Keira's Fire

Chapter 29

I was grateful that Cecily was able to be convinced not to invite Owen to her party. At first she took my insistence on excluding him as a sign that I didn't want her to see my apparent feelings of love, even though I kept telling her that wasn't the case. In reality, I wanted to avoid causing a scene and ruining her party. I didn't know what Owen might do or say and I couldn't promise that I would be as successful at restraining myself as I'd been the last time.

Cecily finally gave in when Jeremy backed me up.

When it came time for the party I was surprised when I actually found myself enjoying it. I worried that it would be more of the same of the last one, despite Cecily reassuring me that wouldn't be the case. For all I knew, that actually had been an informal party by her standards.

Thankfully, I didn't notice any of the insincerity and snobbery that had been so prevalent before. The people Cecily chose to surround herself with were actually very nice. And while it was still much fancier than anything I was used to, it was almost like the kind of party I remembered from when I was a child. Everyone mingled and danced purely for the fun of it and not because some social protocol dictated their behavior. I couldn't remember having so much fun for a very long time. Who knew I loved dancing?

The fact that men outnumbered women worked to my advantage because it meant that there was no shortage of dancing partners for me. Although, I deliberately avoided getting anywhere near William. I didn't want to give Cecily anything to work with and I was nervous about actually speaking with him since I didn't know if he would let what he said pass without comment or if he'd push me for a response.

I lost track of how many dances I participated in, but after a while, I began feeling worn out. Before I could leave the dance floor completely, Stephen intercepted me.

"May I have this dance?" He imitated the northern accent and bowed with mock formality.

"Of course, kind sir." I laughed at my horrid attempt to imitate the accent, and offered him my hand. One more dance wouldn't kill me.

I couldn't remember the last time I saw my brother so care-free as he spun me around the dance floor, throwing not-so-discrete glances at the pretty girl with auburn curls. I noted, with satisfaction, that she seemed to be returning them. I was just about to ask about the girl when Stephen pulled at his collar.

"Is it hot in here?" He stopped dancing and I assumed he was watching the girl again when he stared over my head.

"A little, I guess." I shrugged.

"Good. Walk me outside." He pulled me toward the open balcony door.

"What?" Why would my brother suddenly need an escort?

"I might need someone to catch me if I faint."

With a chuckle, I allowed myself to be pulled along. I still needed a break, and the cool air would feel good. Once we were out on the spacious balcony, Stephen leaned against the railing and I came up beside him.

"Better?"

"Yep." He seemed too happy about something and I watched him curiously. Before I could ask what was wrong with him, someone else spoke from the doorway.

"Oh there you are, Stephen." Cecily came outside on William's arm and I started feeling as if I walked into a trap.

Cecily had no idea who William was before tonight. She knew him as a child the way the rest of us did, but I know she didn't recognize him. At least she hadn't until this party.

"Thank you for escorting me outside, William," she said. "Would you mind keeping Keira company? I need to speak with my brother."

Yes, Cecily was much better at dealing with me now, I thought with a scowl.