offered another.” Sereh scowled in the direction of the dancers. “And then he noticed her.”
Marissa held on to Sir Scott as the crowd thickened. He leaned close. “Do you want to join this set of dancers?”
“Yes, yes.” She squeezed his arm and nodded in case he couldn’t hear her. She turned to Sereh. “I will try to find out. He would not be so ignoble as to ignore a promise.”
They joined the line of couples. Sir Scott proved an excellent partner, and yet it was every passing of Robert that grabbed her attention, that fed the fluttering in her chest and weighted the sinking feel in her stomach. Who is this woman?
The prince danced with the stranger. It was as if they were the only ones on the floor. Their eyes held, their bodies moved in tandem, following the steps while being wholly absorbed. Marissa twisted her neck to try to get a better look at her. She caught a hint of golden curls and a simple gown of soft rose. Sir Scott took her hand and they spun in the opposite direction.
“Prince Robert has caused quite the stir. Was this not the purpose of the evening?” Sir Scott drew Marissa toward a seating area after the end of the set.
“Do you know her? She did not look familiar.”
He offered a wan smile. “I’m afraid my attention is more attuned to a different woman this evening.”
Her? “You are kind, Sir …”
“Please, just Scott. We have known each other long enough to be on a first name basis?”
“You do me great honor, Scott.”
“And may I call you Marissa?” He tucked loose hair behind her ear.
“You may.”
He offered her a seat, and then pointed at a table with refreshment. “I’ll be right back.”
Marissa turned her chair in such a way as to allow her to spy the next set opening. Robert and his lady friend were at the front of the line of dancers. They looked like lovers. She frowned. I should be happy for him. The touch of metal around her neck calmed her thoughts. But I’m not.
“Exquisite workmanship. Who gave it to you?” Scott took a seat beside her.
“What?” Then she noticed his attention on her necklace. “This? I’ve worn it all evening.”
He offered a small silver tray with two drinks and almond cookies. “Indeed? I had not noticed. Your eyes must have more sparkle.”
Marissa felt her cheeks heat. “Sir … I mean Scott. Your flattery is appealing.”
“Then I shall continue.”
Conversations around them lowered. The two of them glanced at the dancing. Scott shook his head. “Prince Robert holds to his beauty. He’s causing a stir.” A woman wearing a deep blue gown sobbed as she hurried past. “And tears.”
Marissa frowned. “Did you hear people talking? Does anyone know her?”
“Someone seemed to think her a third or fourth cousin of French royalty, but the French are not blonde, and no name was offered, not even a family name.”
“A mystery.” Her shoe tapped against the marble floor as the prince swirled the unfamiliar woman. The heightened color of her pale skin was expected since they’d been dancing for so long. Her petite hand against his blue blazer gave an appearance of possession.
Scott draped his arm across the back of her seat, leaning closer. “The night is young. We will know all we need to know during the midnight supper.”
“You mean to keep the princess to yourself, VanCleif?” Another young man stepped in front of them, blocking Marissa’s view.
Her lips twitched. By his rosy cheeks, he’d gone for something stronger than water.
Scott didn’t move. “I suppose if someone worthy came along I could part with her until supper.”
Marissa tilted her head. “You don’t think Tennison a worthy dance partner?”
Scott looked horrified. “Do you cherish your toes?”
Marissa grinned, looking from Scott to Tennison. “He has a good point. Millicent Stol had to sit out an entire evening.”
Tennison rolled his eyes. “Am I never to be forgiven?”
“Not yet.” She held up her card. “I will challenge you to a game of whist.”
He bowed. “You are gracious, my lady.”
Scott laughed after Tennison sauntered away. “You are brave. I hear he’s worse at cards than dancing.”
Marissa slapped his arm with the fan dangling from her wrist. “The way he’s been drinking, he won’t make it through dinner. I think I’m safe from cards.”
“Thinking women are not approved by many.” His eyes twinkled, revealing his thoughts on the matter.
“You believe different.”
He tapped her glass with his. “Indeed, I do.”
“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere.” Sereh rushed