Jessica could not tell which was hotter, her cheeks or her hand. Her slap had been a lot harder than she had intended, but she had been so taken by surprise by his kiss that she had not even thought before striking him.

It had, at least, had the desired effect, for he had stumbled back in shock, clutching his face as he’d stared at her.

Whatever had he been thinking? Anyone might have seen them which would have called for an engagement almost immediately and Jessica was not about to be cajoled or tricked into matrimony.

“Amelia,” she murmured, coming to stand by her sister and hoping her face was no longer as pink.

Amelia excused herself from the conversation and, turning to look at Jessica, paused for a moment. “Jessica, are you quite well? You look overly warm.”

“I am quite well, I assure you,” Jessica replied, feeling a little more at equilibrium now that she had found her older sister. “I just need to talk to someone for a while so that I am not called in to dance or the like.”

“You do look quite tired,” Amelia replied, slowly, her eyes fixed on Jessica. “Are you sure that is all it is?”

Jessica paused for a moment only to smile as brightly as she could. “Yes, I am quite sure. I have danced almost every dance and my feet are starting to hurt!” She smiled as Amelia continued to study her. “How are you feeling? Is dancing quite all right when you…?” She did not want to mention Amelia’s pregnancy out loud, aware that her sister had not yet done so.

“I am more tired than usual,” Amelia admitted, “but I have been told that dancing is of no concern and that, in fact, some exercise might be very beneficial.” She smiled a little dreamily. “I am glad to have you girls with me, however. My confinement sounds quite dull even though it is still some time away!”

Jessica chuckled. “I am quite sure you will have Arthur waiting on you hand and foot, Amelia.”

“He already does!” Amelia replied, with a laugh. “I had to convince him that I was quite well without his constant attention, you know. It was as though he thought I might break once I told him about my condition.”

Meaning to say more, Jessica had to close her mouth as none other than Major Ridding began to approach. “Oh no,” she murmured, linking her arm through Amelia’s. “Tell him I am caring for you, Amelia. I do not wish to do any more dancing.”

Amelia frowned a little as she glanced over at Jessica but, as Major Ridding approached, her expression cleared.

“Ah, there you are Lady Jessica!” the Major boomed. “Been looking for you.”

“My sister came to talk to me for a few minutes,” Amelia said, sounding a little surprised at the man’s lack of greeting. “Are you enjoying this evening, Major Ridding?”

“Yes, I am, Lady Northfell,” Major Ridding replied, sounding quite apologetic and inclining his head towards her. “Plenty of dancing for a gentleman such as myself! I miss such events as these when I go out to fight.”

“And where have you been going?” Jessica asked, suddenly interested in what his life was like. “Did you remain within England?”

Major Ridding shook his head, his eyes sparkling with delight at her interest. “No, indeed. I have just returned from Pomerania, under His Majesty’s instructions to inspect the troops there.”

“And was your trip a successful one?”

He nodded, still beaming at her. “Yes, indeed. All seemed to be in order, although I will confess that I missed the lush green fields of England and I am delighted to return. However, there is something in my blood that forces me to continue traveling to these distant countries, determined to do what is asked of me by the King. Obligations, you know!”

Amelia cleared her throat gently. “How very good of you,” she murmured, sounding a little disinterested. “But what of your estate and title, Major Ridding? Have you not obligations there also?”

The smile fled from his face. “Indeed, I do, Lady Northfell,” he answered, his brows furrowing together and giving him something of a ferocious appearance. “However, I have a cousin and excellent steward who deal with all such matters. I cannot deal with them myself, of course, for it is quite out of the question that I should give up on my duties.”

Jessica felt something slice at her heart, a sudden, sharp pain that made her catch her breath. She was not quite sure about Major Ridding and what he was trying to say, wondering if he had intentionally tried to have Lord Warwick drop in her estimation.

“Some men are willing to do such a thing,” Major Ridding continued, a little airily. “But I cannot join them. Title and status mean nothing to me, not if one cannot have a purpose.”

“I believe one can find purpose in taking on one’s responsibilities,” Amelia interjected, her voice a little cool. “Not everyone sees the world as you do, Major Ridding.”

For a moment, Major Ridding seemed quite nonplussed and Jessica could not help but smile to herself, glad that her sister had been able to put the man in his place. She felt as though Major Ridding had placed himself above all other men, using his reasons for rejecting the obligations that came with his title as a way to congratulate himself. He seemed to have no understanding that not everyone would agree with him, nor would everyone think he was, as he seemed to consider, quite wonderful for handing over his duties to his steward and distant cousin. Jessica’s smile broadened as Major Ridding cleared his throat, his cheeks coloring.

“Yes, of course, Lady Northfell,” he stammered, evidently a little lost. “I did not mean to imply anything of the sort, of course. I was simply pointing out that my life is rather different from the norm.”

“That it may be, but I cannot think to congratulate you for it,” Amelia continued, rather bluntly. “We all must make choices, Major Ridding, and I will not allow myself to consider one choice to be more favorable than the other. I, for one, have great admiration for Lord Warwick in choosing to take on his duties in spite of his clear love for the army and the adventure it brings.”

Major Ridding’s cheeks turned crimson and he dropped into a bow. “Of course, my lady,” he mumbled, no longer standing as the tall, proud gentleman he had been before. “If you will excuse me.”

Jessica watched as he began to move away, clutching her sister’s arm. “You did not need to be so firm with him!”

“Of course, I did!” Amelia exclaimed, her eyes still angry. “He was putting down my husband, stating that such a life cannot have any purpose and placing himself up on a throne to look down on us all.”

Jessica hid a smile, knowing that her sister’s frustrations came from a place of love for Lord Northfell. “I do not think it was intentional, Amelia. He just thinks a little highly of himself.”

“Or has had to justify his choices so often that he now believes it to be the only correct course of action,” Amelia muttered, the frustration slowly leaving her face. “He’s already danced with you, you say?”

“Yes, on two occasions,” Jessica replied, with a slight frown. “I do not particularly seek his attentions, however. You may be assured of that!”

Amelia laughed and wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist. “You need not fear me interfering again, Jessica. I should not have pried before and I will not do so again.”

Profoundly grateful, Jessica smiled and, seeing another acquaintance coming to speak to Amelia, took her leave.

However, the moment she stepped away, her eyes fell on none other than Lord Warwick. He had come back inside and was, as she had expected, looking for her. His face held an expression of distress, his eyes searching through the great crowd of guests.

Jessica stepped back, unwilling to let him see her. She did not want to speak to him again, not this evening at least. She was still both angry and confused over what he had done and certainly did not want to engage with him again in conversation.

“Jessica! Where did you go?”

Turning swiftly, Jessica grasped Jacintha’s arm and, together, they hurried towards the back of the ballroom, in amongst the wallflowers and companions.

“Not so loud, if you don’t mind,” Jessica whispered, softly. “Not everyone needs to know where I went.”

“Lord Warwick was walking with you and then the next thing we knew, you were both gone!” Jacintha whispered, her eyes wide with delight and anticipation. “Did he whisk you somewhere? Declare his love?”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “For goodness sake, Jacintha, get your head out of the clouds! He did no such thing. I decided to return to the ball after he chose to be more than a little improper and, therefore, I do not wish to speak to him again.”

The light in Jacintha’s eyes faded. “What did he do?”

“He –” The lump in Jessica’s throat grew, forcing her to pause for a moment. “He tried to kiss me,” she whispered, keeping her voice as quiet as possible. “I slapped him and hurried inside.” Seeing the astonishment on Jacintha’s face, Jessica took her sister’s hand. “You must not speak of it to anyone, Jacintha. Can I trust you in this matter?”

“Of course you can,” Jacintha replied immediately, sounding a little hurt. “You and I have always shared our secrets.”

Jessica sighed, biting back a groan. “I know but this is different in its severity.”

“Why?”

“Because it is Lord Warwick,” Jessica replied, honestly. “In truth, I was finding myself a little partial to the man but now he has more than insulted me.” She spotted him again, walking through the crowd, his head turning this way and that. “Now he wishes to speak to me and I cannot bear the thought of it.”

Jacintha did not answer immediately, a serious look coming over her expression. When she did finally speak, she spoke slowly and with a great deal of care, as though considering every word. “I believe that Lord Warwick, whilst overstepping his mark, may have the beginnings of affection for you, Jessica. Major Ridding also seems to be interested in you.”

“I have told you I do not care to consider matrimony!”

Jacintha laughed and shook her head. “You may say that all you wish but I know you would not be this upset if you did not harbor some kind of feelings for Lord Warwick.” She put her hand on Jessica’s arm in an attempt to calm her down. “Either man would do, Jessica, but it depends on your heart. Get to know them both a little more and see where your heart leads.”

Jessica let out a long breath, her expression dark. “Very well, although I am still not inclined to speak with Lord Warwick this evening.”

Laughing softly, Jacintha grinned at her sister. “Then hide in the shadows until it is time to leave, Jessica. I will come and fetch you.”

“Thank you,” Jessica replied, truly grateful. “Hopefully it will not be too much longer. I can hardly wait to return to the Northfell estate.”