Don't Look Back

Chapter 8

Sidney had just been trying to ignore his partner, spinning her and passing her off to the next partner, sighing relieved when a new partner came before him but as soon as he could breathe Eliza was back in his arms, trying not to acknowledge her sour face as she tried to pretend to enjoy her husband as her partner.

"You could try tonight Sidney," she whispered. "I know we spend little time together but you could try to put some effort in when we do."

He looked away his mind trying not to argue. His mouth knew better but when he let his mind dwell on his anger with her over past and present disagreements it often spilled over in some way. His temper had never been too level in the past.

Forcing a smile on his face he gripped her hand tightly, so much that she winced.

"You are in a mood tonight," she looked up at him and frowned.

Sidney shook his head. "I am just not of a mood to be told how to act when my wife spends her hours from our child and acts the whore..." he spat.

She rolled her eyes. "Flora is nearing five. She knows no difference" she said.

The announcements were being called and he tried to listen but his wife kept talking but then he heard it. Her name announced. Stumbling he turned his head to the front and tried to keep dancing but his feet were tripping over Eliza's.

"Do have care, Sidney!" Eliza said confused as she nearly fell. He held her hand and steadied her but his eyes were at the front of the ballroom. Pulled there and centered on a figure he had scarcely believed stood there. Their eyes met but he sensed fear and hesitancy in the pools of her eyes.

"Sidney!" he heard his name spoken in frustration as he stood rooted to the spot lost in the moment.

Wincing he felt a harsh poke in his ribs. "Are you listening, people are looking at us and we have ruined the dance."

He looked down confused and shook his head and then looked around seeing that they had indeed caused a scene.

"Apologies. I must have a pebble in my shoe," he said releasing her hand and straightening himself while glancing to Mr. Stringer who lead Charlotte confidently to the gathering. Charlotte's eyes were no longer on him and she smiled charmingly as she was introduced to someone.

Eliza smiled at the dance partners around them and made excuses loud enough that the gathering could understand his misstep.

Eliza's false smile fell and looked in the direction of his eyes. "Lady Worcester has come, and on the arm of that Sir Radmore." She said and squinted. "That young woman with her is familiar is she not?"

Sidney did not answer as they left the dance floor. Once there he felt his eyes follow Charlotte and he tried to not cause a further scene. He had an entire day to understand and accept she was there, and to act accordingly but at that moment his heart pounded in his chest and he felt disoriented.

"Sidney!" Eliza said impatiently. "What is the matter with you?" she asked.

Looking to her he shook his head. "She is Miss Heywood, do you not remember the girl you had cut so viciously at the first regatta five years ago?"

Eliza turned and looked now suddenly curious as she recalled her brief and weak rival. "Miss... still not attached and a spinster at this point I suppose." she regarded the girl triumphantly.

Sidney shook his head. "Excuse me," he said and swiftly left her side and made his escape.

Eliza stood confused and looked around her.

"Your husband is not in the spirit tonight," a tantalizing whisper came at her neck as a gloved finger traced her bare spine above the scoop of her dress.

Eliza took a passing Champagne glass from the tray offering as it passed. "No, though he never really is," she muttered. "It is an act, as with all things between us." She said bitterly.

The younger man came to her side now and stood with her. "Would you like to dance my dear Mrs. Parker?" he asked her.

She sighed with frustration. "My husband is in a mood, dancing with you just might set him off." she flashed a glance at the young Miss Heywood and watched as the Lady Worcester and her move with ease through the crowd. Lady Worcester was practically Queen Bee where-ever she went and this occasion looked to be no different. As a result, all eyes were often on her and the younger woman.

Lord Sellac smiled at her and shrugged. "Perhaps I shall ask that delectable morsel Lady Worcester brought. I do think that maybe the accomplished Miss H spoken of on occasion in London?"

Eliza frowned shocked. "You know, I think you could be right." she laughed. "I thought the cherished companion of Lady Worcester was supposed to be largely reclusive and selective in her associations." Eliza smiled her eyes flashing as she thought of the salacious gossip about the guarded favorite of the powerful woman.

Lord Sellac shrugged. "It is always more fun where there is an air of mystery."

Eliza shrugged. "There is really no mystery with that girl. She by her own account I heard once from her own mouth was that she was a farmer's daughter."

The Marquess's smiled. "Good, then she would know how to be mounted in a most primal way."

Eliza blushed and felt her stomach flip. She had won a race against the girl once, it looked like they were destined for another match. "You can't be serious my lord, even you have standards."

He smirked. "I did, and then there was you. I suppose my standards are becoming lax," he said bluntly causing a pang of embarrassment flash before her face. "I think I shall go over and beg an introduction before she dances with that Mr. Stringer."

Eliza was left confused as she took in the complicated social engagement and now she could not find Sidney, Good heavens, where was that brooding animal of a man she knew as her husband?