Once the last note was played, Fredrick came to a stop but didn’t release her right away. “You dance superbly,” he praised in a low voice.
“It was only because I had the right teacher,” Emilia said with a shy smile.
Fredrick’s gaze briefly fell to her lips and he cleared his throat. “Yes, well, you will do just fine at the ball,” he said in a hoarse voice.
Anette started clapping as she approached them. “That was perfect. Just perfect,” she praised. “I do not think any more practice is necessary, do either of you?”
Fredrick released Emilia and took a step back. “I do believe that is sufficient,” he agreed.
Turning towards Emilia, Anette said, “I spoke to my father-in-law, Lord Cuttyngham, and he has agreed to dance the first set with you, assuming you are agreeable.”
“That is most kind of him,” Emilia acknowledged.
“Now that we have that resolved, we will need to think of the ideal gentleman who will join you in the waltz at your ball—” Anette started.
Fredrick spoke up. “I’ll do it.”
Anette raised her brow. “I do think that is a mistake since thetonmight speculate as to the nature of your relationship with Emilia,” she said, her words cautious.
“She is a family friend,” Fredrick said. “There is nothing more to it than that.”
Roswell stepped forward and attempted, “I daresay that Anette has a point. You two seemed rather close as you danced the waltz.”
“Is that a problem?” Fredrick asked.
A knowing look passed between Anette and Roswell. “No, but it might get the gossips’ tongues wagging,” he said.
“I will dance the waltz with Emilia.” Fredrick paused for a moment and looked at Emilia with a searching gaze. “Unless Emilia has an objection.”
Emilia’s heart soared at the prospect of dancing with Fredrick again, especially the waltz. The thought of being in his arms again thrilled her, but she maintained her composure. “I have none,” she replied, her voice steady.
Fredrick nodded, a hint of warmth in his gaze as his eyes lingered on Emilia. “It has been decided, then,” he said.
Anette interjected, “I do have the most wonderful news. Most of the people we have invited to the ball have confirmed their attendance.”
“That is very promising,” Emilia remarked.
“I thought so as well,” Anette said.
Emilia had a thought. “Did you invite Calvin and Clarissa to my ball?”
Anette hesitated. “I did not,” she admitted. “I didn’t think it was wise to invite them.”
“Whyever not?” Emilia inquired.
Anette frowned. “You may have been quick to accept Clarissa and Calvin, but thetonis not so gracious. I doubt they would be well received at your ball.”
“Shouldn’t we at least give them the option to come?” Emilia asked. “It seems only fair, considering they are family.”
Roswell winced. “They were declared illegitimate, making them social pariahs in the eyes of theton.”
Emilia turned her attention towards Fredrick, hoping he might agree with her. “What do you think?”
Fredrick’s expression grew thoughtful. “I don’t place much importance on what thetonwants. What does your heart tell you?”
“My heart tells me to invite them,” Emilia responded.
“Then you have your answer,” Fredrick concluded.