Benjamin spent the rest of the dinner in silence. Clara's Aunt was giving him the cold shoulder and he did not care to converse with anyone else. After they had dined, it was on to the dance.

Benjamin purposely picked the first and last set as it gave him the advantage over Banks, but also because they were both a waltz. The only dance he knew and mastered. Court dances would have found him tied up with two left feet. A Cotillion or Reel would be even worse.

He sought her out. "Lady, Bentley," he bowed before her, "I believe this is my dance."

She positively beamed at him as he took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. Limbs intertwined and the distance between them became non-existent. He expertly glided with her across the floor. As a couple, they were quite spectacular. Several of the matrons sitting on the side began to whisper and suppose.

"I thought you did not dance, Mr. McAllister," Clara said, quite impressed by how he easily led them around the dance floor.

"You misunderstood. I can dance. I just prefer not too, Lady Bentley." At this moment, however, he was quite grateful for dancing. Relishing the feel of her in his arms.

"You know we are causing quite the stir." Clara giggled. Benjamin had noticed. Always being aware of his surroundings, it was hard not to.

"Not surprising," Benjamin said, "the waltz is still considered quite wicked by most of your Aunt's generation."

"Is that why you chose this dance, Mr. McAllister? Are you planning on being wicked? Must I be concerned about my virtue? Perhaps, Mr. Banks and his warnings of you are correct."

"Banks!" He stiffened beneath her touch at his name.

"Yes, he spent most of dinner warning me that you were declaring that you'd have me. That my virtue was not safe and that I should allow him to stay close to me throughout the evening to be certain I am safeguarded."

Clara meant the words to be teasing but seeing the hard set to Benjamin's features she regretted saying them. "I know you would never..."

He held on to her a little tighter. "Clara, it is not me but Banks, you need to fear. He is determined to have you. He will make any promise, but ultimately he will not be satisfied until he beds you."

Clara found herself actually shrugging in response. "Tell me, Mr. McAllister. If not you, what does it matter?"

Her words struck him like a knife through the heart. She sounded despondent, older, resigned to her fate. He wished he could offer her more. She deserved, so much more.

The dance had all too quickly come to an end. She pulled away from him, curtsied and walked away. Leaving him there miserable, wanting and alone.

He continued to observe her from the around the room as he paced, finding it difficult to remain still. She and Beau were now dancing a Reel and she was lit up from within. Laughing at whatever it was that Beau had said. Her face was flushed pink from the exhaustion of the dance.

She was positively sublime, but her beauty was nothing in comparison to her spirit. It was her very soul he wished to possess. She was so vibrant, alive, but when she spoke of Banks he watched as that light became diminished, almost extinguished. It ate away at him.

As the next set concluded he waited for Beau, with a drink in hand. Beau took it gratefully. "I can see why you are so taken with her, but I would venture to guess your warning did not go well?"

"No," Benjamin said, sloshing back his own drink. His features set in granite. "She is resigned. She has accepted her lot, as I have mine."

"Balderdash! You have your obligations. Both of you, but you also have your own lives to live. You cannot allow another to make that choice for you."

"What life do I have to offer her? My work... she'd be alone, in danger, should anyone find out we had a connection. Do I subject her to that for my own selfish reasons?"

"No, but you should not make that choice for her. Clara should be given the chance to decide. There is nothing worse than living a life of someone else's making. Just about every other woman in this room is subjected to that fate but Benjamin I see how she looks at you. Will you truly choose duty to the crown over the duty to you own heart and hers?"

He watched her dancing with Banks. She smiled properly. Made all the right moves and gestures. She was playing a part as he does on a daily basis, being what someone else wants...what she is expected to be, instead of who she really is.

He knew the real Clara... he got a glimpse of her that one night, a night that was forever etched in his memory. It was reckless of them both to indulge but he could not remember a time he felt more alive.

"If you wish, I will lead her out to the gardens at the intermission. Follow us. Tell her how you truly feel. Leave it all at her feet to make up her mind. She may still choose Banks but at least you know you gave her the option to live and have a life worth living."

"Is it?"

"Is it what?" Beau asked, slightly bristled his friend did not immediately take his offer.

"A life worth living?"

"My life is absurd. You and I both know this but a life without love... when you are truly given a chance... Benji?"

It was not like Beau to appear sullen but at that moment Benjamin realized just how lonely both their lives had become. They were all about appearances, and connections but no real connections were ever made. Just useful connections that helped one advance through life, gleaning from it information, financial gain, and whatnot.

His eyes once again sought out Clara and she was in the arms of yet another man. There was no shortage of men vying to fill her card and wanting to fill a place in her life. Her eyes locked with his. He could not look away but she had to as the dance required her attention.

"I will do it," Benjamin said to Beau. "Just get me the chance and I will do the rest."

Beau's mood suddenly lightened considerably. "Consider it done."

Benjamin was not sure what this evening would hold in store but he was willing to try for something more.

*****

Clara didn't mean to upset him. She shouldn't have taken that jab, but it rankled her some that he came here tonight with the intention of warning her off of accepting Banks.

She knew Banks spoke to her Aunt about a possible engagement. It was just a matter of when an actual proposal would be made but it seemed the entire game changed when she'd seen Benjamin standing there in the room.

He escorts her to dinner and dances with her a waltz. It felt like torture, sweet torture to be held in his arms so tightly, her body responded to his being so close and her soul cried out for him to make some sort of declaration.

She could not be alone in her feelings. She just could not. He must feel it too. Or why go through the trouble of coming here, of warning her? She did not mean to be so harsh but the reality is harsh. IF not him, why not Banks or any other of the men she danced with this evening. All just empty names written upon a fan. All except for one.

She ran her fingers over his signature, tracing the bold sweeping lines. The next dance started and she was relieved to see Beau ready and waiting to collect her. She did not have to pretend when he was about. She knew he had no interest in her romantically or otherwise.

It was a courtly dance that was quite complicated but Beau was exceptional at keeping time and keeping her from looking foolish when she miss stepped. They were both quite flushed and exhausted by its end.

"Care for some air?"

Clara smiled. "That would be lovely."

He took her arm in his and led her out to the balcony. "It is quite a beautiful night."

Clara breathed in deep the crisp night air, filling her nostrils and lungs and exhaling slowly. "That it is."

"Would you care for some refreshment?"

"You are too kind."

Beau left her there and stepped back inside.

Clara leaned over the balcony and seen the courtyard below. She wandered down the steps to the fountain. It was not running and the undisturbed koi swam merrily among the water lilies. She drew soft circles in the water drawing the fish closer by her movements.

She felt the presence of someone behind her. "Thank you," she turned to say but it was not Mr. Brummell that she faced.

"Lady Bentley you must pardon my intrusion. I did not see you among the guests and became alarmed. So sought you out."

"How noble of you," Clara said.

"But as we have this stolen moment there is something I must tell you. Now before another moment passes."

Clara became more nervous as the seconds ticked by. She stared at the ring in the box that was held open before her. She knew what she was expected to do. She knew she had run out of time and with no other choice presented to her, she accepted.

Benjamin stood on the balcony. He watched helplessly as Banks slid the ring on her finger. She had accepted. It was over before it had begun. The champagne glass slipped from his hand and shattered. Bringing the couple's attention to him. He did nothing. He said nothing, only turned and walked away.

"Oh God No... What have I done?" Clara felt in throws of panic. She wanted to run. She wanted to spin Benjamin around and demand why? What was his plan? What would he have said to her?

Instead, she sat immobile. Her hand held firmly by Banks, who had a look of utter triumph upon his face. He leaned in and kissed her lips, but pulled back severely disappointed as she left him cold.