The Gentleman of Greenstoke

XV.

"Good evening, Miss," the man in front of the blushing Japanese greeted. Many emotions prevented her from speaking: excitement, embarrassment, shock and admiration. Roderich, noticing the short silence – and receiving a sign from Mr Karpusi to continue the conversation – decided to introduce the two strangers.

"So you are the mysterious Miss that is staying with her father at Greenstoke," the Greek man ascertained with a gentle smile. The rumour of her and her father's stay was still the main topic of the gossiping people among the English society. He had heard of it two weeks ago and was delighted to make her acquaintance – even if she had spilled her drink on his attire, which in his eyes did not matter anyway.

Having found her voice again, Sakura answered him. "Indeed I am. Although Mr Yao is my uncle and Godfather."

"Oh please excuse me, but the rumours were not specific in your relationship with your uncle," the green-eyed apologised and Sakura could only gaze into these beautiful irises. She was musing about the amount of people she knew who had this shade of green in their eyes. In Japan, she knew no one with blue, grey or green eyes. There, she had often been praised for her light brown eyes. In England, it was a common colour.

"Pardon Miss Honda, but . . . May I have the next dance?" he suddenly asked, causing the young woman to look at him with widened eyes; she had not expect him to ask her for the next dance. The dark-haired would have accepted immediately, had she not promised Mr Kirkland the first dance.

"I apologise, but I am already engaged for the first dance," she admitted before handing him her dancing card, "But there are spaces left."

"Oh," Mr Karpusi breathed after a minute of silence, "it seems that I would claim the third dance with you.

"T-Third?" Sakura asked a little startled. "What do you – "

He showed her the dancing card and she discovered that Mr Kirkland had written his name down for the first two dances. The forth line was also occupied with his name, leaving her wondering why he wanted to have so many sets with her – and she was told before that dancing more than three dances with the same partner was considered improper.

"He is a friend of mine," the Greek suddenly chuckled, "and I cannot blame him for wanting to dance three dances with you."

Her heart was racing; she just did not know if it was for the compliment she had just received or for the mere fact that Mr Kirkland wanted to have three dances with her.

Elizabeta observed their interaction – not noticing that she too, was watched by a certain Austrian – causing her mouth to form into a smirk. Sakura's first ball had only begun minutes ago and was already successful. She was happy for her friend even if she knew that her employer would not approve of this development.

"Miss Héderváry?"

The brunette turned towards the Austrian who had addressed her.

"Would you give me the honour of the next dance?" he asked, one hand grabbing his glasses.

"Oh, I would be honoured, Sir, but I am only here for the sake of accompanying Miss Honda," she replied with a sympathising look, "I am not certain if a chaperone is allowed to dance."

"Most certainly. A ball functions for these engagements, to enjoy yourself, no?" he concluded before clearing his throat, "I could not let such a beautiful young Lady as you stand on her own all evening."

Elizabeta slowly nodded with red coloured cheeks, thinking that Germanic people must be fascinated by her. Otherwise she would not comprehend why Mr Edelstein and his cousin were looking at her with these intense eyes. But she admitted that she liked this man more than the Prussian who had insulted her a month ago. As if she was speaking of the devil, the loud voice of the white-haired General interrupted her and Mr Edelstein's conversation.