His only escape was when he retired for the night, and even then, she had a habit of walking him to the stairs as if they were courting. He could not return to Rosedale quickly enough.
The names of the Duke of Penworth and his sister, Lady Victoria Worthingham, sounded out across the room, and several gasps and tittering of conversation turned toward the high society family who had arrived.
Albert looked up at the doors, his stomach clenching at the sight of Victoria paying her respect to the hosts. Her genuine smile, her generous laugh hitting him fairly in the chest.
A fist tightened about his heart. How had he allowed the months to pass them by without seeing her? He ought to have chased her across England and the seas to win her love. To show her she could have all that she dreamed, so long as she allowed him to be part of her adventures as well.
She was as beautiful as he remembered. Her long, flowing locks tied up in a motif of curls, a strand of diamonds delicately threaded throughout her curls. Her long white silk gloves and silver embroidered gown made her look royal, untouchable, and lofty.
She was none of those things, he knew to his core, no matter how she may appear outwardly. When she greeted people as they made their way through the crowd, her smile and warmth were genuine, and he wondered what she thought of her trip to France. Had she enjoyed her time with her sister and husband?
Had she experienced so much freedom that his chances of winning her hand were impossible? He had pinned all his hopes on attending this Season and showing her that he would do anything that she wanted.
He could be the man whom she longed for if only she would give him another chance to prove his worth.
Fear had often clutched at his mind that her trip abroad may have solidified her decision to remain a widow, but damn and blast it, he hoped that was not the case.
He loved her. So very much.
The Duke of Penworth spied him and started his way, leading his sister in his direction, even though she was yet to notice him. When she did, it was like a physical blow to his gut.
She smiled, the little lines at the sides of her eyes crinkling. "Lord Melvin," she said, curtsying. "You do not know how wonderful it is to see you here this evening. I had heard you were in town, but I said I would not believe it until I laid eyes on you myself."
He bowed. "Your Grace, Lady Victoria, I am indeed here. Your lessons in comporting myself were successful, and I am in town seeking the woman I want to marry."
The duke cleared his throat, biting back a smile. "Melvin, I am glad I shall have at least you for company this evening. The Lettingham ball is never one known for excitement."
"Ah, but you forget." Albert lowered his voice so only Penworth could hear. "Lady Sophie is in attendance."
The duke's attention snapped to the crowd before them. "Is she? Do you know where? I have not seen her since the ball at her estate and I do not mind telling you, I would prefer it to remain that way."
Albert pointed toward the supper room doors. "I believe she is over there," he gestured. "Speaking to Miss Eberhardt." Albert moved a little, so the clingy Miss Eberhardt did not see him again and chase him about this ballroom all night.
The duke cringed. "I think I shall go speak with Lord Clifford. I see he is trying to gain my attention.” The duke bowed. “If you’ll excuse me a moment.”
Albert bowed in return. "Of course," he said, wanting to be alone with Victoria in any case.
Victoria came to stand at his side, and pulled up one of her gloves that had slipped. He watched her, remembering her in his arms. Desire to have her so again licked at his every pore, and he took a calming breath, not wanting to scare her away.
Were they not in a ballroom full of guests, he would wrench her into his arms and kiss her until she realized he was perfect for her and she should marry him.
"I heard you attended Lord and Lady Hammilyn's Christmas house party. How did you find it? Did our lessons help you at all?"
His lips twitched into a bemused smile. "Which ones are you talking about, Lady Victoria?" he asked her without flinching. Two bright-red spots appeared on her cheeks, and he chuckled. "I see you understand my meaning, my lady."
She shushed him, biting back a grin. "Do not say such things, my lord." She thanked a passing footman who handed her a glass of champagne. "You are not supposed to remind a lady of her inappropriate behaviors."
He shrugged, sipping his whiskey. "They were not inappropriate to me. Far from it. In fact," he continued, "the memory of them has kept me company these many months you were away."
Victoria shook her head at his teasing. "But I am home now, and we're back in London. I do hope we can remain friends, Lord Melvin."
Frustration drove through him. Had Victoria made her choice? Was it to shun marriage, keep herself at arm’s length to love? "We shall always be friends." The words were thick and all but choked him as he spoke them. He finished his whiskey, downing it in one swallow. "Tell me, how were your travels to France? I heard you left not long after returning from Hampshire."
"I did indeed travel abroad, and it was everything I had hoped. Paris was divine, and Elizabeth and Henry did everything to make my time there enjoyable. When we returned, Alice had birthed a daughter, so it was the
