Alexander Archer stood at the edge of the ballroom, looking around with undisguised boredom. How he loathed the season and its social events. For the past few years he had been able to avoid most of it, choosing instead to concentrate on improving his estate Roseglen in Northumberland. But as the Earl of Carlisle, he had other responsibilities, mainly for his younger sister Evelyn, who had just made her season debut. Alex noticed that Evelyn seemed to be doing well, dancing with a not-so-unbecoming man. Viscount Stanton or something-or-other. But did she have to smile at him so much?

Alex shook his head. No matter how old his sister was, she will always be that little girl to him. It had now been five years since his father's passing and Alex had taken on a more fatherly role to Evelyn. Becoming both a protector and chaperone.

Continuing his observation of the dance floor, Alex could see a few ladies peeking at him over swishing fans. He ignored them. Alex had no interest in dallying with simpering ladies trying to land a rich husband. Inheriting an earldom at such a young age definitely had its drawbacks. How he wished his father was still alive.

And now at twenty-six, his mother had been pressing him to take a wife. Unfortunately for her, Alex had no such designs. It annoyed her to no end that he would not even ask a lady to dance at these events. Maybe being an Earl had one small benefit.

Alex took a turn around the room, making polite introductions as he went. Hardly anyone had seen him since taking the earldom, which meant ambitious mothers were constantly throwing their daughters in his path. One more empty-headed than the next. One even had the audacity of suggesting they go somewhere private to "get to know each other better". Alex had no intention of getting trapped into an engagement. Especially with someone who didn't mind compromising their innocence, as long as they got a husband out of it.

It wasn't the first time he had to put up with husband-seeking vipers, but at least he had been able to avoid it for the past several years. Alex heaved a deep sigh. He needed to get some air, as well as a little space from the matchmakers.

Moving towards the doors that lead outside to the gardens, Alex was just about to step through when a young woman came rushing through at the same time. Consequently, they collided, with Alex letting out a soft "oomph" as her shoulder connected with his solar plex. He lightly grabbed her by the elbows to steady her so that they both didn't go toppling to the ground.

The woman mumbled a soft "excuse me" without even looking up at him and continued hurrying off into the ballroom. "Pardon me," Alex said after her, but doubted she had heard him as she was already lost in the throng of people. He raised an eyebrow at the peculiar behavior. Alex was used to women literally throwing themselves at him, usually as a ploy to get his attention. This young lady had barely given him a second glance and his interest was piqued beyond measure. If this was a ploy, it was a good one.

Choosing to shrug off the encounter, Alex paused as he realized the young lady had run away from the direction of the gardens. Had she been running from an unwanted liaison with a man? He quickly reflected back to her appearance and didn't recall seeing her hair or dress mussed as if she had been in an altercation. However, for the brief second he had seen her face, she seemed...pale.

Alex blew out a breath of air. His sense of honor prohibited him from dismissing the matter entirely, he knew that he needed to at least check in on the girl to make sure that she was alright. Problem was, he had no idea who she was. But he knew who would.

Pivoting and heading in the opposite direction, Alex began scanning the crowded ballroom for an older woman with an ostentatious headdress. Thankfully he was able to spot her quickly as three bright red feathers stuck two feet in the air above everyone else. Alex had always teased his mother for her taste in fashion, but for tonight, he was actually thankful for her choice in headwear. Even if it was a bit over the top.

As he made his way over to her, Alex noticed that she was talking with the other matronly ladies of the ton. Probably getting the details on all of their daughters in an attempt to find him a suitable wife. He actually shuddered at the thought. Standing behind her, Alex politely cleared his throat to gain her attention.

"Oh, Alexander, I'm glad you're here," his mother said when she noticed him. "Mrs. Winston was just telling me about her delightful niece-"

"That sounds very nice Mother," Alex said, cutting her off before she could list off all the tedious qualities of the young lady that did not differ from every other female in the room. "I was actually hoping you would take a turn around the room with me, I had a matter I wished to discuss with you."

His mother narrowed her eyes in discernment at his request. Alex had the sudden urge to shuffle his feet as if he was a schoolboy who had just been caught stealing food from the pantry. He knew his mother may not have been the best choice to inquire about a lady. It would no doubt bring suspicion on why he was interested when he had never shown any preference before. But he could hardly go around the room asking every person he met, and his mother was impeccable at keeping up with the social life of anyone who was anyone. And he wasn't interested in the girl, he was simply concerned for her wellbeing. As well as maybe a little curious.

Thankfully the Dowager Countess didn't voice any questions as she bid her leave of her acquaintances and took Alex's arm. They walked in silence for a few moments as Alex maneuvered them through the crowds. He waited expectantly for his mother to begin her inquisition at his odd behavior. But it was going to be nothing compared to when he told her the reason for their tête-à-tête.

When his mother still hadn't started barraging him with questions, Alex concluded that he must be the one to take the plunge first. "I need your assistance in identifying a young lady." Amazingly his mother didn't react at all to his pronouncement, though her hold on his arm did become slightly tighter.

"And what is the purpose behind this endeavor?"

Alex had to bite back a smile. His mother sounded casual but he could detect the almost eager tone to her words. "Don't get your hopes up Mother. I had a run-in with her when she was exiting the garden and she looked distraught. I thought it best to make sure she was alright and that nothing...untoward had happened to her."

His mother nodded her head in understanding. "That's very chivalrous of you Alexander. But did you not at least get her name when you had your 'run-in'?"

"I didn't get a chance. She barely looked at me for two seconds before she was lost in the crush."

Alex's mother swiveled her head towards him, with both eyebrows raised in astonishment. "Alexander Archer! Are you telling me that the way to get you interested in a girl was to have her ignore you?" She sniffed her nose in the air. "And they say women are supposed to be the complicated ones."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Focus Mother. I just want to see that she's alright. Not propose to her." Alex's eyes began sifting through the ballroom. "She's wearing a green dress and has brown hair."

"What color were her eyes?"

"Hazel," Alex answered immediately. Realizing his mistake, he glared down at his mother. "You tricked me."

Not able to hide her smirk, the Dowager Countess simply shrugged one shoulder. "Just curious darling."

He shot her another glare but decided to drop the incident. What did it matter if he knew her eye color? Have you ever noticed any other ladies eye color? Said a stray nagging thought. Alex quickly flicked it aside.

Just then, he caught a flash of green. Redirecting his mother, they walked towards the sighting. As they approached, the people divided like the red sea, revealing the girl who had captured his curiosity. She stood a ways back from the dance floor, pressed against the wall like she was trying to disappear from the room altogether.

Alex stopped walking and inclined his head, signaling his mother of where to look. As the former countess studied her, Alex could see that the young lady seemed to be a million miles away from the room. She was absentmindedly stroking a piece of hair that had escaped out of her coiffure, and appeared to be completely oblivious as to what was going on around her. Was she thinking about what occurred out in the garden? What could have happened that would make her run in the opposite direction? At least Alex could say that the lady in question didn't appear shaken or afraid, just simply forlorn.

"That would be Miss Miranda Edwards," his mother softly whispered. "She's the only child of Thomas and Olivia Edwards."

Their names didn't ring any bells in Alex's mind but he wasn't very well informed about any of the patrons of London society.

"She seems a bit more...mature than the other young ladies present."

His mother nodded. "This is her third season. She has supposedly been courting a younger son of Baron Berkeley and has yet to see a proposal."

It was Alex's turn to look at her in astonishment. "You mean to tell me that the cad has made her wait for three seasons?"

Giving Alex an annoyed look at his choice of language, his mother continued. "Miss Edwards lacks a substantial dowry which is the speculated reason of why he has yet to propose."

"Ah," Alex said in understanding. "I could see how that could pose a problem." He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "So what do we do now? She doesn't appear to be in any distress but I'm hardly a good judge of character when it comes to young ladies."

Letting go of his arm, his mother looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye. "Then maybe you should go ask her for a dance and find out."

+++

The night couldn't have gone more wrong for Miranda. What was supposed to be one of the best nights of her life had turned into her worst. What was she supposed to do now? After seeing William out in the garden, Miranda could do nothing but flee from the scene. She vaguely remembered rudely bumping into someone as she left the garden, but she was in such a state of shock that she barely registered it.

After taking a few moments in a deserted hallway, Miranda knew that she needed to go back into the ballroom. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but as much as she wanted to go running to her parents and beg them to take her home, she didn't want to alarm them about her dire situation. Not yet. Not when she still had a small chance to remedy this.

And so she found herself tucked away in a room full of people, playing once again the wallflower. Miranda longingly looked down at her dress. What a waste she thought. William wouldn't even get to see her in it. She couldn't bear seeing him tonight. Here she had thought that he wanted her here in order to propose to her, but in reality it was that he wanted to propose to someone else.

How could she have been so blind? Looking back on their "courtship", Miranda could see that their relationship had been entirely platonic. No stolen kisses, no brushes of his hand against hers. They had been merely good friends and nothing more. And here she thought they had been in love! How was she supposed to find the love of her life if she didn't even know what it looked like?

Sighing dejectedly, Miranda leaned against the wall feeling suddenly tired. The fact was now that a love match was now completely out of the question, she couldn't afford to be so picky. She had simply run out of time.

Standing straight, Miranda smoothed out her dress and attempted to steel her resolve. She wasn't going to find a husband if she continued moping around like a wet rag.

Pasting a smile on her face, Miranda tried to show confidence when she felt anything but. Just as she was ready to charge back into the mass of people, a figure started walking her way. Miranda froze as she recognized the form walking towards her. William made eye contact with her for a moment and started to purposely walk in her direction. Miranda began to back away, not being ready to have to face the rejection that he was surely about to deliver.

Not able to tear her gaze away from William's advancing form, Miranda took a few more steps, trying to figure out how she was going to avoid him when it was obvious that she had seen him.

Preparing to turn around and simply make a run for it, her back connected with something solid. As her feet stumbled trying to regain their balance, strong hands cupped her elbows allowing her to steady herself. Whirling around, Miranda's gaze collided with the most blue eyes she had ever seen. She didn't recognize the man, but any woman would tell that he was extremely handsome. She expected to see a sneer for having bumped him so impolitely but instead found him smiling like he found something humorous.

"P-pardon me sir," Miranda stammered, offering a slight curtsey.

His smile widened. "We really must stop meeting like this Miss Edwards or someone might think you're doing it on purpose."

Confusion plagued Miranda for a moment as she tried to place the man. But then it dawned on her that this must be the same man she had run into by the veranda. Could her evening be any more of a disaster?

"I beg your pardon sir, I was afraid I was in a bit of a rush earlier," Miranda said shyly, praying that her face wasn't turning too red.

"As you seem to be now. Are you sure that you're not rushing away from someone?" the man asked, glancing behind her.

Miranda peeked around to see that William had slowed his pace, his eyes concerned. Whipping her head back, Miranda swallowed. "That might be one element to it."

The man chuckled. "Perhaps this would be a good time then to ask your hand for the next dance?" He held his open to her.

Miranda hesitated. She didn't even know who this man was though he apparently knew her. What would her parents think of her dancing with someone she hadn't been properly introduced to? But with William almost upon her, the faux pas in etiquette seemed well worth the risk.

"Yes, thank you," she said, placing her hand in his. As he led her onto the dance floor, Miranda chanced one last glance back at William who was standing alone with a frown on his face.

Focusing back on her mysterious dance partner, Miranda couldn't help but be intrigued by the handsome man. She couldn't place his face anywhere. As she stood across from him waiting for the dance to begin, Miranda took the opportunity to study him more closely. His hair was blonde but not nearly as blonde as William's. It reminded her of a sandy shore along the coast. He had a strong jaw with a slightly dimpled chin, but if Miranda had to guess, he looked no more than thirty years of age.

As they began the steps of the dance, Miranda's heart fluttered every time they came near or when his hand touched hers. His gaze was so unwavering that Miranda was unsure how she would ever look away. If she was going to know more about him she was going to have to start some sort of conversation.

"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage sir," Miranda said, proud that her voice didn't waver.

"Oh?" he answered with a smirk.

"You know my name but I haven't had the pleasure of knowing yours."

He grinned. "Here's a proposition, I'll answer your question if you answer mine."

Miranda frowned. What was this man about? "Are you normally this evasive?" she asked.

He laughed. "I'm afraid that's another question."

Miranda huffed in annoyance. "Very well, ask your question then."

"What were you running from when you bumped into me? The first time."

Miranda jerked her head towards him. Out of all the questions he could have asked, she wasn't expecting that one. His mouth still held a smile, but his eyes had taken on a more serious side, like the answer mattered more than he wanted to admit. Miranda didn't know why this stranger would be interested, but it hardly mattered. She expected William would be announcing an engagement soon and then the whole town would know that she had been spurned. "I saw something that has forever changed the course of my life."

The man's eyebrows furrowed, as if trying to sort out a puzzle. "But you weren't harmed in any way?"

Miranda raised an eyebrow at his choice of words but she shook her head. "No, at least, not physically."

He seemed to accept her answer and continued the dance in silence. Miranda was more confused than ever. "I believe it is your turn," she said. If she wasn't going to get one straight answer from this man, she could at least get his name.

He hesitated a moment before answering. "It's Alex," he stated simply.

Miranda gaped at him. "I don't even know who you are, how can I call you by your Christian name?"

Alex shrugged. "You asked for my name and I gave it to you."

Miranda silently fumed. The audacity of the man! It didn't matter how handsome he was, no one had the right to act in such an abhorrent way. The name "Alex" wasn't familiar to her but that was hardly surprising. Other than William, she hardly knew any young men by their given name.

Remembering why she was dancing with Alex in the first place, Miranda began peeking around to see if William was possibly waiting to ambush her when the dance ended.

"You seem...distracted."

Focusing back on her partner, Miranda thought she detected a slight amount of annoyance in Alex's tone. He wasn't looking at her but she could see that his humorous expression was gone. Miranda smiled wryly to herself. "Apologies, I was thinking of someone else."

Alex's expression didn't change, but Miranda noticed his jaw tighten. She inwardly applauded herself. He wasn't the only one who could be flustering.

Thankfully the dance ended before any more could be said. Alex lightly grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor. Stopping at the edge, he lifted her hand. Miranda held her breath when she thought he was going to kiss it but he simply bowed over it. Looking up at her he winked.

"Until next time, Miranda."

Miranda could barely keep her heart in her chest, it was beating so hard. Just when she thought she had gained the upper hand, he had swept in and dazzled her beyond comparison. She knew she ought to be outraged at his boldness but she couldn't help anything but smile as she watched him walk away.