The Spells of Paradise

Chapter 9: Enemies in Your Arms

Chapter 9: Enemies in Your Arms

Lucy took a few moments to step aside from all the dancing and glamour once again. Captain Ross had been called away by a gathering of men interested in business investments—something he assured Lucy that he himself had no interest in—leaving her to own devices for a time.

Lucy sipped some water and watched Beatrice entertain several partners, wondering if any of them was the young man that seemed besotted with her. She doubted it; Beatrice wasn't the sort of girl to spend her night with one man only unless that man had something in particular to offer. Even so, it was entertaining to watch her dance, she was very graceful.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

Lucy turned and saw James standing there, watching her intently. "Yes. It's a lovely ball, James."

"I am glad you like it," he said, his face almost like a stone. "I find it most unfortunate that we have not yet shared a dance."

Lucy smiled. "The night is not yet over, we still can. I would love to."

"Alas, that will not be possible," he replied. "I have to go see to my father. My mother is with him right now, and I just received word that he is asking for me."

Lucy frowned. "He's awake?" When he nodded, she sucked in a breath. "Do you want me to go with you to see him?"

He looked down at her, his expression cold enough to send shivers down her spine. "Will Ross not miss you?"

"Ross?"

"Your... Partner for the night."

Lucy shook her head. "No, he will not. And it does not matter if he does, I would like to see your father, and your mother. I would like to be there for you, James."

"As my friend, I presume?"

Lucy shot him a testing look. "Do you not want me to come?"

James shook his head immediately. "No, I want you to. I am sorry. I am just..." He paused, then cleared his throat. "Follow me."

"Wait," Lucy turned back towards the throng of couples dancing and frolicking. "What about Elizabeth?"

"What about her?" James asked. "The Donaldsons have retired for the night. Come."

Wonder if they left on good terms.

As Lucy followed James towards the foyer, she turned back one more time and saw Ross watching her go. She smiled at him but quickly turned away just in time for the footman to open the doors for her and James to exit the ballroom. Then, he led her up the stairs, a path she knew well, but still it felt oddly strange to her. Dawn-Bridge had not changed much, but she had, and she was seeing it through her grown perspective.

That, and her friendship with the owner was slowly crumbling and she felt far too helpless to save it.

"I hope that you can come to me if ever you need a friend," Lucy said to James's back in a vain attempt to patch whatever wounds were festering between them. "I still love you, James. I only wish happiness for you."

James paused, tensed, then turned to look at her. "Why do you say such things?"

Lucy winced at his sudden angered expression. "What things?"

"You speak to me as though being your friend is the only thing I can ever be," he gritted out, eyes flaring. "Why do you continue to insult me in such a way?"

"How is that an insult?" Lucy asked. "It's not my intention to hurt you, James! Far from it!"

"Then why does everything you say do just that?" He clenched his fists. "I make no bones about how I feel about you, Lucy, I never have. I don't frolic and pretend and deny like you do."