The Vampire Duke and Natasha. The Hastings. Book 4.

The Vampire Duke and Jessica. The Hastings, Book 4

Chapter 5

I slowly rose up from the floor, still feeling rattled by his touch. He was a despicable man and I vowed to find out his secrets.

Smoothing the dress material of my ballgown, I knew it was time I made an appearance again from behind the door. I pushed the door ajar poking an eye out to see if the coast was clear for me to step out among the ton?

Back and forth I glanced around happy I saw only a smattering of people around and not him. Opening the door wider I stepped out holding a bright smile upon my lips when I nodded at people I past on my way to the ballroom full of ditzy girls and demented mothers.

The ballroom floor was filled to the brim of brightly coloured gowns swishing back and forth to the new dance taking England by storm The Polka. Men and women seemed to enjoy this new dance craze I strolled around watching all of them glide around.

I on the other hand still had an empty dance card because I hid away the moment I arrived at the Earl and Countess of beaumont home for the start of the season.

The Earl and Countess had a daughter too coming out, a rather vain stupid girl who only talked about clothing and beauty. I smiled as I strolled along totally invisible the way I liked it.

I happened to see Eva holding onto Marcus' arm dragging him onto the ballroom floor to dance the Polka. I sent the poor guy a grimace he knew when to give my sister her way since they married 5 years ago and 3 children later they were still the happiest couple alive.

Going deeper in the hoards of society matrons holding onto their daughters tighter than a chastity belt. I kept on moving away from having to reject a someone who wanted to write down their name on my dance card. Thinking I had given my family the slip I bumped into my brother in law Gabriel who stood infront of me smirking.

"Care to dance with me" he held out his hand for me to take for the next dance?

I shook my head wanting to say no and run far, far away instead I said "why aren't you dancing with Bonny?"

"Because dear sister" he clasped his hand within mine "Bonny is with child again" and he pulled me onto the floor much to my chagrin.

For a while we danced in silence until Gabriel asked me a question "why do you hide away?"

"Because I am plain" I spoke back being honest.

He tilted my chin to glance at me, "A Hastings, Gabriel said to my upturned face will never be plain to a gentleman ever."

"Well I am plain Gabriel, just look at the gown mama has me wearing, I look like a ghost with my pale hair and clear blue eyes" not happy at all.

Gabriel laughed swinging me around in his arms and I must say I enjoyed dancing with my tall brother in law until Marcus cut in line and took me out of Gabriels arms.

"Hey" I heard Gabriel growl when Marcus took control, "We haven't finished dancing yet", Marcus sent him a smirk dancing away leaving Gabriel dumbfounded.

"Hello baby sis" he mocked me twirling me around on the floor "met any gent you like" he sent me a wicked teasing wink?

"None of the men here measure up" I told my brother in law Marcus being secretive?

"Really I am quite surprised, dear sis no man has captured you're heart?"

"Don't joke Marcus" I hit his chest on the dance floor smiling a bit when he chuckled.

For a while I enjoyed dancing without having to beat someone with unruly hands. When the music stopped Marcus drew me forward towards my family and I saw mama's face.