Enchantress And The Guardian

First Dance

Quinn had made a quiet greeting to the Lord and Lady of the manor before following her parents into the stunning foyer. A large glass chandelier hung from the ceiling and gold scones lined the walls. As Quinn looked down she noticed an elaborate golden design that fanned out over the floor as well. It seemed that the color scheme for their home was indeed gold.

Quinn attempted to make herself look small as she walked through the already crowded room. However, her bright red hair nearly made it impossible to be unseen. A number of the male guests were looking in her direction with approval and curious stares, as the young ladies looked at her with what could only be described as either envy or disdain.

Quinn let out a shaky breath and followed her parents into the large ballroom. Much like the foyer, everything was either covered in gold or glass. The light from the candles made rainbows dance along the walls and floor as young couples danced to a fast-paced melody.

"Just breathe, darling," Cecilia said to Quinn. She laid a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder to hopefully calm some of the young girl's nerves.

Quinn attempted a small smile towards her mother even though she was still working to relax. Quinn watched as the women were twirled around the dance floor. She could help but think of Dev. She wondered if he would be in attendance.

"Well, hello," came a familiar voice. Quinn looked over and saw Lord and Lady Walker. The pair greeted the Blackwoods and Quinn could not help but look past them for the dark head of hair she had come to know so well. However, she was disappointed to find that Dev was not with his parents at the ball. She wondered why he had not come. Dev had seemed convinced that his mother had accepted the invitation. Why then was he not with them?

Quinn squared her shoulders. She found herself annoyed at the fact that he was not there. She was forced to deal with the ball on her own, it would seem.

"Excuse me, but I was wondering if the young lady had a dance partner for the next dance?" A young man with blonde hair and a leaner frame approached their small group. Cecilia looked to her daughter in question. She put on a welcoming smile before turning to the young man.

"She does not," her mother answered for her. Quinn could almost groan out loud in protest, but she refrained as she knew it would only make her mother chastise her and that she did not want that in such a public place with many of the towns eyes upon them. Quinn only nodded once and the man wrote his name on her dance card.

Too soon did the previous dance end and the couples lined up for the next dance to begin. Quinn found herself across from the blonde man who had so boldly asked for the dance. She had not even looked at the card to see the man's name. Her no-name blonde dance partner was fluid in his motions and twirled Quinn around with ease. She had wondered if his lean physic played a part in him being able to move so gracefully.

"If I could be so bold, you are the most beautiful woman in the room this evening," the man said with a smile. He seemed genuine about his compliment but Quinn was unsure how to respond. She had never received such praise from the opposite s*x and found her tongue-tied on a response.

"It is alright if you do not wish to speak during the dance, but I wonder if I might fetch you a refreshment once our dance is through?" Again Quinn, unsure how to answer. Although her throat was dry and something to drink did sound appealing. So she decided on a nod to answer his question.

The response seemed to have hit its mark. The man's smile grew, and his straight white teeth showed from across the floor. The song ended quickly enough and Quinn was returned to her parents. Lochlan regarded the young man with quiet appraisal. Quinn wondered if he was measuring the young man up against Dev.

"I shall return," the man said, and walked to the small room that contained the refreshments. Lochlan turned towards his daughter, "Was the man a gentleman?" he asked quietly, so that only she could hear.

"Well enough, I suppose. I only have limited experience," Quinn answered. She had been kept away from most society as a young girl. Her only companion had been that of the Walker's only son. The blonde man was back once more and extended a cup to Quinn, who took it and uttered a small word of thanks.

"Did you exert yourself so much that you cannot dance the next dance, miss?" A surprisingly familiar voice teased from behind. Quinn almost spilled the contents of her glass on the blonde man who had retrieved it for her. Quinn whirled around, and her skirts flounced around her as she looked up to find Dev with a teasing smile on his face, looking down at her.

Quinn could feel the warmth rising to her cheeks. "Not at all," she said with a bit of annoyance in her voice. What had taken him so long to show? She wondered but did not ask. Instead, she put down her glass on the nearest table. "Excuse me, my lord," Quinn said to the blonde man as she took the arm that Dev extended towards her.

Dev walked Quinn out to the dance floor once more, and they moved to get in their starting position. Dev's arms snaked around her waist and pulled her close, but not an indent amount. They did not want tongues to wag after all.

The sweet music began to play and Dev moved Quinn around with ease. Finding no trouble taking the lead. "So, do I dance as well as the other man?" Dev was back to teasing Quinn. She looked up at Dev, still annoyed at his tardiness.

"I would not have had to dance with him if you had not shown up when your parents did," Quinn retorted. Dev smiled and spun Quinn. When she returned to his arms once more, Dev continued their conversation.

"My apologies, I did not realize that you would be counting the minutes until my arrival," Dev whispered softly. Quinn scoffed at his comment.

"I was not some dog, waiting at the door for his owners' return," Quinn said making a comparison. Dev laughed at her joke and spun her once more.

"It is nice to hear that you noticed, if I am honest," Dev surprised her with what he had said.

"And why is that?" Quinn questioned him. Was he going to admit to his feelings for her right here on the dance floor? She would not think so, but Dev did surprise her at times.

"We are friends, are we not?" Dev asked instead. It was not the answer she had wanted. She refrained from saying so. Instead, they remained quiet as the dance came to an end.

Dev walked Quinn back to their parents and stood by her side. Lochlan and Edmond were in some sort of discussion that held both of their attentions away from their children. Likewise with their mothers. Quinn wondered if they were doing it on purpose. Dev turned towards Quinn, "Care for some fresh air?" he asked, and extended his arms once more. Quinn looked over to the double french doors on the other side of the room. They had been opened wide so that guests could cool off in the evening breeze. But also to make sure that everyone in the ballroom had a clear view of those who took to the veranda as well. Quinn nodded and took Dev's arm. He easily maneuvered them through the crowd and through the French doors. Quinn wondered if Dev had another reason for leading her away from the ears of their parents.