Chapter Twelve
The band was playing contemporary versions of classical waltz music and a big glitter ball had descended from the ceiling; magically rotating in mid-air. Hermione's first dance partner had been a little clumsy, he stepped forwards when he should have stepped back and stumbled trying not to tread on her toes. The second partner was nervous and began to sweat profusely, as the pair cut across the dance floor, he didn't say a word throughout their dance and Hermione was glad to see the back of him. Every so often she would catch a glimpse of Aurelia, who looked as though she was having the time of her life.
Hermione's third dance was with an older man the wide man was a good dancer but he was annoyingly gropey; his hands kept wandering and he uttered sexual innuendo's all the while and Hermione couldn't wait for the number to finish. After her fourth dance; with a good partner – he was polite and gentile, and he led Hermione expertly across the floor, she needed a break, she curtseyed to her partner as the music ended and made her way across the floor. A waiter brought her another drink as she came to the edges of the hall and Hermione took it gratefully. She sat in a comfortable high backed chair at the edge of the room and watched as the guests danced elegantly across the dance floor.
Before long, Hermione's keen eyes had picked Aurelia out of the crowd and as she was spun around, Hermione realised with a start that her partner was none other than the exciting stranger. He led Aurelia masterfully around the hall, he was a strong dancer and he showed Aurelia off beautifully. Aurelia span and swished and glided across the ballroom, led by her handsome partner. She noticed Hermione watching and flashed her a huge smile, her partner saw her looking over to Hermione and his eyes shot over to her, as the couple danced they slowly got closer to where Hermione sat, Aurelia's dance partner had now begun taking every opportunity to look over to Hermione whenever he got the chance. Hermione could see that his lips were moving as were Aurelia's and she wondered what the two of them were talking about. Aurelia was laughing as the song came to an end and after she had curtseyed to her partner she made her way over to Hermione.
"He is really into you isn't he!" Aurelia said as she sat down beside her.
"Who is he?" Hermione asked.
"Ohhhh... you really don't know do you?" Aurelia said, her eyes flashing with excitement. "Well I certainly couldn't spoil the mystery," Aurelia giggled.
"Aurelia!" Hermione said, frustrated at Aurelia's smug determination to keep her in the dark.
"You definitely haven't been keeping up with your reading lately have you?" Aurelia laughed.
"No... I've been busy." Hermione said. "What are you talking about?"
"You'll soon find out." Aurelia said with infuriating enjoyment. "Anyway," Aurelia said, "changing the subject, the press have arrived, I wonder if you wouldn't mind taking a few publicity shots for me. It won't take a minute. They are waiting in the entrance hall."
"Okay," Hermione said, "it's the least I can do."
The two girls made their way back to the entrance hall and were met with a clamouring frenzy of photographers.
"Miss Perky." A man shouted, "This way please."
The women were led up a sweeping staircase to the second floor of the mansion and into a luxurious bedroom; a four-poster bed at it's centre.
"Is this Hermione?" The thin man asked.
"Yes, and this is the dress, I was telling you about." Aurelia answered.
"Good god woman," the man said in a gruff cockney accent, "aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Now if you could just lean yourself seductively against the post of the bed and look into the camera this will all be over in a few clicks."
Hermione held the post of the bed and looked towards the press man, the copious amounts of wine that she had drunk had certainly helped to relax her and the poses she made were gorgeous.
"That's right darling! The camera loves you!" The photographer said, as he snapped away on his professional high def. camera. "Now can I get a couple with the two of you together please?" Before long the photographer had finished. "Thank you sweetheart," he said to Hermione, "You can go now, "he turned to Aurelia and said, "could you just stay behind a while so I can ask you some questions, thanks."
Hermione made her way back down to the ball, she had never felt so alive. The music was filling her mind and the wine had warmed her all over. Just as she was about to push the door to the ball room open a pair of hands clasped over her mask.
"Guess who?" That same sexy voice enquired.