Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

4. Chapter (The Ball At Grays')

As the elusive embrace of sleep continued to evade her, Isabella's thoughts embarked on a journey through the tapestry of memories shared with Travis. This time, she found herself transported to the enchanting swirl of a ball at the Grays' grand estate...

She had no intention of seeking him out with her gaze, for a lady should always maintain an air of demureness at such gatherings. However, despite her best efforts, she couldn't help but cast furtive glances in hopes of glimpsing his presence. The memory of a certain Captain Hayes, who had once briefly crossed her path, had long faded into obscurity. Her heart and mind were once again captivated by one man alone—the gentleman to whom she had bared her feelings on that fateful evening at Lady Kendall's soirée, only to be met with the sting of rejection.

Now, as he suddenly and unexpectedly materialized before her, Isabella's composure faltered, much like that of a young debutante facing her first public appearance. Her thoughts were in disarray, and the art of polite conversation seemed to desert her. Travis, too, appeared momentarily disconcerted, and his instinct led him to seek refuge in the sanctuary of dance—a request that served as a shield against potentially untoward words or actions. After all, discretion was paramount, for neither he nor Bella desired to sow discord. And certainly not in light of his forthcoming intentions concerning her sister, Eliza.

Bella accepted his outstretched hand, though hers quivered with nervous anticipation. She harboured a nagging certainty that she would undoubtedly falter in the intricate dance steps that lay ahead. However, under Travis's firm guidance, she floated across the floor as if she barely grazed the earth. His mastery of the moment filled her with unfeigned admiration, marvelling at how he retained his composure amidst the heightened emotions of the occasion.

But, she pondered, why should this be difficult for him? After all, his heart remains untouched by my sentiments.

"I received your latest missive," he suddenly uttered, his words causing her to momentarily lose her step, "yet, I must implore you not to commit further thoughts to paper addressed to me."

Bella let out a swift breath, feeling the pang of his request. However, the sting of his rejection paled in comparison to their encounter at the previous soirée. Since that ill-fated night, their exchanges had grown chilly and reserved, thus she had anticipated such a response. Fortunately, this time, she swiftly regained her equilibrium, her gaze unwavering as it met his, void of any trace of hesitation.

"I sought only to offer my apologies and affirm my words," she spoke softly, her courage fleeting as she met his eyes—eyes that had frequented her dreams and waking life.

"Aye, I comprehend," he responded, "but it changes naught in my heart's devotion to your sister. 'Tis friendship I extend to you, but I hold concerns that you may misconstrue it as an attempt to win my favour, only to be disillusioned once more by your own reveries."

Observing the gleam in her sapphire eyes, he hastened to add, "I truly harbour no intent to wound you, Lady Isabella. Yet, I wish to spare you the pain you might inflict upon yourself for my sake."

For some unfathomable reason, he found himself compelled to protect her. Or perhaps it was himself that needed safeguarding? But safeguarding from what—was it from her, or his own looming desires? Travis rejected such notions straight away, while she graced him with a smile, finally meeting his gaze. Yet, it was a smile tinted with bitterness, and her eyes held a profound sadness that pierced his very soul.

"You may assert that you shall love my sister eternally, and I, alas, cannot profess the same for you? It seems most unjust," she admitted, a heaviness settling in her chest.

"You are in the bloom of youth," he commenced, but she swiftly interjected.

"Is youth a hindrance to love? To matrimony? To motherhood? Many of my contemporaries are already wed, anticipating the joys of motherhood."