Chapter 2
Entering the ballroom, on Harry's arm, Ruth was conscious of people turning to look at her. It made her even more self-conscious of the dress she was wearing. Harry sensed her discomfort and leaned in to reassure her. "Stop worrying."
"People are staring; I knew this dress was a mistake."
"They're not staring at you because of your dress, well not directly. They're wondering what a beautiful woman like you is doing on the arm of an old relic like me."
"I'm not…"
"Yes you are! I told you before we left that you look wonderful. Stop worrying. Please?"
They gazed at each other for a few seconds before their moment was broken by the approach of the Home Secretary. He was walking towards them, glasses of champagne in hand. "Harry! Good to see you. I'd almost given you up. And… Miss Evershed isn't it?" he asked. Ruth nodded as she took the glass of champagne he offered. "You look very nice this evening," he complimented.
Ruth felt a blush creep across her face. "Thank you Home Secretary."
The Home Secretary engaged Harry in conversation about the upcoming American Presidential visit and Ruth took advantage of the moment to take in the room. A band was playing Christmas music in one corner, some couples were dancing in an open area that was donned the dance floor. Round tables were set up in a sort of half-circle and at each end of the room were longer rectangular tables that held food and drinks, as well as a bar in the corner opposite the musicians. A set of glass double doors led to another ballroom where she could see more tables and heard muffled strains of another band, this one playing soft rock.
The hall was decked out for the season too. A large tree stood behind the band, dressed in silver and blue with white lights twinkling lie stars in the distance. Frosted Christmas garlands, decorated with pinecones and berries hung from the ceiling, adding to the festive feel of the room.
As she was looking around, she spotted the other members of Section D; Adam and Fiona, Zaf and Jo Malcolm and Colin, sat at a table in the far corner. Turning to find Harry still stuck in conversation with the Home Secretary; she placed her hand gently on his arm and indicated that she was going to join their colleagues.
Greeting them all, she sat down with them and they made small talk for a few more minutes before the Foreign Secretary approached to introduce his wife; Harry was able to get away from the Home Secretary.
"God that man can drone on," Harry complained as he joined his team. Zaf murmured something about the pot calling the kettle black, earning a laugh from the others and a glare from Harry but they both knew it was all in good humour. "If I have to listen to his ideas and opinions on the security for this state visit once more time I'm going to check myself into TRING for a break! The bloody thing isn't even happening for two weeks!"
Ruth smiled at him and Harry felt his agitation fade away.
The members of section D made small talk for a few minutes, careful to avoid the topic of the Presidential visit, before they were distracted by Adam nudging Harry and looking pointedly out towards the dance floor. The Home Secretary was approaching, with the US Ambassador in tow. Harry groaned; he really didn't want to discuss the Americans again, especially not with one of their people.
"Ah Harry; You know Terrence Holloway. I wondered if you had a minute to continue our discussion about the Presidential visit. "
"Well actually Home Secretary I…"
He was flailing but then he heard Ruth's voice coming to his rescue. "Harry and I were just about to dance Sir," she said with a smile. Harry stood, hiding his shock well, and held out his hand for Ruth. She took it instantly. "So if you'll excuse us," she said, brushing past them, as she lead Harry to the dance floor. Harry just ignored both men, too occupied by the beautiful woman in front of him to say anything.
The opening strains of 'It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas' were playing as they made their way into the middle of the dance floor. Harry pulled Ruth into his arms and they moved fluidly together, receiving more than a few admiring gazes from the side lines. "Thank you for rescuing me," Harry said, smiling down at her.
"Don't mention it," she replied. "Sorry I coerced you into dancing with me."
He pulled her closer. "Nonsense. I wanted to dance with you. I was just trying to work out how to ask you."
He pulled back a little to gaze into her eyes and Ruth felt a shiver travel up her spine as he spoke. Just one look from him set her soul on fire and stirred something deep inside her that she thought she had lost years ago. Finally tearing herself away from the depths of his eyes, she rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and relished in the feel of his body so close to hers.
Harry wrapped his arms tighter around Ruth and pressed his cheek against her hair. He wanted to be nowhere else but here with her. It was strange how different she seemed tonight; full of light and life, something he had only seen in her on a few occasions before. The security of the nation didn't lend itself much to humour and mirth. He enjoyed seeing the different sides to her and he liked this one; he liked it a lot.
He knew his feelings for her went beyond those that a Section Head should have for his analyst, beyond those of friends even. And as he held her close he realised that he needed to do something about them.
The song drew to an end and Harry decided there was no time like the present. "I think I need some fresh air; do you fancy a turn around the grounds?"
"That sounds lovely," Ruth replied, allowing him to lead her towards the doors, his hand resting on the small of her bare back.
Malcolm watched them go; hoping that the two of them would finally admit to what everyone else in the section could see a mile off; that they were perfect together. He had considered mentioning it to them, but he wasn't really an effusive sort of person and didn't want to embarrass either of them, so he'd left them to it; but he had begun to wonder if they would ever managed to sort themselves out. As he watched, he glimpsed the Home Secretary heading in their direction, and initiated a quick but subtle intervention, to leave Harry and Ruth alone and uninterrupted. "Home Secretary!"
