The Marlows by Rosalind Laker

Author:Rosalind Laker [Rosalind Laker]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Romance, Historical, Victorian, Historical Romance
Amazon: B00MPUZZJY
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Published: 2014-08-12T23:00:00+00:00

8

On the evening of the April Ball at Cudlingham Manor the Marlow sisters with Judith and Amelia, who was aglitter with jet on black satin, arrived early by arrangement. The great house had never looked more welcoming. Hundreds of candles danced in the crystal chandeliers, creating waterfalls of light from the ornate ceilings, garlands entwined the banisters of the huge sweeping staircase, and there were sweet-scented floral displays everywhere. Nina, exquisite in honey-coloured tulle with silk rosebuds in her hair, took her place at Edward’s side at the entrance to the ballroom, ready to receive with him the first guests when they should arrive, and after initial greetings all round Sarah chatted to Amelia while Tansy gave a supporting hand to Judith as they crossed the wide, shining floor, her iris-blue crinoline blending harmoniously with Judith’s sprigged green silk. They were making for an alcove seat where Judith could sit comfortably and watch the dancing without her view being impeded. In the gallery the musicians struck up a lilting waltz.

Hardly had they seated themselves when Dominic arrived. After speaking to the others he came straight across to the two sisters and bowed. “Good evening to you both. Pray allow me to put my name on your dance programmes.”

Judith gave a surprised little laugh, having already put hers away in her reticule as a souvenir, knowing it would not be used. “Tansy’s dance programme, you mean. You know I cannot dance.”

“Have you ever tried?”

“Oh, yes. Papa always taught us the latest steps and dances but with him it didn’t matter about my being — er — a trifle clumsy on my feet, because he always held me tight about my waist to keep me from falling.”

“Would you be kind enough to allow me that privilege?”

Tansy was eyeing him watchfully, prepared — should he be teasing Judith — to intervene promptly, but she saw that he was serious. Judith flushed uncomfortably.

“That’s most kind of you, but dancing with family at home is very different from making a dreadful exhibition of myself before hundreds of people.”

With raised eyebrows he surveyed the huge room and returned his gaze to her. “I don’t see hundreds of people here. Only four persons whom you know well.” He smiled and bowed deeper than before. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

Judith’s colour deepened painfully and she looked as if she did not know whether to laugh or cry, but she edged forward on the seat in preparation to rise. He was quick to take the hand she reached out toward her stick, letting her use his support instead to stand and gain her balance. Then his arm went about her waist and he drew her into the steps of the waltz.

Tansy watched them, torn between joy that her sister was dancing and anguish whenever she clumsily missed a step, which was due sometimes to her disability and at others to her extreme nervousness. At the door other guests were announced, but al-though Judith said something to

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