His sister blushed deeply, curtsying when one of the men seemed to have won her favor. It would not be long beforesomeone made him an offer for her hand. Julian’s jaw stiffened as he watched the young man lead his sister into the middle of the dancefloor.
It was all well and good that suitors were taking notice of her, but what would he do when it came time for one of them to come calling? He would have to come up with an excuse as to why it was not at Redding Hall.
“It seems as if your sister will not have any space left on her dance card this evening,” Benedict remarked as the violins switched from a soft melody to the first waltz of the evening.
“No, it does not seem as if she will have a shortage of suitors,” Julian grumbled in response, feeling his chest clench with both pride and fear.
Seeing Juliette manage her new role in society brought home the fact that she was a woman now. Their father had died when Juliette was still very young. Julian had always been her protector, but it seemed almost unfair to him that he had to let her go.
“Have you given any thought to my suggestion of marriage?” Benedict asked when Julian’s eyes lingered on his sister dancing, and his mother watching with tearful hope.
“As a matter of fact, I have,” Julian said while keeping his gaze on his family with his hands behind his back. “I see no otherway out of the mess. I will need to make an advantageous match with a lady of considerable means. Though I do detest the idea, a marriage of convenience is the only plausible answer.” He shifted his focus away from the dancing and back to his friend.
Benedict’s eyes widened with surprise. “Well, I never thought I would see the day, but it seems as if you can be swayed.” He lifted his almost empty glass in salute and toasted before downing the rest of the amber liquid.
Julian was about to reply when a shorter, squatter gentleman with a black mask, round belly, and graying hair approached them. He spoke in a croaky, cheerful voice as he lowered his tone. “Would either of you gentlemen be interested in a game of cards?”
He narrowed his eyes conspiratorially before looking around. “I am afraid that Lady Tremaine would not approve, so we would have to be discreet, but I do not think I could suffer all of these dances and maintain my sanity.”
Stifling a chuckle, Benedict whispered back. “I must say that I agree, Lord Tremaine…”
The corners of the older gentleman’s mouth curved into a knowing smile. “Yes, well, I guess it is difficult for a man to hide his identity with a stature like mine. I blame Lady Tremaine’s impeccable taste in hiring cooks.’ He patted his round belly that bulged over his breeches.
Julian stood admiring the exchange for a moment before bowing. “I think a game of cards would be a perfect distraction, my lord.”
Lord Tremaine nodded and glanced over his shoulder once again before beckoning for them to follow.
None of the other guests seemed to be paying them much attention as they politely pushed their way through the sea of masked faces. They had just made it to the end of the lavishly decorated hall and turned into a passage when a lady wearing a bright green dress and matching mask stepped in their path.
“My dear!” Lord Tremaine exclaimed, taking a step back. “We were just…”
“You were just about to lure these eligible young men into the parlor for a game of cards! Were you not, Lord Tremaine?” she asked in a thin voice that became shrill as she raised it.
“I would never…” Lord Tremaine began again but quickly shut his mouth when his wife glared at him.
Julian and Benedict were about to turn and leave when they were suddenly addressed.
“And you, my lords, that is, if you are both lords. The heavens know that these masks do not make matters easy. The two of you should be ashamed for allowing yourselves to be talked into playing cards instead of dancing. Now, I will ask both of you to please go and find partners for the next dance. The ballroom is packed with eligible young ladies just waiting to be asked.” She placed her hands on her hips, cocking her head to the side
The men remained rooted to the spot, uncertain of how to react after being told off like they were children.
“Well?” She began to tap her foot. “Will the three of you be complying, or will I have to wait here blocking your path all evening?” She pursed her lips before folding her arms over her chest.
“Our apologies, Lady Tremaine. We shall go at once,” Julian apologized along with Benedict and turned.
They had barely made it out of the hallway when the sound of Lady Tremaine scolding her husband drifted to their ears.
“I swear, Harold, I should box your ears. It certainly seems as if your mother and governess never did!”
Benedict suppressed his laughter while Julian frowned. “Is she allowed to talk to us in that manner?” he asked as his frown deepened.
‘It does not matter; we had better listen before our own ears get boxed!” Benedict hissed under his breath amidst a deep chuckle.
It did not take them too long to make their way back into the throng of guests. Benedict pointed out two lovely young women, one in a green floral print dress, and the other in silver that seemed to encompass her body from head to toe. Benedict bowed to the first and asked her to dance, while Julian was left with the latter.
“Would you care to dance, my lady?” Benedict bowed respectfully with one arm crossed over his chest.
The beautiful young woman seemed to hesitate at first, but her perfect lips parted after a moment as she curtsied. Her blonde hair had been smoothed back with a tight bun, while the silver mask covered most of her face. Yet her perfect lips and stunning blue eyes made Julian’s heart slam against his ribs.