“I was about to ask that very question.”
The look on the faces of the group she’s with, informs her of the importance of the moment. Savannah turns lifting her dance card and forces a gentle smile.
“Monsieur Sebastian Medill, may I present, my friend, Miss Savannah Ward,” Belinda smiles.
Savannah curtsies and looks up into a sinfully gorgeous face. He’s tall, blonde and muscular and judging from the reaction of the group she should know who he is.
Sebastian stares at Savannah, and remembers his manners, to the delight of the ladies behind her, he bows. Belinda nods at Savannah, and she holds out her hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met before, Miss Ward. I have the pleasure of first dance with you.”
Savannah smiles and lifts her hand to his. The games begin.
Dayton watches from his corner of the room. For the next two hours, he watches as Savannah is courted by every rich, eligible bachelor, and his anger grows with every touch. He does his diligence, answering questions about his “cousin” talking about her family horse business and they are duly impressed.
He dances and watches, making sure that Savannah is not shamed, belittled or taken advantage of. His original worry was that no one would ask her to dance, now, thanks to Belinda’s help, that is not a concern.
“Savannah seems to be having a good time,” Belinda says when Dayton takes a break from the dance floor.
Hearing the challenge in her voice, he glances at her and has to force himself to tear his eyes from Savannah. “She certainly does. There will be no living with her after this.” His forced smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Don’t forget that you are escorting her to dinner, make sure you have the last dance. It’s the waltz,” Belinda smiles as her husband returns to fetch her.
“As if I could forget,” he murmurs when she walks away. Savannah spins around the room like a flame, flickering and illuminating every person she comes in contact with.
“Mr. Patrick,” Sebastian Medill walks over and introduces himself to Dayton. “I’ve heard that you have an investment opportunity.” They speak for a few moments and Dayton is shocked to find that he wants to discuss buying shares of the race track. His day at the races is paying off.
“We can discuss it further in the morning over breakfast, if you’re in agreement. I may be running for Mayor, but I also like to invest. From what I hear your track will be just the thing I’m looking for.” Sebastian suggests.
Dayton smiles and glances out to find Savannah moving on to a new partner. He sighs, “I should give my cousin a break, but I look forward to our meeting.”
“Allow me, I’ve been trying to find a way to spend more time with her. She’s lovely.” Sebastian says, watching her fan herself and glances over at Dayton.
“I agree,” he bows, and watches Sebastian skirt the ballroom floor and wait for her to leave the floor.
Jealousy rips through Dayton the moment Sebastian offers his arm. Savannah touches his arm lightly and allows him to escort her to the punch bowl. Is this who she really is? Another woman looking for a wealthy man to care for her. Was this her plan all along? Rage has his hands trembling. He is moving towards her without even realizing it.
Maxwell is dancing with Belinda when she stiffens and nods to Dayton. “That’s not good.”
Savannah finds herself surrounded by three men and desperate for a break. Unable to see around them she glances at the ballroom floor, and her eyes lock onto Belinda with a plea of help in her eyes. The plan to dance and talk about Dayton’s Race track has worked perfectly, a little too perfectly. In fact, she’s beginning to worry about the hateful looks and comments flickering around her.
“Gentlemen, I’d appreciate it if you’d step back from my Cousin and give her some space to breathe,” Dayton snaps from behind. Savannah sighs in relief and turns to smile at him.
“Dayton,” she murmurs.
“Come now, Mr. Patrick, surely you can share,” a young man grumbles back.
Savannah realizes Dayton is furious when he steps in front of her, blocking them from looking at her. The vein bulges on the side of his forehead, “Would you care to repeat that?”
Maxwell and Belinda appear at the punch bowl. “My wife is parched, gentlemen. She would be sorely put out if one of you spilled this punch,” Maxwell glares at the young man who bows and walks away.
“I was about to get Savannah a…”
“Miss Ward,” Dayton hisses at a second man.
“Yes, of course, Miss Ward,” he stammers and steps back.
Sebastian watches quietly and sees the shock on Savannah’s face. She’s pale and trembling behind Dayton. Belinda moves to her side with a glass of punch and walks her a few feet away to a chair.
“Come along, Savannah,” Belinda says and hands her a glass.
Savannah sips the punch and fans herself slowly. “What was that?” she whispers.
“Dayton is making it clear that his Cousin is to be treated with the ultimate respect. Would you expect anything less? I’m surprised he didn’t drown one of them in the punch bowl.” Belinda giggles at the gasp from Savannah.
“Why? I’m only trying to help him, Belinda.”
“I don’t think he knows that or cares right now,” Belinda insists.
While Maxwell is busy talking to Dayton, Sebastian takes the opportunity to move back to Savannah’s side.
“Miss Ward, are you well?” he inquires softly.
Savannah stares at him and stands up beside
