Amelia was staring at two men who approached them. In fact, she was staring at the taller man who spoke. There was that certain something that reminded her of the Hades depicted in the entrance hall. Tall, handsome, dark brown hair, Amelia felt she could lose herself in his eyes. His brown eyes met hers and she could see tiny little sparkles dancing. He bowed rather theatrically, “My lady,...” he paused, clearly waiting for Anthony to introduce them.

Left with no other choice, Anthony cleared his throat. Jane suppressed a giggle at the look of him, as he started: “Cousins, let me introduce my friends.”

He stressed somehow the word “cousins” as if it were a threat. Amelia was not sure who is being warned of whom, she simply smiled at the thought that her cousin Anthony would have such charming friends.

“Master George of Norfolk and Mr Timothy Smith,” then he turned to the men and continued,” my cousins, Miss Jane Edwards and Miss Amelia Edwards.”

“You see, that even didn’t hurt, did it, Anthony,” George said. This time it was not only Jane who was about to giggle.

“Well, now that we are properly introduced, do you think I can steal you for a dance?” George said with a broad smile and Amelia realised he chose to speak to her, not Jane, not any other girl. She tried to say something but her voice gave up.

“What a splendid idea, of course, she would love to,” Jane answered in her stead.

“I think the next dance is about to start,” George said offering a hand to Amelia who took it with a timid smile. She avoided his gaze as it was safer to look in any other direction. He just led her towards the other dancers.

Smiling, George was thinking about his luck. He hadn’t given much thought of why he and Timothy accepted Anthony’s invite. That boy was so desperate to show in the country how he did well in the university and the clubs that he wanted to bring the most connected friends he could muster. As a second son, George understood that. After all, Anthony was a nice guy but without much of connections.

As he was looking at the girl in front of him, he had to admit that he was looking at the most beautiful girl he has met. If she ever made it to London season, she would be a success without a doubt. No wonder Anthony was pining after her. Was he being cruel? In his opinion, Anthony was the heir. He could put the foot down and pick the girl he wanted. Maybe he didn’t have a large estate but George knew Anthony was not interested in money. He would be happy with his country rose, especially as she was this sweet.

The dancers were standing in two rows. The men bowed and women curtsied. George sincerely wished that they were dancing some of the more fashionable dances like they did in London where he could hug Amelia and swirl her around the room. Instead, this was one of those old-fashionable country dances. And so, at the next approach, he just said:

“I believe the weather was lovely so far?”

Finally, Amelia looked into his eyes. She didn’t look impressed with his wit but rather baffled.

“Of course?”

“I haven’t been in the countryside in the winter before,” he mumbled as an excuse but then he had to let her go around.

He thought hard about what to say, for whatever reason he wanted to dazzle her.

“Are the balls here always so entertaining?”

“I would not know,” she blushed.

Wouldn’t she know?

“I can’t imagine you would miss the opportunity to dance since you are such a graceful dancer,” he complimented her, too late realising that was perhaps a step too far.

She didn’t need to answer, the music ended. He offered an arm and she accepted with gratitude.

“May I escort you back?” he offered to Amelia, his eyes searching for Anthony, not able to find him anywhere.

“My parents are over there,” she waved towards her mother. George wanted to curse. That was rather an unfortunate situation. Somehow it didn’t cross his mind that Amelia had somewhere in the room her parents. He just wanted to upset Anthony.

“Of course,” he followed Amelia’s directions. They stopped in front an older woman who was eyeing him with a suspicion, yet her regard had certain assessing quality he knew from London balls. How could have he been so naive?

Amelia’s mother eyed George as if he was a piece of meat to assess whether he was worth the bother. She was also suspicious. Of course, she heard the rumours Anthony brought a company from Oxford and who knows where. While fresh blood was always welcomed one had to be cautious.Her daughters were to marry well.

“Apologies, I am afraid we were not introduced. My name is Master George of Norfolk. I just had the pleasure to dance with your daughter,” George bowed to Mrs Edwards. She critically assessed his coat and cravat that looked quite expensive. Then she nodded.

“Where is your sister?”

“I left her with Anthony. He introduced us and then Master George asked me for a dance.”

“Yes, of course,” her mother was not happy with her daughter’s answer.

“Well, young man, I am not sure what is the custom in London or wherever you are from, but over here it is considered highly impolite not to talk to parents first before asking a young girl to dance. Especially, since her dance book might be busy.”

George was surprised. He was not suspecting a woman without a title to have this tone with him. Maybe he wasn’t the one who would bring a big title and money to his intended but still, he was connected well beyond this family. From what he understood from Anthony, Anthony was their best connection in the ton, which meant they had no good one. He was a son of the Duke of Norfolk and brother of Earl of Arundel. Who was her to question him? Then he looked at Amelia and suddenly all his rage dimmed.

“Apologies. I had to forget my manners in London,” he smiled. “I am afraid I have to leave now and to find the rest of my party,” he bowed again and took his lucky escape.