She looked sideways at you.

"You know..."

"I've been hoping we'd find a moment alone tonight."

"You have?"

She nodded.

"I wasn't sure whether you'd come looking for me."

She smiled.

"I'm very glad your plans went my way."

Without thinking, she shifted a little closer until your shoulders touched.

Neither of you moved away.

Instead, she rested her head lightly against your shoulder for a brief moment before looking up again.

"I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all."

She smiled.

"I think the wine has made me slightly reckless."

"I think it has made you honest with yourself."

Emily laughed quietly.

"Perhaps both."

For a moment it felt as though the rest of Kingsmere Hall no longer existed.

Only the distant music and the cool evening air remained. You glanced down at the beautiful young woman sitting next to you. Without her noticing you had a perfect view into her dress almost revealing her nipples under the loose dress. Her hair smelled wonderful and the experience made blood flow to your crotch quicker than anticipated.

Then the great clock inside the house struck the hour.

Emily sighed.

"I suppose reality has found us again."

"I'm afraid so."

She stood, though she hesitated before taking the first step.

"Thank you."

"For everything."

"You don't have to thank me."

She smiled warmly.

"But I wanted to."

She lightly squeezed your hand before letting go.

"Goodnight, Thomas."

"Goodnight, Emily."

You watched her disappear back towards the hall before making your own way upstairs.

Edward had already retired for the night.

As you lay in bed, your thoughts returned not to Lord Blackwood's cold stare, but to Emily's smile and arousing figure in the quiet gardens—and how close it had felt as though the evening might had become something more.