The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(39)
Alistair was accosted several times by acquaintances wondering who his companion was. They weren't quite that blatant when introducing themselves, but it was obvious to Bathsheba and Alistair that she had caused a small sensation.
Her choice of dress had been perfect for the evening. She felt completely comfortable among all the other regally clad women. The rich burgundy colour put her pale complexion to advantage, while the shape of the dress flattered her figure.
She felt herself blushing yet again as another couple approached them, but the pink that had tinted her cheeks drained away instantly.
She was suddenly confronted by Gregory, whom she hadn't expected to see ever again. She had thought herself invulnerable until that instant. He was leering at her with a lop-sided smile. Sneering wouldn't be too strong a word to describe his look.
Alistair immediately sensed her discomfort and drew nearer to her.
“Well if it isn't Miss Baxter, all turned out in her best dress, hoping to attract a little attention,” Gregory said speaking directly at Bathsheba with little regard to Alistair or his own companion.
His scathing approach suddenly made Bathsheba stronger rather than intimidating her. He was a bully, and now that she'd understood that, she was more capable of combating him.
The thought that Peggy would certainly find sharp words to cast him off gave her the incentive she needed.
“Mr. Hutton,” she said turning towards Alistair, “it would seem that this is someone I used to know. Unfortunately, I cannot introduce him to you as I have forgotten his name.”
“Come, Miss Baxter. I have just spotted my sister over by the window. I wanted to be sure that we sat together.” Whereby, he gently took her elbow and guided her away without so much of a word or acknowledgement to Gregory or the woman with him.
Bathsheba's cheeks were warm again now that the encounter with Gregory was over. As they headed towards the windows, they were soon separated from the scene by all the other guests.
“Thank you, Mr. Hutton,” she whispered.
“The pleasure was mine, believe me. I know of the man.” He said no more.
Finally, as he didn't approach anyone near the windows she finally asked, “Which lady is your sister?”
“Did I not tell you that I am an only child?” He chuckled seeing how startled she looked.
“It was a white lie. They are permitted – sometimes,” he justified the untruth.
Bathsheba grinned. A man had come to her rescue! She was twenty-six-years old and yet a handsome, charming man had defended her. She was on a cloud.
Mrs. Pemberton had made it clear that the soirée was about to commence. Those who had been conversing in small groups found places to sit. When Mrs. Pemberton wanted something done, it was done. Invitations to her evenings were much sought after so no one wished to risk displeasing her. In a matter of five minutes, everyone was seated and she stood at the front of the rostrum, ready to announce the programme.
The room itself was dazzling with the hundreds of candles reflected in the mirrors lining the walls. Mrs. Pemberton might be a widow, but she was a wealthy one. She never gave a second thought to the cost of candles used throughout her house for one of her 'soirées.'
Bathsheba had been taken aback at seeing herself in the mirrors. She hadn't immediately recognised the person she was looking at, but a thrill ran through her when she realised that she was that elegant woman next to Mr. Hutton. She breathed easier; no longer worried that she would embarrass him. They looked a fine pair, which gave her pleasure while at the same time making her sad. After the unpleasantness with Gregory, she wondered if he would still want to pursue their acquaintance. She hadn't noticed any change in his attitude, but then, being a gentleman, he wouldn't spoil her evening regardless of what he thought.
She decided that she would put that consideration aside and enjoy the music. There was no point in delving into future complications or repercussions now. Nights in bed were made for that.
Chapter 6
Once the music had begun, Bathsheba had no difficulty in letting herself be drawn into it. Her whole being was enveloped by harmonies, high notes and low. Mrs. Frank's deep melodious voice struck a chord in Bathsheba's chest which brought her very near to crying. She would remember Mrs. Pemberton's 'do' for a long time to come.
At the interval, she excused herself from Mr. Hutton's company. Her headdress needed re-adjusting and she wanted to take advantage of the break to relieve herself. When the second half of the musical ended, it would immediately be followed by supper, and it was not a good time to go off to the ladies' room. A lot of people would be bustling to be served at dinner and Bathsheba did not relish the idea of being separated from her cavalier.
A servant indicated the direction to the reposing room for ladies, which she found without any problem. A maidservant was able to remove the headdress, re-coif Bathsheba satisfactorily before returning it to her head and pinning it. The whole process had taken a little more time than she had anticipated, though, as she'd had to wait her turn for assistance. She hoped that Mr. Hutton was a patient man.
On her way back along the corridor, she was completely taken by surprise when an arm snaked around her waist and grabbed her. The action so startled her that she didn't have time to cry out before a hand covered her mouth, and the next thing she knew, she was being dragged backwards into a room off the passageway. The door slammed shut behind them.