Alannah's story excerpt 3

     In her room, Alannah changed into her nightgown, brushed her hair, and thought of Jeremy. Her heart sank as she remembered what he’d told his grandfather. He’ll probably reject me, figuring I’m marrying him for his money, when he finds out I’m Alannah Barry, his pre-arranged wife. For the first time, she gave serious thought to her future marriage, and for the first time, she realized it might not happen as her loving parents had planned.

     Before she felt ready, it was time for her first formal social occasion. The bumpy trip in a carriage to their London home did nothing to calm her nerves. The servants had left several ornate invitations sitting on the hall table just inside the front doors. Her mother scooped them up on her way into the house. She pulled Alannah into the parlor with her as the domestics carried in luggage. They sank down onto the couch and breathed a sigh of relief. Her mother’s voice pulled her from the comfortable drowsy state she’d slipped into.

     “Alannah, dear, in less than a week Lord and Lady Adams are hosting a weekend retreat at their mansion. It will begin with a ball. You’ll be introduced that night. We must prepare your clothing.” Her mother pushed herself up and walked back into the hall, murmuring about appointments with the tailor, the cobbler, and the hairdresser.

     “And then Jeremy will know who I am,” she whispered to herself. Her stomach clenched at the thought, but she was determined to make a good impression and honor her parents anyway.

     She stood as still as a china doll while her mother appraised her critically. They’d spent all week preparing for this night. Finally, her mother nodded, and turned away. Alannah frowned and rolled her eyes. A doll would be far more comfortable than I am right now. Her hair was beautifully arranged, and her dress fit well. Its color matched her eyes perfectly. Her training in walking and standing gracefully had paid off; she appeared to be moving easily in her dress, even though it threatened to squeeze the breath out of her like a python.

     When they arrived at the Adam’s estate, her stomach was tied in knots. Somehow, she managed to follow her parents inside, although she couldn’t seem to feel her legs or feet anymore. Suddenly, she was standing at the front of the ballroom, and all eyes turned to look at her as her name was announced. She quickly searched the sea of faces, trying to find the dark brown eyes and black hair she’d been seeing in her dreams. She smiled and curtsied as she’d been taught, lowering her eyes for an instant as she completed her curtsy. Straightening, she raised them once again to search the room.

     Just as she was about to walk away from her position in the center of attention, she recognized Jeremy standing by the French doors that opened onto the lawns. Time seemed to stop and he held her gaze, while a mixture of surprise and contemplation danced in his eyes. After an almost imperceptible nod from him, time caught up with her. She moved out of the limelight to join her parents.

     After a few introductions, the dancing began. Alannah was surprised to find that so many young men wanted to dance with her. The evening wore on, and the ball was nearly over, but she hadn’t spoken to or danced with Jeremy yet. Sir Isaac Benson had danced with her three times by rudely pushing other young men out of the way. His black hair and icy blue eyes would have been quite striking if he didn't have such cruelty behind those eyes. He was rough with her when they danced, and scowled at her other partners when she wasn’t with him.

     Jeremy danced throughout the evening with many willing partners and appeared to be enjoying himself. A lump formed in her throat and she forced herself not to show her disappointment. I suppose I can't blame him for avoiding me. I made a bad impression when he caught me spying on him.

          When Alannah noticed Jeremy speaking with her parents, she excused herself to go join them. I must speak with Jeremy and find out how he feels about me, now that he knows who I am. He smiled when he saw her walking over. She greeted her parents and allowed them to introduce her to Sir Jeremy Moore. Then they artfully disappeared, leaving Jeremy and Alannah alone.

     "Would you do me the honor of a dance, Alannah Barry?"

     "It would be my pleasure, Sir Jeremy Moore."

     He escorted her onto the dance floor. "So you are the woman my parents chose for me before they died."

     "And you are the man my parents chose for me."

     "I think I know why you were at my house a few weeks ago."

     "Do you?"

     Her voice was quiet as she searched his eyes for some kind of hint about what he was thinking. She could not read him, and for all she knew he was mocking her. They danced together in silence for the rest of the song, but it was not awkward. Alannah found it almost effortless to stay in synch with him—she seemed to sense him taking each step before he actually did. Thoughts swirled around in her head, like blackbirds circling a large pine tree. I still don't know what he thinks about me, but I feel strange when I'm with him—like there's a heat wave rippling around us. I don't know what it means. Am I crazy or does he feel it too?