"Alice," Brandon's cheerful voice called for her and she turned away from her conversation with Eva to face him. Beside him was a remarkably beautiful woman who was in a very horrid blue dress that did not even compliment the color of her light brown eyes. Her black hair was at least done quite well. Her smile was innocent and kind, one Alice certainly noted as genuine. "This is my friend, Miss Pepper. Pepper, these are my friends Lady Alice and Lady Eva."

Pepper gracefully curtsied and in a confident voice said, "Brandon has spoken about you." Her eyes turned to Alice, "Most particularly you, my lady. He said you are not what your reputation says you are."

Alice nodded in acknowledgement, turning her head to Brandon. "I like her."

Brandon's face flushed.

"How do you like this year's Seymour Ball, Miss Pepper?" Eva asked, positioning herself beside Alice.

"Please, simply Pepper, my lady." Pepper looked about. "The ball is as always spectacular. And my dress is as always the ugliest. Wouldn't you agree?"

"No, of course not," replied Eva.

"Yes, strongly," Alice stated over her friend's objection.

Brandon and Pepper looked at each other and chuckled. "Did I not tell you, Pepper? You will like her."

Pepper nodded enthusiastically. "Although I appreciate Lady Eva's attempt to be nice, I also appreciate your honesty, Lady Alice."

Alice cleared her throat behind her hand. "Well, why don't we continue this over refreshments?" she asked, looking at both Pepper and Eva. "Brandon, would you be a dear and grab us some sherry?"

Brandon jumped and said, "Right away, milady."

The three of them watched Brandon walk away. Alice stole Pepper a glance as the woman's eyes glimmered with adoration. "Oh, he is rather daft, is he not?" she asked Pepper who blinked in confusion. "He is not aware you have been waiting for him."

Pepper's cheeks flushed as Eva said, "Alice, don't you think you are making Miss Pepper uncomfortable?"

But Pepper nodded and fixed her light brown eyes at Alice. "Yes, my lady, you are making me quite uncomfortable with your words." She sighed and turned to look at Brandon from afar once again. "Because they are true. I have been waiting for that fool and he has not made any untoward advances."

Eva's eyes rounded and her mouth fell open at Pepper's choice of words. Alice, on the other hand, simply nodded. "Yes, dear. He is rather slow. But fret not, he will soon show his feelings."

Pepper turned to Alice. "He will?"

"Because we told him to," she replied, turning to Eva. "Did we not, Eva?"

Eva nodded, now with a big smile on her face. "And it is quite exciting to know that you feel the same way toward Brandon!"

Pepper sighed, fully facing them. "I believe I loved him first, if you must know."

Alice allowed a smile to show how pleased she was. "Then that is even better. Now, where is your dancing card?"

The woman showed them her dancing card.

Eva and Alice studied it.

"Hmm. It is as empty as mine," Alice commented.

She and Eva looked around the ballroom. "We should ask Martin and Harold to dance with her," said Eva.

Alice nodded. "Yes. And who is that man Harold is standing with?"

Eva craned her neck. "Ah, Eustace Theobald."

"Are you two acquainted?"

"Quite."

"Very well, we should include him on the list."

Pepper blinked. "But why—"

"Your Brandon should never know that he won you easily, dear," Alice said under her breath. "Eva?"

Her friend gave her a questioning look.

"Well, do go on. Do tell your husband and those two," she said, pointing at Harold and Theobald's direction, "that they have dances to attend to."

Eva nodded and went away to do as told.

Alice smiled at Pepper. "Are you nervous?"

"Yes."

"Good. Otherwise, you are not in love with him."

*****

"Is that her?" Eustace Theobald whispered beside Harold, his pale grey eyes staring directly at Alice.

"She is not to be played with, Eustace, I am warning you," Harold gritted out as he noticed the admiring look in his friend's eyes.

Theobald rolled his eyes and sighed. He gulped down his drink and growled. "I would not consider it even if I wanted to, Harry. My betrothed is here as we speak." He turned his head and groaned. "And here she comes."

Harold turned and saw Lady Rachel coming toward them. She was not exceptionally beautiful. Her beauty was a common kind of pretty in Harold's opinion. The lack of confidence in her stance and the way she carried herself would not do her good either, most particularly if she were to marry Eustace Theobald.

He was not in the position to tell her, but the woman ought to know that she to gain confidence and spite before she married Theobald. His friend would take advantage of the poor woman.

"Ah, Rachel," Eustace said when his betrothed reached them. "Wherever have you been?"

"Walking about, my lord. I have made a few friends," she replied in voice weaker than a scullery maid's. Good God, this woman should find a way out of the betrothal, Harold thought to himself.

"Be careful whom you make friends with here in Wickhurst, Rachel," Theobald warned before saying, "Harold, meet Lady Rachel. I have already told you about her. Rachel, dear, this is Harold," Theobald introduced wryly. "I already told you about him."

Her blue eyes did not linger on Harold's. Instead, she offered her hand for him to kiss and then proceeded to say, "It is my pleasure to finally meet you, my lord."

"As it is mine," Harold replied with a smile.

He looked away from the woman, quite unsure why he felt pity.

No, of course he knew why.

Theobald was the biggest rakehell in town. Lady Rachel would need great strength and endurance to tame the man.

******

"Well?" Alice asked when Eva finally returned.

"It is done," her friend said with a triumphant smile. "My husband and his friends will claim their dances, Pepper. Harold and Lord Theobald refused. They believe their reputation will not help with our cause. But they did find friends worthy of it."

Alice nodded, pleased. That would be fair. "And who is that woman standing with Harold and Lord Theobald?" she inquired.

"Lord Theobald's betrothed, Lady Rachel," Pepper replied. "A very fine lady from a very fine family."

Alice heard the tasteless tone in Pepper's voice. "And why do you sound as though you hate it?"

"Of course, I do. They are trying to keep the engagement a secret, but the gossip has already spread. And it is getting worse by the second. Everybody knows Lord Theobald is a rake. The biggest there is."

Alice merely nodded. She was not one to judge or care for Lady Rachel's fate. She did not know the woman. Her attention was now on Harold who was idly standing beside the couple, looking around the ballroom but not at her when she knew he knew exactly where she was standing.

They were both ignoring each other.

As they should, of course.

Alice turned away and scoffed just in time to see Martin coming their way.

"Ah, he is here for a dance," Eva said, grabbing Pepper's hand. They turned to Martin who introduced himself to Pepper. Eva gladly allowed the two to go and dance, pushing Pepper slightly toward the dance floor.

As Pepper and Martin walked away, Eva turned to Alice. "Should we not go find Brandon? He will not be bothered seeing Pepper dance with my husband, but he will be when he sees other men looking at her while she does. And oh, I cannot wait until the other men claim their dances."

Alice nodded. "Yes, we should do that."

Eva led the way and Alice started to follow but her steps faltered when she felt a strong hand at the small of her back pushing her to the right.

"Do not cause any trouble, my dear, and follow me," said Sebastian's voice.

"And why should I?" she gritted through her teeth. Eva was far away now, lost in the crowd, her head craned, looking for Brandon.

"Because you do not want your mother hurt, my dear, that is why."

Alice stiffened. "You dare—"

"No, no, no," Sebastian hissed behind her, pushing her to the side and toward the nearest doorway. "Don't go anywhere, my sweet whore," he hissed again. "Your mother's in Willowfair, is she not?"

Alice briskly walked out of the doorway, down the corridor and without bothering to check if they were alone, she turned to face him. "What do you want, Sebastian? Why can you not leave me alone?"

"I want you," he said with a sneer, looking her up and down, possibly stripping her of her midnight blue gown in his mind. "You cannot display your beauty and not think I will rest, can you, sweetheart?"

Alice frowned in disbelief. "You are insane, Sebastian."

"No, I want you." He looked about. So did Alice. Three men walked out of a gaming room, laughing. They paused when they saw Sebastian and then waved their hands and turned to cross the corridor and into another room. Sebastian turned his attention back on Alice. "How much does Kenward spare you, my dear? Come on, tell me. I will double it. Surely you are not worth that much."

"I am worth your life, you bloody bastard," Alice said, pushing him away.

He got hold of both her wrists and Alice pulled her right hand with all the strength she had. Her hand slipped from his hold and immediately landed against the side of his face. The sound echoed down the corridor. "Get away from me!" she growled as he angry grabbed her free hand again. His eyes were darker now, intensely furious.

"Do not force me to make you limp again, Sebastian—"

"Yours are naught but empty threats, my dear Alice," Sebastian said with a chuckle. "While mine is currently underworks. I am giving you one last chance. Let me claim you and you will never go hungry. Your reputation will remain as it is."

"My reputation is doing quite well, thank you. Let go of me—"

"And your mother shall be safe from harm," Sebastian finished, smiling broadly as Alice stiffened.

"My mother is safe and if you ever lay a finger on her—"

"Let go of her, my lord," a small voice said from behind Alice. Alice looked over her shoulder to see a familiar face standing in the middle of the corridor. "Now, please," the woman added with a smile.

Sebastian took a lungful of air and pulled Alice against him. He bent down to whisper in her ear. "Balls are not conducive for what we are negotiating, Alice, dear. Perhaps we should find a better place."

"Hell would be the only place I will meet you, you monster," Alice retorted in a shaky whisper.

Sebastian's hold around her wrists tightened. "I will get you, Alice. I swear to make certain no one would want you. You will come to me and beg me to take you. You will do so stripped of your clothes, on your knees, and you will say nothing as I laugh and spit at you. And even then, you will come willingly, my dear, because you I will be the only monster willing to take you after tonight."

Alice was suddenly released. She stumbled back, staring wide-eyed at Sebastian's devil of a face. His eyes were drawing for her the kind of hell he had in mind for her.

*****

"Are you all right?" Lady Rachel asked, her soft voice filled with concern when Sebastian disappeared.

Alice nodded, lying to both herself and the woman.

"Do you wish for me to call for someone?"

"No," Alice quickly replied. She blinked and composed herself.

She was tired. She was bloody tired.

She was tired of Wickhurst.

She was tired of these balls.

She was bloody tired!

"I am sorry for snapping at you, my lady," she apologized, facing Rachel. "You are Lady Rachel, if I am not mistaken."

"And you are Lady Alice," said the woman, the concern in her blue eyes still apparent. "This is my first time in Wickhurst and the very moment I arrived, I heard about Lady Ice."

Alice sighed. "Of course." She looked down the corridor.

"Do you wish to go home?"

"No, I... I just need," Alice was still in a blur, her mind muddled. "Eva..."

"Of course! After what you have been through—" the woman stopped herself and attempted a smile. "Very well, I will look for Lady Surley." They both turned when a door opened and a man came out. "Lord Gedge!" Lady Rachel greeted.

The gentleman's face lit up when he spotted Rachel. "Lady Rachel!"

"Oh, perfect timing. Will you do me a favor, please?"

The rather large man walked with ease toward them. "Of course, my lady."

Rachel turned to Alice. "This is my friend, Lady Alice. Lady Alice, Lord Gedge. He is a friend."

Lord Gedge took Alice's hand to kiss it, bending slightly, showing the crown of his brown hair. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady," he said, straightening to full height. His hazel eyes smiled at her.

Alice could only nod, but when Rachel voiced her request, she started to shake it. "Would you be so kind as to accompany Lady Alice? She is not feeling quite well. I need to find Lady Surley."

"No, I do not need—"

"Of course," Lord Gedge said, offering his arm at Alice. "Perhaps toward the ballroom, my lady?"

Alice swallowed. She let out a shaky breath. She stared at Lord Gedge's arm.

Oh, very well. It would not hurt to want company when one was still shaking with fright and anger.

She took Lord Gedge's arm and allowed him to guide her back into the ballroom while Rachel took off to find Eva.

She had wanted to ask if they could stand in one corner while Rachel was away, but changed her mind when she spotted Sebastian standing against one column, looking straight at her, gaze meaningful, smile hiding a secret.

"Why don't we go around the ballroom, my lord?" she asked her companion. She needed to move about. Her legs were still shaking.

Lord Gedge complied dutifully, talking about his new wife and his adjustments with married life. Alice was only half-listening when she noticed Harold striding toward them and she strongly pulled Lord Gedge to the right, almost dragging the man toward the gardens. "I am quite certain your wife will not mind if you accompany me to the gardens, yes?"

"Oh, she will not, so long as we are in the safe premises. But then, my wife might be in the gardens with her friends as she had mentioned earlier. Perhaps you can meet them."

"Good. Of course. More friends for me," she said, forcing a smile.

*****

Harold was on a bloody mission.

He was not merely determined. He was bloody furious.

At himself.

And at her.

And at Gedge.

The man ought to know better!

He followed the pair out into the gardens and without a word, slipped right between them, successfully separating Alice from Gedge.

"Ah, Gedge," he said before Alice could protest. "Fancy seeing you here." He turned to Alice. "Alice! Martin and Eva are looking for you. Where have you been?"

Her blue eyes were glaring at him but he ignored it with a smile. "Gedge, if you do not mind. Lady Alice needs to be somewhere else."

"I—" Gedge started but was left speechless when Harold grabbed Alice by the hand and half-pulled, half-dragged her back into the ballroom.

When they were safely away from Gedge, he let go of her hand with hesitation. "Where are they?" she demanded.

"Who?" he asked.

"Martin and Eva."

"I do not know."

She huffed. "Then you lied."

"Yes," he shamelessly admitted, looking down at her with narrowed eyes. "What the bloody hell were you thinking walking about with Gedge?"

"We were introduced!" she hissed.

"He is bloody married—"

"I am fully aware of the fact. In fact, we were out in the gardens looking for—"

"—to a notorious gossipmonger!" he finished his statement. "If you want to stay out of trouble, Alice, you will have to behave. What would people think if they find you in the garden alone with Gedge without his wife? And what would his wife think? She could spew lies faster than you can blink."

Her anger was getting more apparent by each second. "Your anger is misplaced and unnecessary, Harold." She stepped away when he reached for her. "Do not touch me. I will find my friends on my own. Thank you for saving me again," she mockingly said before turning away.

Harold scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair.

Doomed.

He was bloody doomed.

Doomed because he knew what he wanted but did not know how to claim it.

And for that, he was the biggest idiot this season.

*****

"Why?" Eva demanded, surprised.

"My father has left me and my mother a sum of money. We could use it to find a cottage somewhere. It would be a good life. I will raise horses. That is what I always love to do." She looked around the ballroom, her composure back and intact. "I do not aspire great things like my mother."

"But Alice, this season has just began. Surely you can—"

"It is hard to find love in a ball such as this one, Eva. You and I both know it. This is simply a venue for countless business negotiations."

"Alice," Eva whispered beside her, both to them looking away from Pepper and Brandon dancing their second dance, "what is it that you truly want?"

Alice looked Eva in the eyes. "Are you happy being married to Martin?"

"I have never been happier."

She nodded and looked over Eva's shoulder where Harold was standing, surrounded by Martin and their friends. "Then I want the same happiness, Eva. And I cannot find it here in Wickhurst."

Eva sighed, frowning at her with concern. "Are you certain you are fine? Rachel was very fretful when she informed me about what happened. We should go home."

"No," Alice said. "This might be my last ball in Wickhurst, after all."

"You are acting oddly." Eva helplessly looked about. "Sebastian is still here. Perhaps we should go and continue this discussion at home."

"And I am not running away again as I did last time," she retorted.

Brandon and Pepper disappeared into the gardens after their dance. Alice and Eva were joined by Martin and Harold who did not even spare Alice a glance as they pretended to be engaged in the conversation at hand. Alice was starting to get used to this odd relationship with Harold, really. But it did not mean that he was one she could easily ignore.

That was far from the case.

She was always aware of his presence. And she was certain he was very tuned in on hers. They were just both the biggest fools to be able to endure it.

Lord Theobald and Lady Rachel were the center of attention at the moment and for once, Alice was grateful that she could stand there and pretend to be interested without notice. She was also grateful that Lady Rachel was not giving away anything about what she witnessed in the corridor.

Enduring a few more hours in the ball was enough for everyone. As the crowd slowly dispersed, Martin and Eustace followed the line of men toward the entrance to call for their respective carriages.

Eva and Lady Rachel were deep in conversation with Harold, discussing the latest Everard jewelries this season. Alice excused herself, wanting to get one last glass of sherry before their carriage arrived.

She walked away from her friends and Harold, all the while aware that his eyes followed her, finding her target in the form of a servant carrying a try of glasses.

"I will have one," she said to the man, grabbing a serving of sherry.

As she took a sip, she noticed Harold grabbing a glass as the servant walked past him.

She was not surprised he followed her. She was merely curious how.

Alice checked Eva and Rachel, both of them standing a few meters away, chatting and chuckling like good old friends. She slanted her eyes at Harold who was looking at her with a blank look on his face, standing quite close.

She took a step back.

He took one forward.

Alice rolled her eyes. "You always find the best timing to catch me," she snapped at him. Perfect but tardy, she added in her mind. "Do you do so because I confuse you?" she asked, glad that her intention to shake him took effect.

He blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You always follow me about. You always turn up at unwanted moments. Why is it, my lord? Do I confuse your desire to remain unmarried, or are you simply hoping I accept your offer to be your mistress?"

"I—I am merely concerned, Alice. You do not look fine."

Alice sighed and downed her sherry.

"And you are obviously drinking too much."

Ah, she was getting tired of this, of pushing him away. Bloody hell, if he would not leave her alone, she might just end up yielding. "Have I not told you that you cause me distress?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you always have to constantly follow me about! We are not friends. You do not wish to be friends, remember?" she demanded.

She saw him stiffen at the reminder. She shook her head, taking a step to walk back to Eva and Rachel, when his question stopped her.

"What if I do?"

Alice turned. "Do what?"

His emerald eyes looked unsure. His tone was even more so as he asked, "What if I do wish to be friends?"