William’s entire body tensed at the nickname, and the pair engaged in a staring match. Matilda grew uncomfortable after a few moments, but Lord Fox only smiled.
Lady Fox was the first to break eye contact. She met Matilda’s gaze again. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ford. I wish you both every happiness.”
“Thank you.”
William turned to Lord Fox. “How are your children?”
“Thriving,” Lord Fox exclaimed, then spoke expansively about his offspring for several minutes.
Lady Fox assessed Matilda again through narrowed eyes until Matilda shifted uncomfortably toward William. The corner of Lady Fox’s mouth quirked a little in response, which brought a blush to Matilda’s cheeks. She fought it, remembering William’s admonishment that she must behave like she belonged. Matilda did not like to be stared at. She did not feel comfortable around this woman or like the way she spoke to William so intimately. She never wished to meet the woman again.
“I am very pleased to hear it,” William replied. “Ah, I see my sisters. I had better go greet them before they make a mad dash along the length of the ballroom to reach us. I hope to see you again soon.”
“And you too.” Lady Fox nodded. “You must come to dinner, Billy. It shall be like old times.”
William nodded. “We look forward to it, pet.”
Steered across the room by William’s guiding hand beneath hers, Matilda silently fumed. The woman was outrageous. The pair had been flirting right under her nose. She would not go to any dinner that Lady Fox hosted or attended. She would plead a headache or any other nonsense just so she might never have to see her again.
“Sister dear,” Victoria gushed, embracing her gently. Matilda appreciated her caution. She liked this gown too much to wish it to be crushed so early in the
evening. “You are stunning. William apparently does have good taste.”
“Of course I do.” He grumbled, then moved to greet a group of men nearby. Matilda noticed Mr. Cobb whispering in William’s ear again. Her husband shook his head firmly. “I cannot tonight.”
Audrey frowned at her brother. “We worried you were not coming.”
“I… ah,” she began. Being late was not exactly her fault. “I was not sure which jewels to wear, but William insisted on his first gift in the end,” she whispered.
“His mother’s pretty pendant has always looked very well on you,” Evelyn said softly.
Matilda covered the piece with her fingers. She had not known she was wearing a family heirloom. If she had, she would have insisted on not wearing it all the time. She would have given it back. “Did this belong to his late mother?”
“Oh, yes. William would never allow us to wear the piece, even though we begged him often,” Victoria said and then grinned widely. “He trusts you more than he ever did us.”
Musicians announced a dance, and William turned to her. “Will you dance with me, Mrs. Ford?”
“I’d be very happy to, Captain.”
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Out here among the other dancers, she was uncomfortable. It was as if she’d stepped onto the stage of a great performance. And perhaps it was. Tonight she was meant to be in love.
She met William’s eyes, placed her trust in him to guide her safely as they stepped off into her very first waltz before witnesses. At home, she’d feared she’d stumble, but with William’s hand firm on her back and his attention fixed on her, she soon became lost in his dark gaze.
Her pulse sped up with every turn, every brush of his legs against her gown. He was a very good dancer, his grip sure and comforting. He seemed very skilled to keep their spinning tightly controlled. When the dance came to an end, Matilda was so wrapped up in him that she barely registered they’d stopped moving. He smiled down at her a long moment. “Lovely. Thank you for the dance.”
“It was a pleasure, William.” She looked away from him when his eyes widened a little. Was that wrong? It had felt right to use his first name after such a dance.
He led her back to his grinning sisters and eased away a few moments later to return to his conversation with Cobb. She was glad he had such a good friend, but he shook his head so often she wondered of what they were speaking.
“They’ve been friends a long time,” Audrey said. “Thick as thieves. Of course, it is different now.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, William can hardly want to spend his every evening with Cobb as he did once. He has you to come home to. His own woman to devote his attention and love to.”
Matilda swallowed nervously. She did not want to come between William and his friends. Not when their marriage wasn’t going to last.
As she was about to remind Audrey of the real situation, the young woman’s eyes widened. “Oh look, there is Lady Rothwell. I did not know she was in town. I am so glad you will meet her tonight, Matilda. She is simply wonderful. So kind and funny. You must meet her now,” Audrey gushed, dragging Matilda up to William’s side for yet another introduction to be accomplished.