Stay close to Edward during the ball

The ballroom was livelier than ever.

Music echoed beneath the high ceiling while laughter and conversation blended with the clink of crystal glasses.

Sir Edward spent much of the evening greeting old acquaintances, and as always, you remained close at hand.

"You've hardly left my side all evening," Edward remarked with an amused smile.

"I thought that was expected of me."

"It was."

He accepted another glass from a passing servant before glancing across the room.

"I daresay I've monopolised your company long enough."

You looked at him.

"There is someone you've been trying not to look at all evening."

"I've no idea what you mean."

Edward chuckled.

"I doubt anyone could miss Martha Green."

You followed his gaze.

Near one of the side doors, Martha was laughing with a pair of footmen while balancing an empty serving tray against one hip. She caught your eye almost immediately.

The mischievous grin she gave you lasted only a heartbeat before she returned to work.

Edward noticed.

"Go."

"You are certain, sir?"

"I've survived far worse company than a room full of landed gentlemen."

He gave you a knowing smile.

"I shall survive another half hour."

You bowed your head.

"Thank you."

Finding Martha proved easier than expected.

She was just disappearing through a servants' doorway with another tray when she spotted you.

"Well."

She smiled.

"Look who's finally escaped."

"I've been occupied.", you said.

"So have I."

She lifted the heavy tray slightly.

"Unfortunately."

You laughed.

"I shan't keep you."

"Oh?"

She stepped a little closer.

"I was rather hoping you would."

Before you could answer, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching.

"Come with me."

She led you through a maze of quiet corridors before stopping outside a small music room that had long since been emptied for the evening.

The distant orchestra could still be heard through the walls.

Martha nudged the door open.

"Perfect."

"There isn't anyone here."

"I noticed."

She set the tray aside.

"Which means nobody can complain if I steal one dance."

"You don't seem terribly concerned about the rules."

"I spend all day following them."

She turned to face you.

"I think I've earned a few minutes off."

The music drifting in from the ballroom was faint but clear enough to dance to.

Without waiting to be asked, Martha placed one hand lightly in yours.

"Well?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Are you going to make me ask twice?"

Smiling, you stepped closer.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

She laughed as you began to move together.

Unlike some of the other servants, Martha never seemed nervous.

She matched your steps effortlessly, watching your reactions with obvious amusement.

"You've been looking at me all evening."

"I don't think I have."

"Liar."

Her grin widened.

"I've caught you at least three times."

"I might have glanced once or twice."

"So modest."

She shook her head.

"You really should have more confidence. It would suit you."

"I'll leave that to you."

"Wise decision."

As the dance continued, she drifted a little closer.

Close enough so the playful smile never left her face.

"You know," she said quietly, "you're much more serious than I expected."

"Is that disappointing?"

"Not at all."

Her fingers lingered around yours for just a moment longer than necessary.

"It just makes teasing you far too easy."

She moved even closer and pushed her breasts against your chest. Inches from your face she blew you a kiss and pulled away again.

"And are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh, immensely."

She laughed.

"I've been wondering all evening how long it would take before you stopped acting like Sir Edward's perfect valet."

"I'm still his valet."

"I know."

She tilted her head.

"But for these few minutes..."

"...you're mine. And I don’t want Sir Edward’s valet - I want Thomas."

The words caught you slightly off guard.

For a brief moment, neither of you spoke.

The dance slowed.

Martha's hand rested lightly against your shoulder as she looked up at you.

"I think you worry far too much about doing everything properly."

"Someone has to."

"Perhaps."

She smiled.

"But perhaps someone should also remind you that life is supposed to be fun."

"And you're volunteering?"

"I thought that was obvious."

She laughed again, giving your sleeve a light tug as though testing whether she could coax you even closer without you noticing.

"You know..."

"I've wanted to steal you away from that ballroom since the music started."

"You make it sound premeditated."

"Oh, it absolutely was."

The admission made you laugh.

She seemed pleased by the reaction.

For a fleeting moment, the distance between you felt almost nonexistent.

The quiet room.

The distant music.

Her warm smile.

It was easy to imagine the evening continuing long after the orchestra fell silent. The distance between your bodies was long gone and you could feel Martha’s breasts fall and rise with her breast. After a few seconds you felt the familiar tingle of blood flowing to your crotch. You hoped dearly Martha wouldn’t notice.

Then the great clock somewhere inside Kingsmere Hall struck the hour.

Martha pulled away with a cheeky smile and glanced down between your legs.

"That is exceptionally poor timing."

She stepped back with an exaggerated sigh before retrieving her tray.

"I suppose I should return before Cook starts wondering where I've disappeared to."

"I should probably return to Edward as well.", you said - cheeks burning red.

"You probably should."

She paused beside the door and looked back over her shoulder.

"I'm glad you came."

"So am I."

A playful smile returned to her face.

"And next time..."

"...don't keep me waiting quite so long - we’ll have much more time then."

With a wink, she disappeared back into the corridor.

You made your way upstairs later that evening after escorting Sir Edward back to his chambers.

As you lay awake in bed, your thoughts drifted not to the music or the guests, but to Martha's laughter—and the unmistakable feeling that she had only just begun to test your resolve. You’d be seeing her again. That was for sure.