Free Moonwitch by Nicole Jordan

him reach up to tug on his neck cloth as if it might be too confining.
    But he must have known how to conduct himself at social functions—or at least how to charm the fairer sex. As soon as he entered the room, he was surrounded by half-a-dozen ladies who obviously knew him and were eager to renew the acquaintance. They were soon joined by several older gentlemen who no doubt had been pressed by their daughters into begging an introduction.
    Captain Ramsey greeted them all with ease and showered on the ladies an attentiveness that couldn’t fail to set their feminine hearts aflutter. When he happened to glance in Selena’s direction, though, she edged back a pace, hoping to avoid his notice. She dreaded the prospect of speaking to the captain, and she dared not even think of their previous intimacy; she very much feared the hot blush that stained her cheeks each time she did would brand her as a wanton. Already the looks being cast her way—some sly, some sympathetic—made her aware that she was an object of gossip.
    The small orchestra struck up the first dance then, and even though she was obliged to allow Avery to lead her out, Selena was grateful for the distraction.
    After the set, she didn’t lack for partners; she had known nearly every gentleman present for most of her life, and in spite of her engagement, she was a favorite among them. As the evening progressed, however, her spirits sank even lower. Kyle Ramsey never once sought her out. Indeed, it seemed as if he were avoiding her with as much determination as she was avoiding him. His disinterest carried a shaming sting. And even though no one was indelicate enough to mention her scandalous conduct of yesterday afternoon, Selena was quite conscious that it was being discussed.
    By midway through the ball, she was fervently wishing the interminable evening would come to an end. Fearing she could no longer keep up the pretense of enjoyment while smiling and carrying on polite conversation, Selena declined the next dance by pleading fatigue. Making her escape, she settled herself in a chair in one corner of the room.
    Beth found her there a short while later, half-obscured by a potted palm.
    “Selena, dearest, whatever do you mean, hiding yourself away like this? I counted on you to partner my guests. Indeed, what can the gentlemen be thinking of to allow you to become a wallflower? You are always in such great demand. Never mind,” Beth added, taking the seat beside Selena and arranging the pale, jonquil-colored skirts of her gown. “It will allow us to gossip. I haven’t been able to get away all evening. My ball is a success, do you not think? Are you enjoying yourself?”
    Seeing Beth’s shining eyes and eager expression, Selena didn’t have the heart to dampen her enthusiasm. “Indeed, I am,” she dissembled. “And yes, your ball is a great success. I don’t doubt it will be considered the event of the season.”
    “Do you truly think so? It was such a coup to have Captain Ramsey attend. Drew was able to persuade him, you know. But really, it is in the captain’s best interest. Coming here tonight provides him with the opportunity to establish himself in the governor’s good graces, and after that incident in St. John’s yesterday— Oh, Selena, I
heard
what happened.”
    When Beth’s declaration was accompanied by a sympathetic look, Selena realized her friend was speaking of Kyle Ramsey’s very public kiss. Again she felt color flood her cheeks.
    Beth squeezed her gloved fingers. “No one blames you—at least no one except the cats who have nothing better to do than gossip. I daresay every woman here is pea green with envy. Did Avery cut up stiff about it?”
    “He…he hasn’t mentioned it,” Selena murmured, reflecting that she would need to be prepared for a scolding from him.
    “Well, perhaps he doesn’t know yet. I doubt anyone will be anxious to tell him. So, what was it like, Selena?”
    Not following the rapid shift in