Mysterious Seduction

XV. Honored Guests

"Entice him to take you with him," said the man.

Ellie frowned. "Take me where?"

The smile he gave her was both mysterious and cold. "A place stuck in time, my dear."

"I fear I don't follow."

The man chuckled. "Then perhaps it is about time you learn about The Town."

"The Town?"

-Above and Below

*****

The Everards often went to the yearly Seymour Ball and this year was no exemption. Apart from Maxwell and Benedict and their wives, the others were present.

Samuel, of course, was there to be with Emma. It was their first meeting since their little argument, and like all others, they acted as though it was nothing.

He claimed her first dance, of course, which did not cause a stir to any guests as many saw Samuel as part of the Everards. As they waltzed, Samuel looked at Emma and smiled. "Do you recall how I almost begged you for a dance before?"

She nodded, smiling as she remembered. "I only did so as payment for something."

"It was shameless of me, but it was worth it."

Emma scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You are trying to be romantic, Sam. It does not suit you."

"It pays to be charming in some cases," he said, turning her around. "He looked over her shoulder, his face suddenly serious.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Lord Seymour."

"You do not like him."

"No, not really. He is one of Noah Trilby's supporters."

"Yet you accepted his invitation."

"Most of my supporters are also here," he said to her with a wink. "Now, why don't we forget about politics for now? You and I ought to learn from the last spat."

She shook her head and sighed. "Very well, then." They completed the dance, talking about the stories from Kenward her sisters and mother shared with her. He asked after his sister, Maxine.

"I believe she is doing rather great. You know Maxwell can be quite irritating, but she is surviving."

"Your brother makes her happy," he said. "I am planning to visit soon to urge her to attend the Theobald Party. I heard she wishes to pass this year."

"Our niece is proving to be quite a challenge and I heard Maxine wants to wait until she can tame the young chit."

"Our niece is the sweetest, Emma. She will charm Theobald."

Emma scoffed. "Not when she will be with her cousins."

"She is too young to be dragged anywhere."

"And they are old enough to carry anyone who cannot be dragged," she countered and he laughed.

The music died, but not Samuel's laughter. Emma let him lead her back to her mother and sisters and as he did, she saw Wynne from afar. He was standing by with a few men she recognized as writers from the Town Herald as well. Their eyes locked but it was her who blinked and looked away.

The picnic was her last goodbye to the theatre and P. Wallace. He would be no other than Wynne Hastings for her from now on.

*****