Isabella's heart started to beat faster as she stared into Alexander's eyes. Feeling herself blushing, she broke eye contact and quickly took a sip of wine, with the hope that no one had noticed. "The meal was wonderful, you have done well organising such an event. Alex clearly places a lot of faith in you" the Baron then exclaimed.

A laugh escaped her and she smiled "I don't know about that...I was happy to help however... and his grace has done a lot for me. I never envisioned a life as a governess, but I truly love it!" The baron smiled oddly saying "Hmm...yes" before he looked down the table and then returned his eyes to Isabella. "Well I'm sure Alex vastly appreciates all your help" he spoke accentuating the last word.

Dinner ended after four wonderful courses of food and an army of waiters marched in to take the multitude of plates away. "Shall we move to the ball room Miss Bradford? I could do with a walk after eating all that food!" the Baron spoke and an endearing laugh escaped him. Isabella accepted and he helped her from her seat, pulling back her chair as she stood. "Thank you" she smiled and they strolled the short distance to the skilfully decorated ballroom, with its painted ceiling and crystal chandeliers.

They were chatting about the recent rebellion in India* when a servant approached them, "Champagne?" he asked holding out a silver platter. "Yes thank you" the Baron replied taking two flute glasses and handing one to Isabella. "Are you trying to get me intoxicated?" she said taking the glass. "Never! My lady!" he stated mimicking shock. Isabella laughed and took a sip, delighting in the taste and feeling of the bubbly liquid as it touched her taste buds. After the contents of the glass were empty she began to feel considerably relaxed and giggled delightedly as the baron began to regale her with stories of how he and Alex had played together as children.

The musicians began to play and the pleasing sound wafted through the vast expanse of the ballroom to meet their ears. "I think I should get some air!" Isabella spoke starting to feel exceedingly light headed. "Let me escort you" the Baron responded grinning. They moved toward the patio and out into the crisp night air. Taking a deep inhalation of breath Isabella laughed "I should not have drank quite so much....But I do feel wonderfully relaxed" she admitted.

The baron laughed "Well after all the preparations you have done for tonight you deserve to unwind". He moved closer, his eyes alight, and Isabella began to feel uneasy sensing a change in his demeanour. "Well I am feeling a lot better, I think I will return inside" she stated hurriedly. She walked past his surprised form and on entering the ballroom once more her eyes scanned the scene to find that Alexander was dancing a *quadrille with Miss Spencer.

Her heart gave an unexpected thud and her feet became rooted to the spot as she watched them manoeuvre through the paces of the dance; Miss Spencer all the while giving her best come hither stare to Alexander. "There you are!" came the Barons voice from behind her. She turned giving him a smile that didn't meet her eyes and boldly asked "do you dance?" The baron blinked "Ah yes...would you like to dance my lady?" he smiled extending his arm. "Certainly" she smirked linking her arm with his before they moved toward the centre of the room.

"The next dance is the Waltz!" one of the musicians announced before lively music began. Placing her left hand on the Barons shoulder Isabella tentatively held his right hand in her own and moved with the steps of the dance. They progressed around the floor and she was starting to enjoy herself when the Baron moved closer and whispered "Might I say how delightful you look in that dress". Immediately a feeling of discomfort crept over her and she looked away from his stare, only to meet Alexander's.

He was still dancing with Miss Spencer and on meeting her eyes he continued to watch her, ignoring his dance partner, as they moved around the floor. Isabella attempted to look away but found she could not, and when the Baron moved closer she noted that Alexander's eyes averted to the musicians on the stage, before he gave one of them a wink. "Please change partners" the musician said clapping his hands. The men then moved to the right to change partners, all except the Baron who seemed to be unaware of the announcement.

Before Isabella knew what was happening, Alexander tapped him on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear, while Isabella stared on in confusion. The Baron nodded and grinned at Alexander before he patted him on the back and quickly moved away. It was then that Isabella unexpectedly found herself in Alexander's arms. Her mind went blank and although she tried, no words escaped her lips. Alexander did not attempt to speak, instead he moved closer to her and encircled his arm about her waist more tightly.

She slowly raised her head to look from his chest at her eyelevel, to his face, and in so doing met his fiery stare for the second time. "Did you enjoy your little rendezvous on the patio with my cousin?" he spoke in almost a growl. Isabella blinked at him becoming annoyed "Nothing happened... besides you seem to be having your own rendezvous as you call it!" she stated bluntly before looking pointedly at Miss Spencer. He laughed then and Isabella huffed in annoyance, averting her eyes from him. "Look at me Isabella..."he whispered and as of their own accord her eyes diverted back to him. "I can sense you are displeased, but despite what you may think, or have heard, there is nothing between myself and Miss Spencer".

Whether it was the alcohol or her own frustration Isabella could not tell, but before she could stop herself the words "It did not look that way!" escaped her. Alexander all but grinned down at her before he breathed "are you jealous?" hotly into her ear. Isabella blushed profusely and tried to pull away from him, but he held her firmly. Her mind worked before she spoke "Of course not... my only concern is for Emma...It would not do for her to see you cavorting with women of a certain ilk!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow "What ilk might that be?". Anger bubbled inside her "You know full well! Its common knowledge she's your mistress!" she burst out in a hushed tone before she gasped and covered her mouth. Alexander gazed at her then "I presume you have heard this from some of the staff?" he said looking annoyed. When she refused to respond he continued "As I've said there is nothing between us, I won't deny we have a past together, but I do not want her in my life anymore...she is aware of that now...unfortunately I could not dissuade her from attending the ball once she arrived!" he said, annoyance suffusing his tone.

The music came to an end and each couple disengaged, leaving the dance-floor. However, Alexander continued to hold onto her a little longer than was necessary. Taking a deep breath he stared into her eyes and whispered "I never got the chance to say...you look beautiful". With that he let her go and was about to speak again when a gentleman came forward and patted him on the back "Your grace! I never knew you could dance so well!". Isabella quietly excused herself and moved toward the door, hoping to collect her thoughts and calm her quickened heartbeat. Just as she neared it, a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"Dear girl, do stop and talk with me a moment won't you?" came a woman's voice. She turned and realised it was the elderly lady who had entered for dinner on Alexander's arm. "I am Alexander's aunt Lady Russell and I believe you are the governess here? You must be enjoying a break from your duties tonight. I am surprised you are in attendance... and what a lovely dress" she spoke giving her an assessing look. Isabella stared wide eyed at her "Ah yes I am the governess here my lady...and yes tonight is a nice diversion" she smiled nervously. They moved toward a more secluded part of the ballroom before Lady Russell commented "I do hope the child is doing well...dreadful business if you ask me but Alex would not be dissuaded from taking her in!"

A feeling of anger came over her and taking a deep breath she calmly said "Emma is a wonderful child and a pleasure to teach". Lady Russell gave her a broken smile before her eyes took on a malicious look "Well that may be the case but Alex has his future to think of, he is to marry Lady Worthington this summer" she said before waving her fan at a nearby raven haired woman to come forward. "Lady Worthington this is Miss Bradford the governess here" she introduced. "A pleasure to meet you Lady Worthington" Isabella smiled. "And you" she responded meekly before she cast her blue eyes downward.

"It shall be a glorious wedding...it's been planned since birth you know...Lady Worthington is from an excellent family...one of noble breeding" she spoke staring pointedly at Isabella. Declining to give a reply, Isabella looked away wondering how she could make her escape but Lady Russell continued "Others have tried in the past to catch his eye, however, they are wasting their time" she laughed. Isabella opened her mouth intending to make an excuse and leave before Lady Russell interrupted "Is it true that your father is in prison? Unpaid debts I heard!"

Isabella's heartbeat accelerated in annoyance at her obvious goading. In a voice laced with anger she replied "Yes It is my lady, now if you will excuse me I...Ahhh..." she cried as the contents of Lady Russell's glass spilled down her dress. "Oh I am sorry dear, my hand must have slipped...old age you know!" she spoke in an insincere voice.

Isabella's mood changed from one of shock to anger once more. She was about to say something very unladylike before she remembered her place. "Don't worry my lady...please excuse me" she replied with a fake smile. With that she hurried in the direction of the door, noting the looks she got from the guests she passed by. Rushing up the stairs she finally reached her room and swiftly closed the door behind her. Leaning against the hard wood she let a shaky sigh escape her lips.

*began in May 1857 as a result of British rule in India. It lasted for over a year and posed a considerable threat to the East India Company's trading power. Ultimately it resulted in company's dissolution in 1858. It also led the British to reorganize their army, the financial system and the administration in India.

* is a dance that was fashionable in late 18th and 19th century Europe and its colonies. It is performed by four or more couples.