Authors: A Song at Twilight
Pamela Sherwood (39 page)
The music ended, the last chords quavering into silence, and Mr. Trelawney swirled them both to a stop. Aurelia stifled a pang of regret at how quickly the time had passed.
“Thank you,” she said, and meant it. She was slightly breathless, and her bad leg twinged after the unaccustomed exercise; it would be worse in the morning, but she felt not even a particle of regret.
He gave her that knee-weakening smile again. “The pleasure was mine, Miss Newbold.”
The sound of a throat being discreetly cleared drew their attention to the doorway, where a liveried footman now stood. “Mr. Trelawney?”
His brows rose inquiringly. “Yes?”
“Lady Talbot wishes to speak with you, sir. In the supper room.”
“Ah. Tell her I’ll be along straightaway.”
“Very good, sir.” The footman withdrew at once.
Mr. Trelawney turned back to Aurelia. “Pardon me, Miss Newbold, but I must wait upon my aunt. May I escort you back to the ballroom now?”
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’d like to remain in the conservatory a while longer.” Solitude would give her the chance to recover her poise—and invisibility.
“As you wish.” But he lingered a moment longer. “Thank you for the waltz. Perhaps we might attempt it again sometime?”
Aurelia swallowed, deliberately not allowing herself to dwell on that possibility. “Perhaps we might, at that. Good evening, Mr. Trelawney.”
He raised her hand briefly to his lips. “And to you, Miss Newbold.”
He bowed and strode from the conservatory. Much to Aurelia’s vexation, her traitorous gaze followed him, long after he had disappeared into the crowded ballroom.
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Pamela Sherwood grew up in a family of teachers and taught college-level literature and writing courses for several years before turning to writing full time. She holds a doctorate in English literature, specializing in the Romantic and Victorian periods, eras that continue to fascinate her and provide her with countless opportunities for virtual time travel. She lives in Southern California, where she continues to write the kind of books she loves to read. Visit her on the web at
www.pamelasherwood.com
.
