The Tables Turned by Victoria Hinshaw

Author:Victoria Hinshaw
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi

Chapter Four

Anne knew she ought to stay as far away from Dash as possible at the Cuthbert’s ball. Yet the moment she and Sarah ascended the stairs to the reception rooms, Anne found herself on tiptoe, combing the crowd for his handsome face.

Sarah gave her a little jab. “Stop craning your neck like a cit at the fireworks, my dear. You are quite spoiling the elegance of your ensemble. Madame La Jolie would not approve of such fidgeting. What are you looking for?”

Anne tried to laugh off her behavior.

Sarah pressed her. “I can tell you are looking for someone. Perhaps that darling Dashworth?”

“Do not be a goose. I want to know how many people are here. It is as simple as that.”

“Hmmmmm. I think you are dissembling, my dear. But I will allow you your little secrets, at least for the moment.”

Lord Rossiter joined them and made a handsome bow to each. “Ladies, a very good evening to you.”

Immediately others joined them, and the laughter and conversation flowed freely. Anne tried to look around discreetly for Dash, only to be sure she kept her distance, she told herself. He was generally one of the later arrivals. When the music began, Lord Ingram solicited her hand for a set. On one of her turns, she caught sight of Dash, standing beside a lovely young woman. Anne almost tripped, but caught herself in time. Nevertheless, her heart fluttered alarmingly. Who was that lovely young woman? The next time her steps brought her around to the same view, both were gone. She tried to concentrate on the figures of the dance and to keep a smile on her face. But inside she felt unaccountably empty, as though someone had stolen the core of her being. Why? After all, Dash meant little to her, a fribble by his own definition. Someone Sarah had called a scamp, a handsome rogue. Someone who had been kind to Ursa.

Someone whose kisses she longed to experience again. And again.

When the set ended, she curtsied to Lord Ingram, who bowed and escorted her to the sidelines, directly to Dash and his lady friend. Anne tried very hard to straighten her shoulders and bring a genuine smile to her face, though her empty feeling had intensified, and she feared her internal turmoil might show in her eyes. She spoke not a word while the other three greeted one another, the unknown lady obviously being an intimate of both gentlemen, a very beautiful and perfectly gowned companion.

After a few seconds, Dash reached for her hand. “Oh, please excuse my manners. Gloria, may I introduce Miss Anne Talcott? Miss Talcott, this is my sister, Lady Gloria. She has just arrived in town.”

Anne felt sunshine flooding her soul, breaking out in bright rays of welcome relief. She curtsied deeply, feeling her empty core fill with radiance. “How very nice to meet you.”

“Entirely my pleasure, Miss Talcott.” Lady Gloria tilted her head and smiled at Anne.

Dash sent Anne a knowing glance and spoke to his sister.

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