Keep a low profile

The ballroom was growing louder with every passing hour.

Wine flowed freely, conversations became livelier, and more than one gentleman had forgotten how loudly he was speaking.

You remained close to Sir Edward for most of the evening, quietly following him between conversations as he introduced you to a handful of acquaintances.

From time to time, your eyes wandered across the room.

Charlotte was rarely alone.

One gentleman replaced another almost without pause.

Some wished to dance.

Others simply wanted a few moments of her attention.

Edward noticed where you were looking.

"I know."

You glanced towards him.

"It is difficult not to look."

He took a sip of his wine.

"Lady Charlotte attracts attention wherever she goes."

For a moment, he watched the crowd himself.

"I confess..."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"I would rather not see her spend the entire evening entertaining men like Blackwood."

The comment surprised you.

"I trust you enough not to make a fool of either of us.", he continued.

Edward looked at you for a moment.

"If an opportunity presents itself..."

He shrugged slightly.

"...I see no harm in one of us rescuing her from the crowd."

It was not permission.

But it was close enough.

Not long afterwards, the opportunity came.

Charlotte found herself cornered near one of the fireplaces by three particularly persistent gentlemen.

Lord Blackwood stood among them, speaking with his usual polished confidence while Charlotte maintained a patient smile that looked increasingly forced.

She noticed you standing nearby.

For just a brief second, her expression changed.

You stepped forward.

"My Lady."

She turned towards you immediately.

"Mr. Thomas."

You offered a polite bow.

"Sir Edward asked whether I might borrow you for a moment."

It was a harmless lie.

Charlotte understood at once.

"I'm afraid I must excuse myself, gentlemen."

Blackwood looked less than pleased.

"Of course."

His smile remained.

His eyes did not.

Charlotte slipped away beside you before anyone could object.

Only once the music had faded behind you did she let out a quiet sigh.

"I owe you my thanks."

"It looked as though you needed rescuing."

"I very much did."

She laughed.

"I had almost forgotten how exhausting admiration can become. It is flattering of course… but, oh god."

The two of you wandered onto the terrace overlooking the gardens.

The cool evening air was a welcome relief after the warmth of the ballroom.

"I sometimes think these gentlemen in there spend so much time trying to impress one another… and me, that they forget to simply enjoy themselves."

"I imagine it’s difficult for you to enjoy yourself as well."

"Not while I'm talking to you."

The answer came so naturally that she almost seemed surprised she'd said it aloud.

You smiled.

For a while, neither of you spoke.

The music drifted softly through the open doors behind you.

Charlotte rested her hands lightly on the stone balustrade.

"I'm glad you came and rescued me tonight."

"So am I."

She looked sideways at you.

"You could have crossed the ballroom earlier."

"I considered it."

"But Sir Edward asked me to keep a low profile."

Charlotte smiled.

"And you listened."

"I owe him that much."

She nodded thoughtfully.

"He has chosen his company well."

She turned to face you fully - the distance between you a bit smaller than what Blackwood would probably like.

"Loyalty is rarer than confidence."

"I think I admire it more."

For a brief moment, neither of you looked away. Charlotte held your gaze and touched your hand.

The distance between you had grown even smaller.

Close enough that you could hear the steady rhythm of her breathing over the distant music. Her face was now dangerously close and you looked down in fear of offending her. In doing so you caught a glimpse of her beautiful chest in her tight dress.

"I should return," she said softly.

"They will begin looking for me."

"And they will begin looking for me as well if I remain away much longer."

Charlotte laughed quietly.

"I suspect they will."

She reached out and rested her fingertips lightly against your sleeve.

"A gentleman who never seeks attention..."

She smiled.

"...is often far more interesting than one who always does."

Before you could answer, she withdrew her hand.

"Thank you… For rescuing me."

With one last smile, she returned to the ballroom.

You watched her disappear into the crowd before making your own way back inside.

Edward noticed your return immediately.

"Everything resolved?"

"I believe so."

A knowing smile appeared on his face.

"Good. I had hoped you would choose restraint."

The remainder of the evening passed pleasantly.

As you escorted Edward back to his chambers later that night, he paused outside his door.

"You did well tonight. You acted like a true gentleman."

He gave you a small nod before retiring.

Lying in bed later that night, your thoughts wandered back to the quiet moments on the terrace.

To Charlotte's smile as she thanked you for coming to her aid, her smell and the feeling of her touch.