The following week, Diana was twirling across the dance floor, nestled in Anthony's arms. For that evening, she was wearing a lovely blush pink silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and her signature crystals and small feathers along the bodice. Her hair was fixed into a side bun with curls, and her gloved fingertips were intertwined with those of the Duke she was falling in love with.
Anthony smiled at her. "You look ravishing this evening."
Diana smiled back. "Thank you, and you look dashing."
Anthony beamed. His ensemble for that evening consisted of a dark red silk jacket over black trousers a cream button up shirt and black boots. A dark red cravat circled his neck. He squeezed her fingers as they continued dancing. "Thank you."
Diana felt light as a feather as they moved across the ballroom. She hadn't stopped dancing with Anthony, not even when the other couples had left the floor. She was wanting all the time in the world with him. Glancing to her left, she smiled as she saw George and Natalia involved with their own dance, the two of them staring adoringly into one another's eyes.
Anthony noticed his sister and Diana's brother as well, his eyes sparkling with delight. "It seems they are having just as much fun as we are."
Diana giggled. "They certainly are."
The Claremont Park ballroom was filled with 100 guests, most of which were of the crème de la crème of English society. Some couples were married while others were courting. The atmosphere was cheerful, no one doing anything reckless.
Once the waltz, the third one of the evening, finally came to a close, Anthony took Diana away from the floor. He smiled at her. "Care for a drink?"
Diana nodded. "A glass of wine would be lovely."
Anthony nodded before leaving her for a moment to go and fetch a glass of wine. He returned with two glasses in his hand. "Red wine or rosé?"
Diana giggled. "Rosé would be perfect, thank you."
Anthony handed her the glass of rosé before gently clinking his glass against hers. "Cheers."
Diana returned the gesture. "Cheers. This is a wonderful ball."
Anthony took a sip from his glass. "I am so glad you are enjoying it. I think it turned out perfectly."
Diana smiled. "It certainly did."
After finishing their wine, they made their way back to the floor to continue dancing. George and Natalia joined them a few minutes later, and the four of them engaged in Pleasant conversation while twirling across the ballroom once more. Unfortunately, little did they realize that their evening would be going from splendid to sour.
***
Three hours later, after enjoying a delicious dinner with Anthony George Natalia and the other guests, Diana stepped out of the stifling ballroom and onto the terrace. Her feet were beginning to ache from all of her dancing, but she didn't care. She was having a wonderful time.
Walking over to the railing overlooking the Claremont Park Gardens, Diana placed her hands against the cold marble and looked up at the sky. She smiled softly as she watched the brilliant moon and sparkling stars glisten brilliantly. The evening was perfect and peaceful.
The sound of footsteps caused Diana to turn her head. Was Anthony out here already? She thought she had seen him speaking with George and Natalia not five minutes before she left the ballroom to get some fresh air.
A deep and very unsettling voice was suddenly at her ear. "My my, you are quite beautiful Miss Azarian."
Diana took a step away from the gentleman. "Who are you sir?"
The gentleman smiled wickedly, his black eyes shining as he stared at her. "My name is Reginald Birmingham. I am, shall we say, an acquaintance of the Duke of Claremont. I do not have a noble title, but I do have quite the wealth."
Diana moved even further away from Reginald. "What do you want with me Mr. Birmingham?"
Reginald took a step forward. "Is it not obvious? I have not been able to stop staring at you all evening. Imagining what you would be like as my mistress. Imagining what you would be like naked in my bed."
Diana shook her head with panic. "I do not reciprocate those feelings for you, nor have I been staring at you. I have been preoccupied with the Duke of Claremont."
Reginald took another step forward. "Oh, I am quite aware. Anthony has not been able to stop staring at you the entire evening, much less left your side. However, with him not being with you presently, I do believe I finally have my chance."
Diana felt nauseous. "Your chance to do what might I ask?"
Reginald's eyes danced with wickedness. "To have my way with you."