The summer ball was like no other ball. It was held for all unmarried youths in the city. Many upcoming gentlemen and ladies met their future spouses at the summer ball.
Selena didn't want to be at the ball. She hated every discussion about marriage. She was happily unmarried at 18, with no intention of changing that for the next 10 years. But tonight her father had given her no chance for refusal. She had been quite literally marched out of the house and brought here.
She may be at the ball against her will, but she certainly would not be on the dance floor or conversing with any of the gentlemen. No, she'd hide away at the edges of the room, watching other ladies parade themselves as gentlemen gave chase.
"You'll not secure a partner tonight, hiding here."
Selena turned to the man who'd spoken. He stood slightly taller than her, and his eyes shone like polished emeralds.
"Perhaps that is my intent," she said, turning quickly away from him.
"Will you dance with me?"
Ignoring him, she walked off into the crowd. Settling into her new corner, she watched the dance floor. There he was at the centre of the floor. Calling the music to a halt, he walked towards her.
"Sir Richard requests a dance, my lady."
A public request, she couldn't refuse or word would get back to her father. Selena reluctantly conceded to the dance.
But Richard would not allow her the complacency of a normal waltz. His lead was faster, and his steps playful. Selena had to focus to keep up with him. Annoying at first, but she was soon enjoying the dance. It was the most fun she'd had dancing. For five beautiful songs, they danced together.
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