Cinderella Spell - Laurie Lee Page 0,26

up behind them.

Scott relinquished his seat with a flourishing bow.

Marissa wanted to shake her friend. “What is this? You’ve been crying, and now you have smudges of dirt on your face.” She drew a handkerchief from the pouch sewn into her gown. “Have you learned anything of interest? I admit we have not.” While she talked, Marissa dipped the edge of the kerchief in water and then dabbed at Sereh’s cheeks.

“He won’t look on anyone else.” Sereh grabbed her hands.

Marissa took a deep breath. “I know you had hoped for something more. I am sorry.” She stood, pulling Sereh with her. “There are other worthy men. Do you know the VanCleifs? This is Sir Scott.” Marissa gave him a glance. “Scott, this is Sereh.”

He bowed. “A pleasure. I understand your heart must be broken, but would you do me the honor of a dance? Or a service, a plate perhaps?”

Sereh managed a watery smile. “Another opportunity to dance?”

Scott offered his arm. “You must dance. I insist.”

She fluttered, cheeks turning pink, and acquiesced.

Marissa sat as they moved away. He is everything a man ought to be to engage my interest, but I don’t even mind he’s gone off with Sereh. Her lips tingled. If Robert’s kiss had been on purpose, if they had allowed it to deepen, would Robert be by her side at this moment?

Not much later, another young man approached. “A f-f-f-ine ball, i-i-isn’t it?”

“Clayton, how are you? I haven’t seen you since Robert returned from University.” Marissa held her hand toward him. The young man clicked his heals and bent to kiss the air an inch above her skin. “How are your sisters?”

“B-b-big, though not b-b-big enough for the b-b-ball.” He breathed. “Would you d-d-d …”

Marissa stood, allowing him to take hold of her hand. “I would enjoy a dance, Clayton.”

Though he lacked the presence of Scott and Robert, Clayton held his own as a kind, attentive partner. His being shorter allowed Marissa to see Robert and his lady returning from a balcony. They joined the set, but he never glanced in her direction. The other woman did. Marissa felt a chill scrape down her back. The unfamiliar attitude made her want to stomp her foot. I am pleased for Robert. She’s a beautiful woman. They have a connection, which is what stepfather wanted.

“What did you s-say?” Clayton quizzed as the turn brought them together.

Marissa blinked. “Robert has found a lovely young lady. Do you know her?”

He shook his head. “Pity. Any n-n-number of us would d-d-dance with her if w-we could.”

“If only men could gossip as well as women.” Marissa sighed. “She doesn’t seem inclined to girl-talk.”

Sereh and Scott joined their corner. Sereh seemed relaxed, her smile natural as she allowed Scott to twirl her to the opposite side of the corner. Clayton took Sereh next, the two of them faltering before he set her in the opposite corner. Scott crossed to Marissa, twirling her in the same manner as Sereh. He raised his brows. Ah, he noticed as well. They both smiled before the set continued and they moved to different boxes.

Then it was Robert and the woman. Neither of them said a word. They watched each other, even when being moved by a different partner. Marissa kept a smile pasted on her face, but her insides twisted with unfamiliar turmoil. The set continued. Robert and his companion went to a different square.

The night dragged. Marissa laughed, danced, spent a moment reassuring Sereh and the other young ladies. Through it all, she was acutely aware of Robert and the mysterious lady no one had yet been able to name.

Robert was spoiling her fun. She wanted to stomp her foot and hit him. Hard. Midnight approached, how many hours had he spent at that woman’s side? The music stopped. Marissa saluted the musicians, then turned to see the woman exiting to the balcony. Robert chased down a servant and went after her. With a fervent pardon to Sir Scott, and a request for refreshing liquid, she chose to follow.

12

“You won’t forget your promise?” Cinderella looked deep into his eyes, as though determining his worth and stability.

The first toll of midnight rang through the gardens. “Nothing, not a moment will I be able to banish from my mind. You are everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Her eyes closed at the second ring, and she rested her head on his chest for a moment. His heart pounded, as though it wanted to burst free. The third stroke of midnight had her