Between the Pages and Lines

Chapter 7: A Waltz to Remember

---Evelyn---

Feeling Travis's strong arms around her waist and his muscled back against her hand it was easier than she thought to anticipate what move he wanted to make next. Evelyn quickly found herself being lost to the music. They made circles along the floor seeming to almost follow the elaborate swirled chalk design on the floor. While she was curious who else had paired off for the intimate dance, Evelyn didn't dare look at the other dancers for fear of losing her concentration. Not wanting to be the one person looking at their feet she instead chose to look up at Travis's face.

Travis in turn kept his eyes around the room making sure not to run them into anybody who happened to be dancing to close. An older gentleman who seemed a little unsteady on his feet seemed to always be on their left no matter how Travis positioned them away from him. The poor girl he was dancing with tried to keep a smile on her face as he drunkenly led her in a waltz-like stumble.

Every few seconds however, he would look down and make eye contact with her making her heart skip a beat. He was just so handsome and from what she read about him, even though he was a minor character, Travis had a good sense of morals and a fun lighthearted spirit. Always getting Earnest into trouble with his hijinks throughout the novel. He was obviously meant to be the comedic relief and not the leading man role.

Looking at him now guiding her unsteady feet into a waltz that made her look like she knew what she was doing, she couldn't help but wonder why he wasn't. Travis was everything a leading man should be. Dashingly handsome, she looked into his striking green eyes when they met hers. They seemed to be alight with untold jokes and a joy to be in the moment. Check that one off the list. Chivalrous, he had given her a back story to help her stay here instead of immediately throwing her out for being in his room. He carried her out quietly as to not make a scene when she fainted upon meeting the duke, and here he was making her look like she was accomplished in dancing. Check, check triple check on that one. Evelyn loved a leading man who had a good sense of humor. Travis certainly had more than enough of that to make another check on her list.

She hadn't given him much thought before while reading. She was too busy rooting for Earnest and Clarisse to really pay much attention to the parts where he was mentioned. While he was hilarious in every scene she found she didn't seek him out like she did Earnest. Evelyn scolded herself inwardly for skipping over someone so easily.

Her thoughts went back to Earnest. Seeing him in real life standing before her was a surprise to say the least. It was one thing to read about him and a whole nother thing to literally be introduced to him at his own ball. She couldn't remember reading about this particular ball having taken place yet. She knew it was going to happen because she was just reading about the preparations for it but here she was attending it herself.

Swallowing hard at the realization of just what part she was sucked into the book. So much for thinking she might have the advantage of knowing what was going to happen next in the story and acting accordingly. It seemed the story had continued where she left off. She knew nothing of the events that were going to occur. A sudden wave of nerves made her miss more than a few steps in a row but Travis easily compensated for each one making it look more purposeful than it really was.

"You appear concerned," Travis whispered looking at her with a reassuring smile. "You needn't be though. I assure you, your dance skills are not as harrowing as you intended for me to believe. I might even venture to ascertain you were perhaps only apprehensive to come out on the floor with me. Though how could that be when I am but your devoted cousin? However I find I am glad that I could attain at least one dance from you this evening."

"Yes," Evelyn readily returned his smile. "I am also pleasantly surprised that you were able to make even me look like I had some level of skill for this dance. Anybody else and I would have certainly stepped all over their feet. It would have been the subject of laughter for at least the next three balls."

"Someone of your beauty, a bad dancer," Travis shook his head. Giving her a serious look that warmed her chest. Before she was the joking glint in his eye. "Certainly the talk of at least four balls. Do not estimate your influence on the ton's current gossip topic so low."

Evelyn had the urge to playfully slap his arm but held herself back. It wouldn't be proper to be seen acousting a viscount on the dance floor. Squeezing his hand instead earned her a smirk from Travis. Feeling her heart skip a beat she turned her face down to look at his neatly tied cravat.

The song ended and Travis led her to the door. While a part of Evelyn didn't want the night to end, her body was exhausted. All she could think about was how good it would feel to curl up in bed and sleep for days on end.

"I regret cutting the night short," Travis sighed as the doors were opened once again. "However, I could not bear the image of you attempting the country dance without me tonight. After such a great performance you would be sure to be taken up by another man immediately."

"Why Lord Williams," Evelyn gasped accusingly as they walked up the stairs. Her maid joined them and followed close behind them to help her undress. "If I didn't know better I would think you were trying to keep me all to yourself tonight."

"I would never dream of such an endeavour," Travis exclaimed loudly for her maid to hear behind them. "I am a gentleman and your favorite cousin. As such it is my duty to escort you to your chambers. It has been a long and tiring journey to get here. I am certain you need your rest."

"I would argue more on that," Evelyn yawned, giving him a side glance. "However it is mostly the truth. I am exhausted and definitely ready for some sleep."

"I will take it upon myself to personally inform Duke Wellington that you wished him a good night's rest," Travis winked at her when they reached her door. He took her hand off his arm and gingerly kissed the top of her knuckles. "I hope to see you in the morning."

"I never thought I would say this, but I would like nothing more than to wake up in this same place and see you in the morning light." Evelyn glanced around him to where her maid was watching them with wide eyes. "I guess I should get started on getting ready for a restful night's sleep. Something tells me I won't be able to sleep for a little while, even after I'm ready for it."

Looking behind him Travis let out a small laugh. "Ah yes, well, I knew you would be a good match for each other. I am certain you ladies will have much to discuss before the night is at an end. I'll take my leave from you."

"Wait," Evelyn called after him as he began to walk away she grabbed his arm. He turned to her surprised. She quickly dropped her hand. "I just, I want you to know that. You know if I am not here in the morning. I had a lot of fun. If this is a dream or some hallucination or whatever you really helped me and I appreciate that."

"Of course," Travis straightened his coat and looked at her with slight concern in his face. A smirk lit up his face after only a moment, his fun nature pushing his concern aside."Anything for a damsel in distress. However I will be seeing you tomorrow my dear cousin so this farewell in its entirely too serious nature is not permitted."

Giving her one last look before giving her a wide smile and walking off. Evelyn watched as he walked away trying to memorize everything about him. The way he walked, the smell that lingered after he left, the way his eyes always had a hint of amusement in them even when he attempted to be serious. Travis might not believe it, but she could be gone in her sleep. Turning to her maid she smiled and nodded at her. 

Authors note: Again I love a good waltz it's just so romantic the fact that it is so scandalous in this time period only makes me enjoy it more. Though I would probably enjoy it more with a dance partner like Travis. Ugh he is just so perfect I love a guy with a good sense of humor here's to hoping he can be serious when the time calls for it though! Nothing worse than a class clown who doesn't know anything but making people laugh. Sometimes I need a serious conversation partner too. What kind of attributes do you guys look for in a leading man or lady no judgement. I love a good sense of humor first and foremost, but also someone who knows when to be and is capable of having a serious conversation and you know if he happens to be tall and has green eyes that's just icing on the cake am I right? Let me know!