A Wedding In Springtime(28)

In truth, Genie was light-headed and swaying. The swarm of colors and tiny lights of the numerous candles in hanging chandeliers all seemed to swirl together. “I am a little hot; the room is so crowded. Perhaps a little air?”

“Yes, go to the balcony. For heaven’s sake, do not faint where everyone can see you.”

“I will help. Come with me.” Penelope took her elbow and led her competently through the maze of people until they reached a double door that opened onto a small terrace balcony.

“Lean against the railing and take some of the night air. The coolness will do you good. I will fetch some lemonade for you,” said Penelope.

“Thank you,” murmured Genie, her senses revived in the cool air. She leaned against the balcony and closed her eyes. The night air functioned as an effective restorative and soon she was feeling back to herself. She was not prone to vapors or other such episodes that seemed to afflict some women. Once again, her troubles were the fault of Mr. Grant. She was not exactly sure what he had done to have such an ill effect on her, but she was certain he was to blame.

The evening was pleasant, with no moon, the only light shining through the door from the ballroom. The balcony opened onto a courtyard garden, popular for large homes in London. A few crickets started to chirp, and Genie immediately thought of home. She missed the happy sound of crickets chirping and the frogs singing. She leaned slightly over the edge and listened intently.

“Did anyone see you leave?” whispered a male voice.

Genie straighten and scanned her surroundings but saw no one.

“No, I do not believe so,” whispered a familiar woman’s voice in return.

Genie realized the voices were coming from the garden below. She did not wish to intrude, but if she moved, the inevitable swish of her skirts would announce her presence.

“How long do we have, my love?” asked the man.

“An hour, no longer. I told my mother I was going to dance for the next two sets. She was sitting down to play a hand or two of whist with friends, so I should not be missed. But more than that, I do not dare. I must return to her soon.”

“Must you? Let us leave this place. Run away with me,” said the man, his voice thick with emotion.

“You know I cannot.”

“I will not let him marry you. Marriage contract be damned. I will not allow it!”

“Hush, my darling. I swear to you, I will not marry him. How could I? You know it to be impossible.”

“I need you.”

There was silence and Genie guessed there was kissing occurring in the darkness of the garden.

“Are you sure you wish to do this?”

“I am sure. We have waited too long.”

“It cannot be undone.”

“I know it.”

“I care nothing for your fortune, you know that. I would give it all away. I would not compromise you.”

More silence. Genie once again felt flushed. What might it be like to kiss Grant? Images came unbidden to mind. What would it feel like? Soft? Wet? Genie had seen her brother kiss a neighbor girl, shortly before her father bought him a set of colors and shipped him off to the Continent to fight Napoleon. Genie had thought it looked rather disgusting at the time, but now she found herself becoming more open-minded to the entire kissing idea. In fact, she thought she might just want to try it for herself. The closest she had ever come was a peck on the cheek. She doubted it counted.

“I am yours, wholly and completely,” said the woman’s voice from below. “Now and forever, I wish to be with you. I want to do this. I need to do this. I chose to live my life with you, and after tonight, no other option will be possible. I chose you.”

“Here we are,” said Penelope, opening the doors to the balcony wide, casting light on the garden below. From below in the garden came a little gasp. Genie did not look down in the garden. She already knew who it was.

“I brought you some lemonade,” continued Penelope, oblivious to the scene below. “Sorry it took so long. It is quite the crush tonight.”

Genie motioned forward, and they left the balcony to go back into the ballroom. “Too cold,” explained Genie once they were safely back inside with the doors closed.

Penelope gave a furtive glance at the closed door. “I thought it felt nice after all this heat.”

“Are balls always this crowded?”

“The good ones,” answered Penelope, “at least in the eyes of the hostess. This is quite a crush for a girl’s debut into society. Lady Devine will be thrilled. Though I think it might have something to do with a certain nephew of hers who does not usually expose himself to the machinations of matchmaking mamas.”