The Book of Spells (Private 0.50)

ble floors had been freshly waxed, and gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the gorgeous green vistas of eastern Connecticut. The sun was just starting to set behind the trees, dyeing the sky outside a romantic shade of pink, as Eliza and her friends entered the hall. A string quartet played in the corner, and tuxedoed waiters proffered refreshments in crystal glasses.

As soon as Eliza stepped through the door, her eyes met Harrison’s. It was as if he’d been waiting for her all night long. But then Theresa emerged from the throng of girls and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, forcing Eliza to face the awful truth that Harrison belonged to another.

“Come, Eliza,” Catherine said, slipping her arm through her friend’s. “Let’s go get some punch and watch Alice flirt.”

Eliza squeezed Catherine’s arm. The two girls helped themselves to raspberry ice punch from the tray of a passing waiter and, along with Lavender, spent the first half hour of the dance people watching, giggling, and wondering whether Miss Almay would take a turn on the floor with Headmaster Crowe of Easton.

“Theresa and Harrison make a handsome couple, don’t they?” Catherine said, eyeing Eliza in a knowing way.

Eliza blinked and blushed. She’d been caught staring.

“I don’t think so,” Lavender said baldly. “She’s very severe and dark, and he’s so boyish and blond. I don’t think they go together at all.”

Eliza pushed away from the wall and, feeling suddenly lighthearted, bestowed a quick kiss on Lavender’s soft cheek. “I knew I liked you, Lavender Lewis-Tarrington!”

Lavender touched her cheek with her gloved hand and laughed uninhibitedly for the first time since Eliza had met her. Grinning, Eliza turned around and, not caring for propriety or decorum at the moment, grabbed the arm of the first boy she could catch hold of, which turned out to be Jonathan Thackery.

“Well, Miss Williams!” he said, his eyebrows raised. “You look lovely this evening.”

“Thank you,” Eliza said. “Do you fancy a turn around the floor?”

Jonathan laid his crystal cup of punch aside and offered his arm. “We may as well start practicing. I’m sure we’ll be expected to dance together all night at the wedding.”

“How very conscientious of you, Mr. Thackery,” Catherine joked.

“I’m nothing if not conscientious,” he replied, teasing in return. “But don’t go anywhere, Miss White. You’re next.”

Catherine laughed as Jonathan squired Eliza to the center of the floor. They danced a waltz together, followed by a quickstep. Before long, Jeff Whittaker cut in, then a dark-haired boy who introduced himself as Cooper Coolidge, which, Eliza thought, was an unfortunately alliterative name. As she danced, Eliza managed to forget all about Harrison Knox. She was truly having a good time. She didn’t even look for him over the shoulders of her many partners. Not more than once or twice, anyway.

And then, just as a new waltz was beginning, a hand came down on Christopher Renaud’s shoulder. It belonged to Harrison. He glanced quickly at Eliza, giving her a private smile that she felt all the way down to her toes.

“Chris, my friend, do you mind if I cut in?” he asked.

“Not at all,” Christopher replied. He stepped away from Eliza and bowed his head. “It’s been a pleasure.”

Eliza barely managed a nod. Harrison’s closeness made her feel heady, and her skin, already warm from dancing, was now blazing hot.

He held his arms out to her and Eliza stepped into them, feeling weightless as his hand touched her waist, as his fingers curled around hers. He had a clean yet musky scent. As they started across the floor she felt that if he didn’t hold her up, she might actually faint from the giddy dizziness of it all.

“That’s a lovely locket, Miss Williams,” he said in a formal tone.

“Thank you,” Eliza said. “I’m glad you like it.”

“It’s quite unique,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes. “Much like its owner.”

Eliza blushed and looked away. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for the book,” she said quietly.

“I hope you’re enjoying it.”

“Oh, tremendously,” Eliza said, adding playfully, “You know how I feel about tragedy.”

“I do at that,” Harrison replied. They both smiled, dancing in silence for a few moments. “Tell me, Miss Williams,” he said finally. “Are you having a good time, dancing with all the men of Easton?”

Eliza looked up at him through her lashes, detecting an edge to his voice. “I’ve been having a fine time, thank you,” she replied. “Are you enjoying your many turns with Theresa?”

Harrison’s grip on her tightened. “It’s been quite pleasurable, thank you.”

Eliza gulped back a knot of envy, which in the next moment hardened in her stomach in the form of guilt. Why should she be envious? He and Theresa were engaged.