Chapter Two The Blakeney's Ball
When Kathryn entered the hall she wasn't surprised to see it wonderfully decorated. Percy loved to show off to everyone - he loved to boast and always kept good company. This evening it was especially crowded and although she had told James she would be fine, she was rather daunted by so many new faces. She only knew a handful of the Blakeney's closest friends and they were all busy conversing with fellow acquaintances and she did not want to interrupt.
She tucked the red flower under her pearl bracelet and looked around at the guests. The familiar laugh Kathryn had heard so often floated in her direction and she smiled to herself. She saw the Prince of Wales, the Guest of Honour, talking to Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Percy's close friend, and his wife Susanne de Tourney. Kathryn could always talk with Susanne; they had both been rescued by the infamous Scarlet Pimpernel and both loved to speculate who it might be…
As people arrived they greeted her, asked a few questions, congratulated her on her engagement and then, seeing their friends, politely excused themselves and wandered away, leaving her on her own.
I wish I had someone to dance with, Kathryn thought. I wish I knew some more people here!
A few people were dancing with their partners enjoying one of the more sedate dances before the music moved onto more energetic pieces later in the evening.
Kathryn walked through the gathering, greeting familiar guests as she went, conversing with one or two, until she realised she was very hot and thirsty. She moved to where the refreshments were and gladly took some wine. She turned round to walk away and almost spilt her drink over a young man.
"Oh I'm sorry!" said Kathryn, startled by the stranger's sudden appearance. "I didn't see you there." She blushed.
"Not to worry," said the young man. "You didn't drench me!" He laughed. He had a very cheery laugh. Almost like Percy's, thought Kathryn. His voice was smooth and soft, and she found it rather enchanting. He had light brown hair that shimmered in the light and deep brown eyes.
"I don't think we have met before." said Kathryn.
"No I haven't had the pleasure," he smiled, a wonderful smile. "I am Sir Edward Nottingham." He bowed politely and took her left hand in his. "And who may you be?"
"I am Kathryn Dupont." He seemed to flinch slightly at her name. He kissed her hand.
"I see a ring on this pretty finger here. Who is the lucky man?"
"James Blakeney." Nottingham seemed to stiffen at her reply, but she didn't notice. "We are engaged to be married in September."
"I have not seen him here tonight." he said, looking around them.
"No. He is abed with a fever. He is recovering well now though, and I hope he gets well soon! I miss his company."
"Ah, Edward! I hoped you could make it!" Kathryn turned to see Percy walking towards them. "I see you have already met Kathryn."
"Percy Blakeney! How long it has been since our last meeting." Edward exclaimed, shaking his hand warmly. "And Margot!" he kissed her hand. "You look as radiant as the day I set eyes on you." Marguerite blushed.
"Still the charmer I remember you to be Edward! Did you enjoy your trip abroad?" she asked.
"Not really," he replied. "I got stopped in France and couldn't pass through for weeks!"
"You know, Kathryn, Edward here has the same passion for music and dancing as you do, if my memory serves me well." said Percy.
"It does indeed!" replied Nottingham.
"Do you play an instrument?" asked Kathryn curiously.
"I play the oboe, my lady." he replied. Her eyes lit up at this remark. "Although, I am not sure if I can play as well as I used to."
"Oboe! That is one of my favourite instruments! I must hear you play sometime!" she exclaimed. "Do you have a favourite piece?"
Nottingham seemed to be lost in deep thought for several seconds, before replying "I don't have any preference. As long as it sounds good, I will play it!"
"Ha, ha! That's what I like to hear!" laughed Percy. "Well now I believe I have the honour of dancing with my beautiful wife, so if you will both excuse me, I will let you get better acquainted." He gave a bow and swept Marguerite away to the dance floor, leaving Kathryn and Nottingham. She looked longingly after them. Nottingham seemed to have caught this look
"Would you care to dance, Kathryn?" Nottingham asked, holding out his arm.
She beamed at him. "I'd love to." She took his arm and he led her to the floor.
It was a fast-paced dance. Kathryn was whirling through the crowd of people, Nottingham had some difficulty at first keeping up but soon picked up the pace. They flew through the swarm of people. They were both staring into each other's eyes, unaware of people stopping to watch them. Soon they were one of only four couples left, everyone else had either given up exhausted, or found it much more entertaining to watch the pair finish the vigorous dance.
Soon after, the dance finished. Nottingham bowed and Kathryn curtsied to end the jig. They suddenly realised that almost every pair of eyes was on them. Kathryn felt herself blush in embarrassment.
"Well, I say!" exclaimed Percy. "I have never seen a couple dance so fast in my life! I hope she didn't tire you out Ed?" He was smiling his usual bright, infectious smile.
"No, no," breathed Edward. "I'm fine." He sat down in the nearest chair and took a huge gulp of wine.
"Are you staying nearby?" asked Kathryn.
"Right here!" he replied. "Percy has been kind enough to let me stay for two weeks. I hope to get to know you better." His brown eyes met her stunning blue ones for a second.
"Would you like to be shown to your room?" asked Margot.
"If you don't mind, thank you Margot," replied Nottingham. He stood up, his eyes still on Kathryn. "I think I may retire – you wore me out!" He smiled at Kathryn.
"Oh, that's a shame!" said Percy. "Well, I shall see you in the morning. I hope you find everything to your liking." He bowed, and wandered over to Sir Andrew.
"I'm sure I will. Good night!"
"Good night Edward," said Kathryn. He kissed her hand before following Marguerite out of the hall.