Victoria played a minuet and watched her brother lead Miss Eberhardt about the floor. The young woman looked half in love with her sibling already, and the dance had only just begun. Poor lass, she would not get all that she dreamed of regarding her brother. Her brother's constant glances at Lady Sophie told Victoria he had become a little spellbound by the woman’s beauty.
As for Albert, he seemed to be progressing well, certainly conversation between himself and Sophie hadn't stalled, not even when her idiot brother became mute and could not speak for a full five minutes after their initial introductions.
Josh had never acted like such a fool. Maybe he was in love.
She hummed to the music, her mama and the other guests present in the adjoining room playing cards, their laughter, and the murmuring sound of chatter notifying the night a success for Albert.
Pride rose in her at her accomplishment for his lordship. He was capable, and when prodded, willing to do his part as a peer of the realm, entertain and make pretty ladies blush.
Lady Sophie reached up to hold Lord Melvin's shoulder, and Victoria missed a key. She checked her position on the pianoforte and continued, hoping no one noticed her fumble.
The song continued for several more bars, and with each one, just as the music was lively, so too was Lady Sophie's exploits. Was she smiling up at Lord Melvin a little too brightly now? Why was he laughing?
The pit of her stomach twisted. She would not be jealous of Lord Melvin finding another to converse with and company to enjoy. He appreciated her companionship too, and he needed to find a wife. She had told him often enough that she would not marry again.
A little niggling doubt settled in her mind that she was jealous of Albert and Lady Sophie. That seeing them together had sparked discontent in her she hadn't thought would arise.
She didn't want him for herself. She had plans. Countries to visit, her inheritance to spend. A life to live without being made a fool of by a runaway husband. Didn't she?
The song came to an end, and she smiled at the short applause from the guests before making a hasty exit from the room. She swallowed hard, heading for the back of the house and the servant stairs, not wanting to come across any guests. She could not breathe, her corset too tight, her gown restricting.
A hand reached out and spun her about, just as she swiped at her cheeks, horrified that she was upset.
What was she so unsettled about? She was being a silly little ninny who needed to remember all that she wanted in life. It was certainly not the man gazing down at her with so much kindness in his dark-blue orbs that one could get lost in. Quite willingly, in fact.
"Let me go, Albert," she said, hating the whiney voice that had uttered those words.
He reached up, cradling her face with his hands, his thumbs wiping the tears from her cheeks. "What is wrong? You left as if the hounds of hell were nipping at your silk slippers."
"A megrim, that is all. I think I shall retire for the night."
He did not let her go. Victoria fought not to revel in the feel of him coming after her. The care that shone in his eyes and what he made her feel whenever she was around him. Bliss, amusement, safety, all of those things.
"I think we know each other well enough that you know I know when you're lying. Are you still angry with me after our disagreement?"
Victoria had all but forgotten their disagreement, but she nodded anyway, needing to get away. To calm her racing, jealous heart. For that was what she was. A jealous cur ready to scratch out the eyes of the beautiful, wealthy Lady Sophie, who looked more than pleased to be in Albert's arms.
"I am, and I need time to work through my displeasure with you. Please let me go."
He stepped back immediately, and she missed his touch almost as quickly. She closed her eyes, hating that she was a kaleidoscope of mixed emotions and needs.
"Of course," he uttered, his voice heavy with concern.
Victoria looked up and met his eyes, hating the pain she was causing him. He deserved better than her. Better than how she was in his arms when he touched her and made her yearn. To how she was acting now. Cold and aloof. Angry at him for making her feel too much when she’s sworn to never feel anything ever again. If one could not feel, one could not be hurt.
She turned about and fled to her room—a coward as well as an ass.
Chapter 25
At breakfast the following morning, Albert watched Victoria fuss with her food while eating very little of what was on her plate. Her light-blue muslin gown was pressed so perfectly that not a crease dared mar the fabric. Her hair did not have one curl displaced. The little diamond earbobs on her ears taunted him. To Albert, she was a perfect gem, flawless in every way, noble, wealthy, and educated, and yet, he knew her intimately. She was the woman he wanted to marry, the woman he'd brought pleasure upon. He never wanted her to leave.
Victoria did not look at him. In fact, she
