An Unexpected Seduction

Rising Tensions

It felt odd entering the ballroom on the arm of the most powerful man there, Isabella mused, as they made their way back into the crowded space. Eyes followed them as they approached the dance floor. Moving to the center, Alexander then took her in his arms for the second time that night. She had not become accustomed to his closeness and so she instinctively blushed as he moved his hand from her narrow waist to the small of her back. Applying pressure there, he moved her even closer to his wide muscular frame. Dipping his head he whispered "I could get used to this". His warm breath kissed her ear and she shivered in response. Alexander observed the slight reaction and ginned "you are far too responsive..." He paused then and his eyes bored into hers, desire evident in their smoky depths.

Alexander could not keep his eyes off her, it was as if they were the only two people in the vast space and he reveled in the feeling. Her cheeks were blushed with the most becoming pink and her eyes sparkled in the candlelight as he stared down at her and moved her through the steps of the dance. His heartbeat had quickened and he could tell she was experiencing a similar affect. Every time they were close it was as if an electric charge fizzled between them, inexorably trying to pull them closer.

The dance came to end with a crescendo of violins and Alexander quickly tucked Isabella's hand onto the crook of his arm and moved toward the open terrace doors. She wondered what his intentions were, and from the determined set of his eyes she knew it was fruitless to inquire. Regardless, she acknowledged that she would follow him anywhere, if only he would stare at her in that way that made her heart skip and her stomach flutter. They walked onto the darkened terrace and Isabella noticed that two men stood smoking in the night air. She watched as Alexander threw the men a foreboding look and they immediately snuffed their cigars and walked back inside, without saying a word. Turning his attention to Isabella, he took her hand in his and was about to move toward her when a familiar voice broke the silence "Ah Alex, I thought I saw you come out here" Isabella peered through the dim light to see none other than Lady Russell standing at the entrance to the terrace.

Quickly pulling her hand from Alexander's grasp, Isabella took a step backwards and hoped that she could not see the blush on her cheeks. A look of annoyance came over Alexander's features before he spoke "Do you require something aunt?" in a tone suffused with barely concealed anger. It was the first time that Isabella had seen him look so agitated and a feeling of uneasiness overcame her. "I will leave you..." Isabella said quietly before she made her way toward where Lady Russell was still standing. "Yes that might be best" Lady Russell said with a broken smile and proceeded to stare at her, clearly noticing her change of dress. At the same moment Alexander growled "that is not necessary". Isabella threw him an uneasy look before she continued to walk past Lady Russell and moved inside. Deciding to seek refuge in the ladies powder-room she made her way down a long corridor and entered the neutral coloured room.

Inhaling the scent of sweet perfume that hung in the air she noted the array of women who were idly chatting while applying generous amounts of makeup. Taking a deep breath she stared into the mirror and thought "Don't let her affect you". She quickly powdered her nose and was about to exit when a hand gripped her arm "Ah there you are, I have wanted to meet the woman who has enamoured his grace so" came Miss Spencer's voice. Isabella smiled weakly and tried to excuse herself before she continued "or should I say the servant who has enamoured him". Her eyes shone with glee at her final words and a pang of anger flooded through Isabella. She was tired of being the target of others spiteful words.

Embracing her anger she eyed Miss Spencer before saying "It seems you are mistaken, I am employed as the governess here, so I am no mere servant. I am also the daughter of Lord and Lady Bradford and as such I am an educated lady..." Giving a look of false sincerity Isabella continued "I have no idea what you mean by his grace being 'enamoured' of me. However, I have heard that in the past his fancies have strayed to a lower class of woman..." Isabella stared at her pointedly then and refused to be affected by the vicious scowl that Miss Spencer threw at her. While Isabella believed Alexander when he said that their affair was over, it still felt exhilarating to suggest to Miss Spencer that she knew of their past.