Hello again :)

Thank you all so much for all your support so far :) This story is doing so much better than I thought it would, so thank you all again :)

Anyway, this chapter is the ball that was mentioned in the previous chapter :) Also in this chapter the question I asked at the end of chapter two will be answered. Hope you all enjoy it :)

Chapter Nine

Introductions…

May 1833

Music drifted towards her from the ballroom, as she descended the staircase. He awaited her arrival nervously. They had not seen it each other since luncheon, and he was anxious to lay eyes on her again. Her gown shimmered as she moved, the gold silk catching the soft lighting as she approached him. His breath caught in his throat; he had never seen her dressed in anything so grand. In his navy, silver embroidered jacket, he felt underdressed. He fiddled unconsciously with his jacket sleeve, staring openly at his wife. She blushed at the look in his eyes and dipped her head; embarrassed by the admiration and longing she saw there.

"My Lady," he addressed her, once they stood before each other. She drew her gaze away from the floor, and held his stare. He smiled desirously down at her, before glancing around cautiously. She realised his intentions only moments before his arms encased her and his mouth captured hers. Her eyes closed of their own accord, and her arms snaked around his neck; closing the gap between herself and her husband. The fire raged within her at his touch; she was in great want of his attention after only a few moments. A voice, not far enough away, extinguished the fire, as it uttered a horrified exclamation.

"Mary, cover your eyes!" a voice, she recognised as the awful duchess from her welcoming dinner, exclaimed at the sight of the passionate young couple. Edward promptly released his wife, as her cheeks turned a frightful shade of scarlet. He knew he should feel some sense of shame for showing his wife affection, but he could not bring himself too.

"Mama!" The younger lady replied, batting her mother's fan away from her face, "I know what kissing looks like, it does not offend me."

Isabella felt her eyes widen at the young girls admission. Surely, she knew better than to admit such to her own mother? Clearly not, Isabella thought, just as the young girl's mother scolded her; wrapping her, now folded fan, around her daughter's head. The Prince chose that moment to descend the staircase, his intention to apologise and prevent further damage, being his incentive to confront the awful duchess and her young daughter. The duchess' eyes widened, the moment she realised who was approaching her and her daughter. She sank into a curtsey and her daughter quickly followed suit. They rose at the Prince's request, as Isabella timidly climbed the last few stairs, coming to a halt beside her husband. He sensed her approached, but did not question it. He had to say something to prevent scandal, and he had to do it well.

"My Lady, I must apologise for forcing such an inappropriate display upon her delicate disposition. I hope you will accept my heartfelt apology, and that you will agree to keep this unfortunate moment between us?"

The Duchess of Cornwall studied the young Prince with interest, if she did not agreed to keep this scandalous incident to herself, then she would be privy to some particularly interesting gossip. However, she could not refuse his request; he was the future King and she would do well to keep in his good graces.

"Of course, your Highness," the Duchess told him, for once, meaning her words, "I shant say a word."

The Prince looked relived and replied, "both myself and my wife are eternally grateful, my Lady."

The Duchess beamed with pride, curtsied and bid the young couple good day. She would keep her word; causing scandal was not in her best interest where the royal newlyweds were concerned.

Isabella left relief spread through her, as the awful duchess headed away from them. Isabella felt the corners of her mouth lift at the gesture. Lady Mary appeared appalled to have been seen with her mother, and apologised for her mother's actions; mouthing 'sorry' as she passed by the couple and followed her mother into the ballroom. It appeared Isabella was not the only person at court to find the Duchess of Cornwall to be quiet awful indeed, her own daughter confirmed that much. She refrained from releasing the giggle that bubbled up in her throat, until the women were out of sight.

"Bella," her husband spoke to her quietly, "we were very nearly involved in scandal, I do not quiet think that this situation warrants laughter."

"Edward, we are married," she stated, "Forgive me, but I find the fact that a simple kiss is deemed scandalous, when we have shared a marriage bed for a month now."

She was well aware that public displays of affection were not well received, but they were married and she did not see the harm in kissing her husband. Edward was at a loss for words. He saw and understood his wife's point of view on the subject, but knew that the world around them would not be as accepting of it. He shared his views on her opinion.

"Your opinion is more than valid, and I understand you, my lady, but the world does not wish to see it," he told her, feeling saddened at the thought. The one time he had attempted to kiss his wife outside their bedchamber, since returning to Buckingham, had resulted in near scandal. "I am sorry for placing you in that embarrassing position."

"Do not be sorry, Edward, I rather enjoyed your attentions" she dropped her voice to a whisper, "and I am eagerly awaiting your visit tonight," she replied, smiling mischievously up at her husband, "Shall we proceed?"

It took the Prince a moment to clear his mind of thoughts of her. Her words were simply unfair. She had placed him in a delicate and most embarrassing position. He calmed himself down, almost, and silently offered his wife his arm. She slid her arm through his, resting her gloved hand in the crook of his elbow, and allowed him to lead her from the hall towards the ballroom.

"Their Royal Highness' the Prince and Princess of Wales," came the announcement, Isabella straightened her back and held her head high. Her expression portrayed a composed demeanour, there was no sign that anything untoward had occurred prior to their arrival. Her husband assumed his usual mask also; his face transforming into an expression of serene indifference. She understood now, that his coldness towards her during their first meeting had not been specifically aimed at her. She had noticed this fact, upon their return to Buckingham Palace.

During their first appearance at court, since their honeymoon, he had assumed an air of coldness. He had then treated each noble that approached them, with the same attitude that he had directed towards her on her first day within the English court. She understood her husband better thereafter, as it was yet another trait they shared; changing her behaviour while in the presence of the court was something that Isabella had been practicing since infancy. Her father had thought it necessary for his daughter to be well trained in hiding her emotions from the watchful eyes of the court and the commonwealth. He had always referred it as her poker face, not that she ever gambled. She was very glad indeed to realise that the coldness, Edward had first shown her was nothing more than a facade.

She clutched his arm tight, and allowed him to steer her towards were his parents sat. He lowered her into a seat beside his mother, and took up a protective position behind her chair. She wondered at his behaviour, until she realised that they were the last guests to arrive, and that His Majesty had been waiting on them in order to start the celebrations. Edward had hastened towards their seats, so that his father could finally arise and speak. His Majesty did not look altogether put out by their late arrival; he only seemed irritated that he now had to rise from his seat. He placed his flute of champagne down onto the table beside him, and stood. Every sound within the room ceased, and any seated nobles rose with their King.

"Greetings, my friends and trusted members of my court, I welcome you all here tonight, to formally celebrate the marriage of my eldest son."

A short round of applause followed His Majesty's statement. He waited for silence before continuing.

"We are all aware that their marriage took place a month ago this day, however, I did not feel a wedding breakfast sufficed where celebrations are concerned."

A murmur of agreement sounded throughout the room, which caused His Majesty to smile politely.

"This being the reason I have gathered you all here tonight. So my friends, and members of my court; enjoy yourselves, and help us to celebrate my son's union in an honourable fashion."

His Majesty fell into his seat after a short round of applause, and downed his drink in one. The music started up once more and the crowd parted expectantly. The Prince knew exactly as to what they were expecting. He offered his wife his arm, which she readily accepted, and led her out onto the floor. With her in his grasp, he fixed his gaze on hers, and the surrounding nobles were lost from his sight. He had no care for their watchful eyes. His only care was his wife. Isabella could not help, but blush softly, and smile up at her husband. His gaze was so intense; it caused her stomach to flutter in want, but she would have to wait until later in the eve before acting upon her feelings.

Couples began to fill the dance floor, and he knew it was time to ask now. He pondered the idea, until he realised, he could not ask her; they had not been introduced. The young Prince Jasper contented himself instead by gazing at the Lady Mary-Alice of Cornwall from across the room. Her raven hair was styled perfectly in tightly packed ringlets, and she wore a band of fresh white flowers in her hair. Her dress complimented her perfectly, the pale blue silk matching the shade of her eyes. He had never seen a sight more beautiful than Lady Mary-Alice, and he hadn't even spoken a word to her. He only knew her name, and he had only just this night received that information, after she had been announced moments before his brother and his wife. He wanted to go to her, and beg her mother for a dance with her daughter. His attention was captivated by the mere sight of her. He stared unashamedly across the ballroom.

She stood awkwardly beside her mother, gazing around the ballroom with interest. Her eyes found his, and she smiled shyly at the attention he paid her. He quickly averted her gaze, only to find the temptation to have her within his sight too strong to resist for long. He looked up only to find that she was no longer in sight. The dispersing couple's caused a blockade between him and Lady Mary-Alice, and he found himself fretting at the loss of visual. His brother passed by then, as he escorted his wife from the dance floor.

"Edward," he hissed in his panic. His brother halted in his tracks at the sound of his forename. He turned irritated at first, until he realised who spoke to him and his expression changed, from irritation to interest.

"Jasper?" he questioned quietly, hoping his young brother would elaborate. Isabella gazed up at her husband and watched as he conversed with his brother. She had only met Prince Jasper briefly, and only in formal settings.

"The girl over there," he muttered, almost flushing red with embarrassment, and his older brother turned on reflex, "Do not look at her!"

"How am I to know which girl you speak of, if I do not look to her?" his brother asked, not understanding why his brother was behaving this way; it was most improper. Isabella glanced slyly over her shoulder, in the direction her brother in law had motioned towards, as the young men bickered.

"Lady Mary?" Isabella questioned, once she spotted her.

Her husband glanced down at his wife, amazed that she had discovered whom his brother spoke of without his noticing. Prince Jasper looked towards his sister by marriage also, and after a moment, nodded.

The Prince of Wales looked towards where Lady Mary's stood, she looked around expectantly, and he could only assume that she was awaiting a suitor with which to take to the floor. At first, he did not understand why his brother simply did not ask the girl for a dance, until it suddenly made sense; he needed an introduction before he could proceed. His brother could offer him the assistance he required. True, the Prince knew the Duke of Cornwall, but never once had the Prince of Wales spoken to the Duchess or either of her daughters.

"I am not of her mother's acquaintance, Jasper; I cannot introduce you to her," he told his brother, watching his face fall with disappointment. It would be impolite of him to ask for her hand regardless of introduction. He would have to remain here, silent and watchful, and simply hope that no other gentleman would take her hand.

"Then I shall make her acquaintance," the accented voice of his sister-in-law spoke up then. She was the only person privy to Prince Jasper's feelings that could make the introduction. It would not be seen improper if she were to approach Lady Mary, especially after all she had witnessed earlier. Isabella slipped her arm free of her husband and crossed the room in seven purposeful strides. The young men watched in disbelief and wonder from across the room.

"Lady Mary?" said a voice by her ear. She turned sharply; her eyes widened and she sank into a curtsey.

"My Lady," she replied, only rising at her superior's request, "how may I be of assistance to you?"

Isabella gigged, "I did not come here to request your assistance. In truth, I feel I must apologise for what you saw earlier this eve."

Lady Mary-Alice quickly responded, "Apologises are unnecessary, my Lady. You were showing affection to her husband. I fail to see a problem with the situation that my mother claims caused her much distress."

The Princess of Wales smiled, she herself agreed with Lady Mary on the subject.

"I quiet agree, but as my husband's says, the world does not wish to see it," Isabella told her new companion, sighing with annoyance. She truly did not see the harm, God had blessed their union, and yet people still looked upon their affection for one another with distaste. It irritated her beyond imaginable belief. Her husband caught her gaze from across the hall. Her mouth lifted into a smile at the sight of him.

The Prince of Wales took his wife smile as a signal, and made his over to her. His brother followed nervously behind. Isabella turned her attention towards Lady Mary-Alice and waited for her husband's imminent arrival. She felt his presence before he spoke, a delightful tingle running up her spine at his closeness. His hand brushed against her dress, and she shivered at the feelings that stirred to life in her stomach.

"Lady Mary, may I introduce my husband Prince Edward of Wales, and his brother Prince Jasper, the Duke of York," Isabella introduced upon her husband's arrival. Lady Mary-Alice curtsied politely, before her eyes fell curiously on Prince Jasper. She had seen him from across the ballroom; he had been studying her most intently during the first dance, and she was rather intrigued by the young Prince. The Princess of Wales tried not to smile at the sight of Lady Mary's interest, but her mouth betrayed her.

"Shall we dance?" Isabella asked her husband suddenly, and he glanced down at her, slightly confused by her request. He would happily oblige her in a dance, however, and offered her his hand.

"Of course, my Lady," he replied, before leading her out onto the floor. Their hands slotted together and they mimicked the other couples beside them. He studied his wife's face, as he slipped his hand onto her waist. He may not have known his wife well, in regards to her nature, but he knew that something was not quite right with her sudden request.

"What are you thinking?" he whispered softly towards her, noticing her sly glance in his brother's and Lady Mary's direction. They stood awkwardly, chatting lightly with one another. He silently urged his brother to ask her, and ask her soon.

"That your brother is a fool," Isabella stated, shaking her head in disapproval, "we have given him the opportunity to request a dance, and he has not taken it."

The Prince of Wales smiled at his wife; so this was why she had hurriedly ushered him onto the floor. She had intended to allow his brother a moment alone with his interest. A moment his brother had not taken full advantage off. The Prince sighed, he could not help but agree with his wife; his brother was indeed a fool. Lady Mary was a pretty young girl, albeit not as stunning as the divine woman in his arms, if his brother did not act quickly another gentleman would request her hand soon enough.

"That he is," he replied, "though I must admit, if I were in a similar situation, I am sure that I would be as mute as he."

Isabella giggled; she knew that to be truth. Her husband was awkward and unsure around every woman bar herself, and she was sure that he only held confidence in her presence, due to the depth of the physical relationship. It was not a difficult feat to ask one's wife to dance.

"True enough," she agreed, "though I will make comment, you are more capable in that regard than you let yourself think. Not that I have any such wish to see you acquainted with any other women, but your mother, your sister and myself."

The Prince of Wales laughed openly, causing dancing couples to stare in his direction. He did not care for their opinions of him, however, and he ignored the disapproving and curious looks they threw his way.

"You speak as if I have any such intention," he told her honesty, and delighted in the sight of cheeks reddening at his admission.

"I should hope not," Isabella replied confidently, though he could see the slight insecurity behind her eyes. She truly worried after his fidelity. He sighed, unhappily.

"Bella, I struggle, even after a month of marriage, to show you how I truly feel for you," he stated boldly, "do you really think that I will ever hold the emotional capacity to take on a mistress?"

He had intended to make her laugh, but she did not. At first, she appeared offended by his words, before a look of determination changed her stare. She stared up into his eyes, holding his gaze as she spoke.

"You do not understand yourself well, Edward," she told him, "you may not show your emotions readily, but you are more than capable of great emotion. Do not ever doubt that."

Her words silenced him, and they did not discuss the topic further. He was taken aback by her observation, and he was flattered by his wife's words; she had stunned him to silence.

Prince Jasper took a deep breath and prepared himself, he knew that she could not reject him without due cause, but that did not make the task any less frightening. Lady Mary-Alice looked expectantly towards the young royal, hoping he would ask what she had waited on all evening. Prince Jasper stood before her, he was at least two heads taller than her, and towered above her. Yet, he stuttered out his question as if he were not nearly 6 ft. tall and the second son of the King. When he stood before her, she saw him as the nervous young man that he was, no titles, no superiority; just a normal man. She had never seen through another noble's pretences before, but when she looked at Prince Jasper, she saw him like no other could. She was baffled by the depth of emotion she felt for the young prince; they had barely conversed, much less anything else.

After a moment of hesitation and struggling on his part, she took pity on him.

"Would you like to dance?" she requested, hoping he would be offended. Relief filled his expression, and his mouth formed a brilliant smile.

"I would very much like that," he replied, smiling broadly at her. He had never failed at anything before. He hated that this experience had weakened him; however, he was pleased that she had thought to offer him assistance. Never had a sentence been so difficult to utter. After a moment he offered Lady Mary-Alice his arm, which she took readily and escorted her onto the floor.

So thats chapter nine done :) hope you liked it :)

Feel like I have to warn you all now, this week has been hectic at work (and its not even over yet!) as its SATS week, and I haven't had much time to write, so I'm a bit behind :/ Sorry about that :( I'm hoping I'll catch up over the weekend though :) A girl can dream :D lol Just don't panic if chapter ten isnt up on time, as I've yet to finish it.

Thank for reading and I'll hopefully see you in a week :)