The Ball Part 3

We were greeted at the door by a man baring champagne in slender crystal glasses, Following the crowd through the main hall that was lit only by a few wall scones, we entered the ballroom.

I stood for a moment to admire the magnificence of it all.

The flamboyant decorations on the ceiling, the grand crystal chandelier that hung in the center illuminating the entire room with golden rays, the superb paintings displayed on the wall.

It left my eyes restless trying to focus on the many details.

A sweet melody was drifting through the atmosphere, tracing my eyes to the origin of it I saw a collection of violinists and pianists seated at the end of the hall.

My eyes flickered across the room landing on a tall man dressed in a velvet coat, he had wavy jet black hair that he wore combed down to his shoulders. He looked to be in his 40's, he was handsome enough but he carried a sinister look about him. His dark eyes expressionless as he spoke to the woman next to him. He glanced over at me and excusing himself from his conversation he walked over to us with gliding steps. Averting my eyes from him I listened as he spoke to my father.

"Good evening Sir Blackwood, I am pleased you and your family could make it tonight." His silvery voice had an accent I could not make out.

My father shook his hand and answered, "It is an honor to be here Lord De Lioncourt. This is my wife Sophia and my daughter Zenobia"

So this was the lord everyone has been raving about, finding him strangely intimidating I smiled nervously as he took my hand in his, giving a low bow.

"Might I say, Sir; you have a beautiful daughter and her mother every bit as beautiful." his tone thick with charm. It was clear he was a man that knew his way around the ladies.

"Come let me introduce you to my son." walking through the crowd we followed him out onto the balcony. A young man stood with his back towards us, leaning over the edge of the balcony observing the guests below as they toured the gardens.

"This here is my son Caleb." He turned to face us as his father placed a hand on his shoulder. I stood in shock for a brief moment seeing his face. It was him! The man from the lake.

I heard my father say my name and breaking free from my thoughts I greeted the man in front of me. "It is a pleasure to meet you, milord. " I said bowing my head. As my cheeks flushed red, remembering the events at the lake.

"The pleasure is mine Miss Blackwood, " he said in that soft tone of his, A friendly smile on his face.

Up close he was breathtakingly handsome, His Jet-Black hair curling around his face, He had flawless Ivory skin and his eyes were the color of emeralds, he had a soft oval face and full lips the color of a rose. His features were almost Angelic, I felt as if I was staring at a painting.

The Lord De Lioncourt now spoke, "Unfortunately my eldest son Silas could not be here tonight. He is away on business. He should only be home a month from now..." As he and my parents walked off and joined a group of guests that had been speaking close by. I stood awkwardly in place next to

his son.

"Would you like to dance?" I heard him say as he offered me his hand. "Er, yes that would be lovely Milord." walking me to the dance floor he placed his hand above my waist and begun guiding me across the floor, "Please, call me Caleb." nervously I smiled up at him, his eyes were fixed on me as he spoke. "You clean up well you know." startled for a moment I stopped moving only to have him calmy pull me back into the rest of the dance "I beg your pardon?"

"The other day I made you out to be a bit rough on the edges, It's unusual for a lady to trespass onto a Lord's land, nevermind take a swim in his lake in nothing but her undergarment. some might have gotten the wrong impression of you." he said with a slight smirk forming on his face.

I flushed red with embarrassment. So he remembered that it was me and he could see me in the water. I thought I was far enough out for him not to notice what I was wearing. But now I know he could.

speechless I looked up at him, face flushed with embarrassment. He chuckled seeing my response, "I apologize, I didn't mean to embarrass you. I only meant that you look different."

"I didn't think anyone would be on the property, it has been vacant for so long . I only assumed..." "There is no need to explain yourself." he smiled a genuine smile before letting go of me as the dance came to an end.

"It was a pleasure dancing with you, Zenobia." placing a kiss on the top of my hand he bowed and stepped away, disappearing into the crowd.

It was strange hearing him call me by my first name. I was so used to people referring to me as Miss Blackwood. But why leave so abruptly? Perhaps he had more important guests to see to.

Realizing now that I stood alone in the middle of the dancefloor with others watching me, I hurriedly made my way to the balcony, grabbing a glass of champagne from the waiter as he passed.