Sophia leaned up against the brickwork, taking deep breaths and trying to regain her composure. She would have to return to the hall and spend the rest of the evening with this stranger being aware that she had been admiring his body. She wished she wasn't wearing the tightly synched corset now, it wasn't helping with her breathing situation. She began to turn towards the door, when she heard it open and someone step out onto the gravelled floor. She looked up and saw the perfect stranger. He was literally steps away from her now. She felt the heat rise throughout her body to her face once more, and she began to move towards the door.

'Don't go'. His voice was deep and husky, he spoke perfect English, yet there was an accent that she couldn't quite place. She was surprised by his gesture and remained rooted to the spot, her back towards him.

'I saw you in the room. I saw you looking.'

His words evoked embarrassment within her, this was not the way she was supposed to behave. She turned sheepishly and avoided his mesmerising eyes, she knew if she looked, he would capture her once again. 'I'm sorry about that…I…its…its just…I didn't recognise you from around Chatsworth…I wondered who you were' She allowed herself a little glance. His face was set in a serious expression, yet his eyes were warm and inviting, and they seemed to dance under the moonlit sky. He looked even more beautiful close up.

He didn't reply, his eyes remained fixed on her face. She continued, unsure of what else to do.

'The ball is wonderful tonight…my family…my sister Rose is here too. I'm Sophia Bridges'. She felt bashful, she had no idea what she was saying. She reached down to smooth her skirt.

'Well Sophia' he began as he took steps towards her. 'It really is nice to meet you'. He was now inches from her body, and she was glad that this part of the grounds had escaped being lit by lanterns, as he would have seen her flushing face. A playful smile curled at his lips, he obviously knew the effect he was having on her. She dared not move, no matter how uncomfortable her uncontrollable hot flushes were, she liked the feeling of being close to this man, to be able to feel his breathing on her skin, to smell his soft, musky scent. It was all she could do to not reach out and tuck the falling strand of hair which swept across his forehead, behind his ear. His face began to move towards hers, slowly and tentatively, his eyes never leaving her face…she was startled, but didn't move! Was he going to kiss her? But what if she couldn't? What if it was bad? She'd never been this close to any man before. His lips moved closer and…

'Sophia? Are you out here?'

They jumped apart. He edged closer to the building to remain out of sight of the unwelcome interrupter. Sophia cleared her throat. 'Yes ma'ma, I'm here. I'm coming back now' And with that she moved towards the door, the musical overtures of the harp wisped out into the night air.

'Sophia!' She heard whispered from the shadows of the courtyard. 'See you inside. You're going to dance with me'.

She smiled. It wasn't a politely asked invitation like she had received on many occasions, it was a demand. And it was one she absolutely didn't mind obliging to.

Once back inside, the mysterious stranger had asked politely for the next dance, right there in front of Mr Devonshire, who greeted his request with a bemused expression which quickly changed to jealousy when Sophia had agreed. As she took hold of his hand, she was certain of the whispering occurring behind her, not only within her own acquaintances but from the guests in general. A woman of a certain age, expected to marry the most eligible man in the county, stepping out with another, unknown man? What had the world come to?

As she lined up with the other female dancers, facing her partner, her stomach fluttered. She loved to dance, and here she was dancing with him. The whole room had eyes on them, yet she felt like they were the only two people there. The dancers moved slowly and steadily down the line, only meeting in the middle to change the direction of the movement. She sashayed into the middle, meeting him. Their faces were aligned, she smiled, his eyes possessed an attribute of playfulness as he placed his firm hand on the small of her back. He was a really good dancer, his body seemed to own the music, as he led her down the line of other couples. He spoke under his breath 'I must see you again Miss Sophia, after tonight.' Her heart skipped a beat. 'Most certainly, kind sir.' As they parted, he did a funny little side step, she smiled and tried hard not to laugh. He raised his eyebrows, the start of a smile caused dimples at his cheeks. As the music came to a stop, both bowed, and Sophia reluctantly made her way back to her family.

'Sophia! Who were you dancing with?' Her mother lost no time in asking.

'He is a guest of the Mr John Millborough. His name is Signor Giovanni Rossi, here from the continent, Italy I think' Mr Devonshire began. 'The rumour is that he is very wayward and boisterous, over indulges in gambling and has left a string of women broken-hearted in his homeland.' His words possessed an air of contempt and bitterness. Sophia however did not hear his words, she was instead smiling over at the small but perfect man who was watching her from across the room.

She sighed, 'Signor Giovanni Rossi' She liked the sound of that.