As Edith and Lord Raymond found a place on the dance floor, Edith felt a sudden surge of excitement. She hadn't remembered when she had last danced, but now she realized how long ago it seemed. She looked around at the other couples, most of whom were glowing with pleasure. Perhaps she had spoken unfairly. What could have possibly made her so opposed to it?

The musicians struck a chord, and Raymond bent in a low bow. Edith returned it with a curtsy before they came together and started the dance.

Her footing was unsure at first, but following Raymond's confidant lead, the steps soon became as natural as anything. Once her movements no longer required great concentration, she ventured at conversation.

"I suppose you have seen the crown already?" she inquired.

"Yes," Raymond said with a laughing smile growing. "Is that all we are to talk about?"

"Oh no," Edith said hurriedly, red creeping onto her face again. "I'm sorry. I'm just fascinated by its--"

"Detail?" Raymond guessed. "That's perfectly fine. You could write something very interesting about it, no doubt."

"Perhaps." Edith shook her head. "But you're right. I shouldn't ramble about it so. I've already done enough of that this evening. Let's talk of different things. Tell me about yourself."

"What would you like to hear?"

"You could better acquaint me with your relations," Edith suggested after a moment's thought, "including the cousin who speaks so highly of me."

Raymond let out a small breath. "Well then. Both my parents are alive and fairly well. My father stays in town, though my mother often travels about the countryside. She suffers from a bit of a cough, and her doctor has insisted that country air does wonders for the airways. I have no siblings. The closest I have to a sister is the cousin whom I have mentioned. Miss Cecilia Bentley. Among my family she is my greatest friend."

"You are the only child?" Edith said with some surprise. "The only heir to Elwood! Your father must regard you with importance."

Raymond's smile wavered. "He does," he said in a lower tone. He then quickly asked, "What of your family?"

"My parents and my younger sister are travelling to visit my elder brother and his wife. They are all happy and healthy. I alone am left to attend this ball."

"Whatever would they leave you for?"

Edith felt a little pride swell within her. "The trip was already planned before the invitation arrived. Since it was mainly addressed to me, my family felt they could leave it to me to attend."

Raymond's expression looked both surprised and impressed."Mainly addressed to you? What qualified you to receive such honor?"

"The Queen's sister is a great reader." She laughed. "I believe she and Miss Bentley would be at odds to find who enjoys my stories the most."

Raymond joined her in laughing. "How extraordinary! You truly are remarkable."

Edith smiled and felt a little flutter when she noticed how intently his eyes looked into hers.

Her lips parted slightly as she tried to say something--she wasn't entirely sure what. But the orchestra's song finished abruptly. She had barely been aware of it until it ceased. She and Raymond took a few steps apart, curtseying and bowing to each other again. When she rose she expected to be able to finish what she had to say, but she was stopped again by an approaching voice.

"You're dancing?" Mr. Darling said with quiet incredulity. He eyed Raymond as he came closer. "Who is your partner?"

"Mr. Darling," Edith said, glancing between the two, perplexed by the forced civility in their expressions as they watched each other. "This is Lord Raymond."

"Lord Raymond," Mr. Darling said, his voice low. "I believe we saw you earlier. By the card room, was it?"

Raymond smiled. "Perhaps. And how are you enjoying the ball, Mr. Darling?"

"It's as good a gathering as I've ever seen."

"Have you procured a partner for the next dance?"

Mr. Darling briefly looked at Edith. "I was hoping that Miss Curtis would agree to be my partner, now that she is dancing."

"That is disappointing to hear, since I was nearly about to ask her the same thing."

The pressure of their offers combined weighed down on Edith. She smiled, trying to think of a way to act graciously, though not knowing how with two men asking for the same dance. "I cannot dance with both of you at once," she finally said, her voice betraying more of her conflicted feelings than she would have liked.

"Then I suppose you have the power to choose," Raymond said jokingly. "Make sure to disappoint me gently."

Edith's face was burning as she puzzled over the situation. Refusing one for the other would be insulting either way. Though she was capable of denying a request with civility, she still didn't want to humiliate either. Why had they asked her for the same dance?

"Forgive me," Mr. Darling said, his voice quiet and distracted. He gave a small bow. "I just remembered a duty I must attend to elsewhere. Do not be offended if I withdraw my offer." He glanced at Raymond and nodded. "Good evening, Lord Raymond."

With a turn of the heel, Mr. Darling retreated into the crowd.

Edith let out a relieved sigh.

"I suppose this means you will be dancing with me?" Raymond said cheerfully, holding his arm out for her.

"Of course," Edith said absently, her eyes still watching the crowd into which Mr. Darling had disappeared.

Raymond followed her gaze. "I don't know what could have been wrong with the man. One minute so insistent and the next so dismissive!"

"Yes," Edith said thoughtfully. "But Mr. Darling is a very conscientious man. He is not so contrary. Something rather urgent must have brought it about."

An opening flourish to the next song sounded. Raymond bowed. Edith almost forgot to curtsey.

"You seem to know that gentleman well," Raymond said as they came together for the first steps.

"Mr. Darling? Yes, he's been a friend of my family for many years."

Raymond gave a half smile. "And yet you cannot explain his behavior."

"As I said before," Edith started with a shrug, "I am not skilled at reading a person's motives."

She noticed Raymond's dancing growing slower and felt a sudden tap on her shoulder. She turned her head to see a palace attendant standing by her, his expression one of deference. "Pardon me, Miss," he said.

Edith stopped dancing and took a step away from Raymond, who stood to the side and watched.

"I am terribly sorry to intrude," he continued.

Edith was confused and a little upset. "Did you have a reason to not wait until the dance was finished?"

"I'm afraid so. Your presence is required immediately."

"Whatever for?"

"It will all be explained. But I really must insist you come now."
The servant's tone was respectful and calm, yet forceful. A hint of worry stirred inside Edith.

"Give your word," Raymond cut in sharply. Edith turned to see him with his eyes narrowed, standing in as commanding a way as possible. "Give your word that no harm will come to Miss Curtis' feelings or person."

The servant threw an impatient look at him and sighed. "I assure you, Miss, I am only being blunt because of the urgency of the matter, not from any ill will towards you. But I must insist you come now."

Raymond took a protective step forward, but Edith waved him back. "It is fine," she said, though still wondering what could so greatly demand her. "Lead me where you will."

The servant nodded, then walked briskly away across the dance floor. Edith began to follow, but Raymond caught her hand.

"Don't go," he said simply.

Edith smiled jokingly. "You don't know what to do without a dance partner? I have a very lively friend who would love to replace me."

"I only wish to dance with you."

Edith's breath caught, and she looked away. Could he tell she was blushing? "I have to go," she said quietly. "It's urgent."

Raymond let go of her hand as she pulled it away. "Do you promise me another dance when you return?" he asked hopefully

"Of course." With those words, Edith left, her feet moving quickly, partly compelled by the need to keep up with the retreating servant, and partly to let the duke's eyes linger on her for as little time as possible.