“Lady Tisbury, thank you for your kind introduction to Miss Stanton,” Ethan said.
Lady Tisbury nodded. “I’ll leave you all now. She leaned toward her nephew, Ethan, and whispered, “Please speak with me later. It is Colby again and I need your assistance.”
“Yes, of course, Lady Tisbury.”
When Lady Tisbury had departed, Connor turned his attention to Mia. “Miss Gardner, I believe it is our turn to dance the quadrille.”
“Yes, uh, of course, Mr. Preston,” Mia stammered, suddenly flustered by the handsome, young man.
“Miss Stanton, may I sign your dance card?” Ethan asked.
Emily took her dance card out of her reticule, and handed it to Ethan. “Thank you, Mr. Richardson. I would enjoy that.”
Ethan signed his name for the next quadrille dance. Before he could give it back to Emily, Connor reached for it.
“My turn,” Conner said, with a twinkle in his eye. He signed the dance card for the last quadrille of the evening, and handed it back to her. He then turned his attention back to Mia and offered her his arm. “Shall we, Miss Gardner?”
Mia took Connor’s offered arm, and he led her out to the dance floor.
“Miss Stanton, I shall return shortly for our dance. Good Evening until then,” Ethan said.
“I look forward to our dance, Mr. Richardson.” Emily watched Ethan walk to the far corner of the ballroom where he guided another young lady onto the dance floor. Not having a partner for this dance, her gaze returned to Mia and Connor. How handsome he looked as he stepped lively with her friend. She could hardly wait for her turn to dance with the dashing Connor Preston.
When the music ended, Mia came rushing back to Emily. “Oh my, that was wonderful. Mr. Connor is an excellent dancer.”
“Indeed. You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
“I did. It was lovely.”
It wasn’t long before Ethan returned for his dance with Emily. “Miss Stanton, shall we dance?”
“I would love to.” Emily took his arm, and they proceeded to the dance floor. They stood opposite Connor and Miss Elizabeth Curry and waited for the couples to line up for the quadrille dance. The dance was announced, and the music started. The women curtsied, and the men bowed.
Emily’s hand met Ethan’s, and they circled one another. “Don’t you just love to dance Mr. Richardson?” she asked.
Ethan looked up into Emily’s blue eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but he did not have a chance to answer her question before they parted once again.
The dance continued. Emily and Elizabeth crossed paths and Emily was now paired with Connor. He winked at her and her eyes widened in surprise. When their hands met, a shiver of delight went down her spine. By the time the dance ended, Emily wanted nothing more than to dance again with the handsome Mr. Preston.
The men bowed to the ladies, and Elizabeth and Emily turned to leave the floor.
Connor held his arm out to Emily. “Miss Stanton, I’m looking forward to our dance.”
“Thank you, Mr. Preston,” Emily said. For the rest of the evening, Emily thought about the dashing Mr. Preston. She could hardly wait for their dance together. When it was finally announced, she was not disappointed. He was charming and witty, and she floated around the dance floor with a smile that lit up her beautiful face.
***
“Oh, Nesmith, you should have seen the room. It was so beautiful. Mia and I danced almost every dance.”
“Whom did you dance with?” Nesmith asked, helping Emily out of her dress.
“With almost every gentleman in the room, but I danced twice with Mr. Connor Preston,” Emily said. “He’s so handsome and I think he likes me.”
“Really? Did he say anything to indicate that?”
“No; but he winked at me, and we danced two dances together.”
“Miss Emily, don’t get your hopes up. Men love dancing with pretty girls. When he comes to see your father, then you’ll know he’s serious.”
“Oh, Nesmith, don’t be so harsh. You weren’t there. I just know he likes me.”
“If you say so,” Nesmith said, a frown creasing her face. The older woman combed out Emily’s hair and helped her into her nightgown. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you Nesmith.”
“Good night, Miss Emily.” Nesmith left the room, and hurried down the hall to attend to Mrs. Stanton.
Emily grabbed her evening reticule. She brought the candle over to the bed, and set it down on the table. She climbed up into bed and snuggled into the soft, feather pillows. She pulled her dance card out to look at Connor’s name again, and a slip of paper fell out. “What?”
She unfolded the note and her eyes widened as she read it.
I have eyes for only one
In the sea of colorful silks
With eyes of blue
And a smile that
Gladdens my heart
You are my Bright Star
“Such a beautiful love letter. Oh, Mr. Preston; I knew you liked me.” Emily sighed and hugged the slip of paper to her breast.
***
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Secrets-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B005XMZ0NM
Love by Moonlight (A Contemporary Romance) Page 7