anxious to leave the center of attention she ended up dragging him off the floor. Genie marched with purpose back to where her aunt was standing with Penelope. Nothing to shock a body back to propriety like her aunt’s sour look. “Thank you, sir,” said Genie in a clipped, businesslike tone. “I hope you will enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“I always do,” said Grant with a wicked grin. He bowed and disappeared back into the crowd.
Nine
Genie took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. The hot, stale air only made her head swim more. The crush of the ballroom and stifling air made her a little dizzy.
“You should not look so much at him when you dance,” chastised her aunt. “One would think you were encouraging his advances and nothing could be more fatal. Do not think your behavior has not been noted. Vicious women these mamas are. They will not think twice about ruining your reputation so they can push their own less favored daughter. You need to… good heavens, child, are you all right?”
In truth, Genie was light-headed and swaying. The swarm of colors and tiny lights of the numerous candles in hanging chandeliers all seemed to swirl together. “I am a little hot; the room is so crowded. Perhaps a little air?”
“Yes, go to the balcony. For heaven’s sake, do not faint where everyone can see you.”
“I will help. Come with me.” Penelope took her elbow and led her competently through the maze of people until they reached a double door that opened onto a small terrace balcony.
“Lean against the railing and take some of the night air. The coolness will do you good. I will fetch some lemonade for you,” said Penelope.
“Thank you,” murmured Genie, her senses revived in the cool air. She leaned against the balcony and closed her eyes. The night air functioned as an effective restorative and soon she was feeling back to herself. She was not prone to vapors or other such episodes that seemed to afflict some women. Once again, her troubles were the fault of Mr. Grant. She was not exactly sure what he had done to have such an ill effect on her, but she was certain he was to blame.
The evening was pleasant, with no moon, the only light shining through the door from the ballroom. The balcony opened onto a courtyard garden, popular for large homes in London. A few crickets started to chirp, and Genie immediately thought of home. She missed the happy sound of crickets chirping and the frogs singing. She leaned slightly over the edge and listened intently.
“Did anyone see you leave?” whispered a male voice.
Genie straighten and scanned her surroundings but saw no one.
“No, I do not believe so,” whispered a familiar woman’s voice in return.
Genie realized the voices were coming from the garden below. She did not wish to intrude, but if she moved, the inevitable swish of her skirts would announce her presence.
“How long do we have, my love?” asked the man.
“An hour, no longer. I told my mother I was going to dance for the next two sets. She was sitting down to play a hand or two of whist with friends, so I should not be missed. But more than that, I do not dare. I must return to her soon.”
“Must you? Let us leave this place. Run away with me,” said the man, his voice thick with emotion.
“You know I cannot.”
“I will not let him marry you. Marriage contract be damned. I will not allow it!”
“Hush, my darling. I swear to you, I will not marry him. How could I? You know it to be impossible.”
“I need you.”
There was silence and Genie guessed there was kissing occurring in the darkness of the garden.
“Are you sure you wish to do this?”
“I am sure. We have waited too long.”
“It cannot be undone.”
“I know it.”
“I care nothing for your fortune, you know that. I would give it all away. I would not compromise you.”
More silence. Genie once again felt flushed. What might it be like to kiss Grant? Images came unbidden to mind. What would it feel like? Soft? Wet? Genie had seen her brother kiss a neighbor girl, shortly before her father bought him a set of colors and shipped him off to the Continent to fight Napoleon. Genie had thought it looked rather disgusting at the time, but now she found herself becoming more open-minded to the entire kissing idea. In fact, she thought she might