Free THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance) by PATRICIA KEYSON Page B

enjoyable spending time in your company. I trust you will be attending the Padstocks’ ball this Saturday. Apparently it is one of the highlights of the season.”
    “If Aunt Constance is fully recovered we will be there.”
    “Good, I look forward to dancing with you.”
    Hope wasn’t sure if she was pleased or not as she watched him saunter away from them. Surely he should ask her if she wanted to dance with him, not assume that she would. But on the other hand she’d give almost anything to dance with him all evening, something she knew would definitely not be allowed.
    * * *
    Edna couldn’t contain her anticipation on the day of the ball and skipped around Hope’s room as she helped her get ready. “This gold coloured ball gown is perfect for you, Hope. The line of it does justice to your trim waist and it’s the very latest design. I sometimes see Her Grace’s magazines after she has discarded them and look at the pictures.”
    Hope sat at the mirror while Edna styled her hair. “I do think this single flower will look lovely, Hope. Its colour complements your dress perfectly.”
    “What do you think about jewellery? I shouldn’t wear too much. Do you think the bracelet Mama and Papa gave me before they left would do?”
    “Perfectly . You’re pretty as a picture.”
    “But you still think I make a fine gentleman too?” They giggled and chatted until they were satisfied with Hope’s appearance.
    “Ah, good, I wondered when you would be ready. We should be leaving now.”
    Hope had found her aunt looking rather wan sitting in the drawing room and gazing out of the window. “Are you all right, Aunt? If you don’t feel up to going I am quite happy to stay here with you.”
    “We’re going. James Henderson will be there and I think he will be asking you for more dances than is acceptable!”
    Hope wasn’t sure if her aunt found that prospect good or bad.
    “I have every wish that you and he will grow to like each other over the next few weeks and this ball is a chance for you to talk at least a little. I must remind you, however, that you should not dance too often with any one man. Maybe James will escort us to the refreshment room. Now send for our cloaks and we will set off.”
    As they entered the Padstocks’ mansion butterflies cavorted in Hope’s stomach. She didn’t want to dance with James Henderson, she wanted to dance with Beaumont and find out more about him. But she would have to be careful. There were always watchful eyes and word soon went round if anyone discredited themselves. The ballroom itself was alive with activity.
    Her aunt nudged her. “Look, he’s there.” She pointed her fan in the direction of James. “He’ll be over soon to ask for the next dance, I’m sure of it.”
    Hope wasn’t concerned. James appeared to be looking in the direction of Isabella Padstock who was laughing coquettishly with yet another handsome young man. As Hope glanced round the room she spotted Beaumont standing alone, deep in thought. She took a deep breath. He had to be the most handsome man in the room. His black dress-coat, waistcoat and white shirt set off his features to perfection. His beard was neatly trimmed and his hair dark and glossy. Just at that moment he looked up and their eyes met.
    “Hope, Hope, dear, do pay attention. James is heading our way.”
    The Honourable James Henderson duly stopped in front of then, bowing first respectfully to Constance and then to Hope. “Will you favour me with your hand for the next dance?” he asked.
    “With pleasure, sir,” Hope replied dutifully, handing over her card for him to inscribe his name.
    As James stepped away Beaumont arrived.
    “Good evening, Constance, Hope.” He inclined his head slightly to each of them in turn. “Would you dance with me?”
    Hope could barely speak. H ow she wished she could have his name on her card for all the dances. “I regret I am engaged for the next dance, sir, but the one after that…