Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 2. 1815

As they moved across the ballroom, James and Karina discovered that they had quite a number of things in common. They both had three siblings. James was the oldest, then came his younger brother George, and his younger twin sisters Margaret and Felicity. Karina was the second eldest child, and eldest daughter of her family. She had an older brother named Arthur, a younger brother named Charles, and a younger sister named Rachel. They shared the same birthday, September 29, and both lost their father when they had been young. They enjoyed horseback rides through the country, the opera, reading and writing, and afternoon tea.

Aside from their family life, James and Karina came to the realization that they shared the same ability. They could sense one another's emotions and feelings, as well as those around them. At the moment, both were happy and content as they continued talking pleasantly with one another while enjoying their waltz. They spoke about how they enjoyed the waltz over any other dance and how it was much more romantic.

When the waltz was finished, James escorted Karina away from the dance floor, his heart flying. Here he believed he was never going to find his beloved. However, he was beginning to feel that everything was falling perfectly into place.

Karina was beginning to feel the same way. She had a feeling something wonderful was going to happen to her that season. She had a feeling her beloved was very close.

As they moved across the ballroom, James noticed a young gentleman approaching them. He smiled, sensing that the young man wasn't a threat. That was further clarified when he noticed Karina giving the young man a tight squeeze.

Karina giggled. "Arthur, have you been spying on me this entire time brother?"

Arthur's blue eyes glittered with mischief. "Me, spying on you? Absolutely not sister. I was simply making sure you enjoyed yourself."

Karina smiled sweetly. "You know I have been enjoying myself this entire evening."

Arthur. "I'm glad. Now tell me, who is this gentleman?"

Karina turned her smile to James. "Brother, this is Lord James Preston, the Duke of Bedford. Your grace, this is my brother, Lord Arthur Rochester, Viscount Rochester."

James stepped forward, shaking Arthur's hand. "Pleasure to meet you Rochester."

Arthur smiled. "Likewise Bedford. It seems you've been keeping my sister company this evening."

James chuckled. "I have indeed. She's quite lovely and intelligent."

Arthur. "Isn't she? I believe she has the brains and beauty of the family."

Karina playfully nudged her brother in the ribs with her elbow. "You are the brains of the family as well."

Arthur chuckled. "All right, I suppose you're correct on that."

The three of them turned their heads as they heard someone calling out to James. They watched as a young woman with dark brown hair and sparkling green eyes made her way towards them. She was wearing a lovely dark green silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was fixed into a side bun with curls, and her ensemble was completed with a pair of cream silk gloves.

James smiled brightly, extending his hand to the young woman and pulling her close. "Rochester, Miss Rochester, may I introduce my sister, Margaret. Meg, this is Viscount Arthur Rochester and his sister Karina."

Margaret smiled sweetly. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Arthur smiled back, and then extended his hand towards her. "Lady Margaret, could I interest you in a dance this evening? That is if your dance card is not already filled."

Margaret giggled. "As a matter of fact, I have one dance slot left."

James and Karina watched as their siblings made their way onto the dance floor, smiling and laughing with one another. It seemed that their energy was the same as their sibling.

Karina glanced at James. "Where is Felicity?"

James. "Mother and I believed that it was best the two of them had separate seasons, that way they wouldn't be confused with each other."

Karina nodded. "That's a wise idea."

They watched as Arthur and Margaret glided across the ballroom, smiling at each other. It was becoming more and more clear that there would be more than one match that season not wanting to disturb their siblings, they moved back out onto the terrace. They both knew there was going to be plenty of time to meet and continue speaking with one another.

***

Three hours later, it was time for the two couples to separate for the night. Carriages came to collect their passengers.

James helped Karina climb into her carriage before taking her hand and brushing his lips gently against her knuckles. "I had a wonderful time this evening miss Rochester, and I am very much looking forward to getting to see you again."

Karina smiled softly. "My feelings are mutual your grace, and I am very much looking forward to our next meeting as well."

They exchanged a smile, their eyes remaining locked. Feelings of passion desire and longing had begun to bubble up inside them, and it was only a matter of time before those feelings irrupt it into a full fire. Reluctantly, they tore their eyes away from one another and settled back into their separate carriages so that they could go home. There was going to be plenty more opportunities for the two of them to see each other. And one of those opportunities was going to be much sooner than they anticipated.

***

Three days later, Karina was nestled on the chaise in the drawing room one afternoon, her eyes scanning the pages of a riveting romance book in her lap. Although she was trying to concentrate on the book before her, she was having a very difficult time. Her thoughts continued giving her images of lovely chocolate brown eyes and a dazzling smile. She couldn't stop thinking about James, dreaming of him.

Hearing someone clear their throat in front of her, Karina glanced up and noticed the Rochester Butler, Wilson, standing in the doorway of the drawing room. Closing her book, she smiled at him. "Good afternoon Wilson."

Wilson gave her a bow. "Good afternoon Miss Karina, I do hate to disturb you but there is a gentleman waiting for you in the parlor downstairs."