Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,24

easy grin that matched the red thatch of hair covering his head. “A service I am pleased to offer, though I can scarce believe your stepbrother would release such a beauty as yourself.”

“He insisted I dance with him, give him a feel for those ladies he should attend. I’m afraid the night does not hold enough hours to dance with them all.”

He bowed. “Would you do me the honor of this dance before another fellow comes to carry you away?”

“I would be delighted.”

He smiled, took Marissa’s hand, and then nodded at his mother. “Will you be alright if I leave you here?”

She thwacked his arm with her fan. “I am quite capable of conducting myself at a ball.” She looked at Marissa. “Enjoy yourself, my dear.”

Sir Scott swept her away, though they chose to wait for the next set.

Marissa kept her hand hooked through his elbow. “Your mother is a sweet woman.”

“I have been blessed in both my parents. Do you not feel the same?”

Her lips took on a wry twist. “Lady DeGanne is a force to recon with, even by me at times.”

“She brought you here. I must say, most of us at University thought Robert would look no further for his bride.”

“We are friends, that is all.” Liar. She gave herself a mental shake. Why did that voice have to contradict now? She gazed at Sir Scott’s handsome features. “What did you study at University?”

“I found myself interested in business.”

“Perhaps you can tell me more later.” Marissa pointed in the direction of the dancers. “The next set is beginning.”

He patted her hand. “Would you do me the honor of being my dinner partner, if you wish to hear more?”

Marissa’s smile widened. “I am honored, yes.”

He moved them into position in the line of dancers, releasing her. The feel of his fingers on her skin did not elicit any other response than one of camaraderie. Was this to be the way of it? She looked at the man standing across from her, but who she wanted to see was Robert. No, no, no. She forced her thoughts away from her stepbrother as the music began.

The full set lasted almost half an hour. Sir Scott breathed deeply as they neared an open doorway. “The throng is thick this evening. Might I get you a glass of something?”

Marissa rested her hand on his arm. “Water would be delightful. Shall I wait here for you?”

His smile brought a twinkle to his eyes. She couldn’t hear his response, and then he walked away. A throng indeed. He labeled the garrulous gathering well. An unfamiliar man wearing a blue velvet suit with a long feather draping back from his hat sauntered past. Marissa shook her head. The woman at his side wore a gown with a stiff skirt that swung back and forth like a bell as she walked.

Something crawled on her arm and Marissa swept it away with a shiver. Cold blew across her back, wrapping around her. For a moment, her heart thudded with fear, her breath catching in her throat. She raised a hand, fingers brushing against the silver necklace she’d forgotten she was wearing. Warmth spread and the tight hold on her chest relaxed. She gasped, searching for what had caused such an unpleasant feeling. Nothing seemed amiss.

“Right where I left you.” Sir Scott appeared at her side, offering a glass.

She blinked at him and gave another glance through the area.

“Are you well? Has the air become too cold?”

Marissa gave herself a mental shake. “For a moment. I appreciate the water.” She offered a sweet smile before drinking. The water did refresh, wetting her dry tongue.

“Shall we dance again? This set just begun.” Sir Scott took her empty glass along with his and gave them to a passing servant.

Marissa nodded, placing her hand on his forearm. The tone of conversation changed as they walked toward the group of dancers. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but excitement buzzed through the air. It wasn’t until the crowd parted and she saw Prince Robert pass through a stream of light. He wasn’t alone. He hadn’t been the entire evening, but this was different. The woman with him gazed up in perfect rapture. He looked down equally enthralled. They twirled away, and those nearest her burst into discussions.

Someone tugged on her sleeve. “Who is she?” Sereh blinked tears. “This was to be our dance. How can he…” She waved at the floor.

“But you already danced.” Marissa thought she had seen them together.

“He