more dances until supper, but I wasn’t up to tolerating the crush of people, perfumes, and body odor that plagued the room. Though I wore long gloves, the night was chilly without my wrap. I inhaled the fresh air with relish, then immediately began rubbing my arms with my hands, walking until I reached the banister at the far side of the terrace, where no one would notice me if anyone also decided to enjoy a break from the festivities. I leaned on the railing and looked out over the dark lawn.
The ball was a success. Everyone was commenting on how they had never seen a couple so happy. Daniel had left Louisa’s side only to fetch her a drink. The musicians were superb, the punch divine, and all the guests seemed content to spend the entire night in celebration.
I tried to ignore the emptiness inside me by studying the stars and the outlines of the trees, but the ache wouldn’t go away.
I had been so certain Gregory would come.
“Margaret?”
I turned away from the balcony. “Daniel, I’m here.”
He walked over and followed my example of leaning against the railing. “Louisa sent me to find you. How are you?”
“She did? I didn’t think she knew anyone was in the room aside from you.”
He chuckled.
“Of course, if Louisa had come out here I would have said the same about you.” I poked him gently in his ribs.
“We’re not that bad.”
I lifted my brows high and looked down my nose at him.
“Well, maybe we are.” His large, toothy grin indicated that he was not in the least apologetic about it.
“You are,” I stated with decisiveness.
His smile faded. “How are you? Edward and Mrs. Rosthorn mentioned they had seen you.”
“I don’t understand why everyone is so concerned with how it would be with Edward.”
I turned to study the darkness over the lawns.
He placed a hand over mine. “It’s all right. I understand.”
I didn’t understand. Gregory hadn’t come. He’d given me all the signs. There was a donkey in my barn, for goodness sake. And, yet—
What if Mr. Northam had sent those things as a joke?
Was I that much of a fool? “What if I never marry, Daniel?”
He hesitated. “You are still young. I would hardly suggest putting yourself on the shelf yet.”
“Twice engaged and never married.”
“You will always have a home with Louisa and me.”
I faced him. “A place as the unwanted burden, you mean. An expense you will never be rid of, who will never bring in income, who will only be a drain on you and your family. That is what you mean, for that is what I will become. Though I would make a good governess to your children.”
Daniel suddenly straightened, his brow furrowing. “I doubt you will have to stoop so low. Know that I wish for you to be as happy as I am.” He reached forward and awkwardly patted my arm, then turned and strode across the terrace to the party.
I frowned, astonished at his abrupt departure. Had my summation of what he stood to lose just become real to him? Had he only now realized the burden I would be? He had not even asked me to return inside with him. Perhaps this was his way of uninviting me to the ball.
The clearing of a throat behind me chased all thoughts of Daniel from my head. I spun, afraid of being cornered on the balcony at night.
Even in the poor light I recognized my companion instantly. Gregory.
He’d come! He stood only a few paces from me, his dark coat blending in with the night. I wanted to leap into his arms, be held against him, tell him how much I’d missed him.
No. I would keep control of myself. Everything I said and did would be polite. Formal. Proper.
I opened my mouth to bid him a good evening, but instead asked, “What are you doing here?” My question was no more than a strangled whisper, so faint I wondered if I had actually spoken.
He took a hesitant step toward me. “I received an invitation. Well, two, actually.”
“You received two invitations?”
“Yes. One from your father and one from your brother.”
My father and my brother? Daniel’s actions just now—he had seen Gregory behind me. My father’s words earlier—had he known Gregory would come?
“And, I believe you dropped this.” Gregory held out his hand, the blue ribbon Alice had given me resting comfortably in it.
I glanced down at my dress. How had I not realized it had fallen? How embarrassing. “Thank