Snippet #1506524

Isobel fought the urge to walk off the dance floor mid dance as Lord Rowley continued to act in an overly familiar manner although thankfully the dance was one where the need to touch was not often. It involved swapping partners regularly which did give her some time to escape his presence. But then during those moments when the dance brought them together again he would act in very ungentlemanly fashion his hands often sliding lower than any man, except her husband, was allowed to go. He seemed to be trying to make up for the times when he could not be near her and Isobel began to wonder if the dance would ever end. As once more they came together he leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"You are a stunning beauty my dear and perhaos fit to grace my bed."
Isobel was unsure as to whether she had heard him correctly, surely no gentleman would ever utter such words on such an early aquaintance and in public no less! She attempted to pull away slightly but he gripped her arm in a surprisingly firm grip. Isobel was unsure how to act, should she cause a fuss and draw attention to his behaviour? But then that would cause no end of gossip and scandal which could have a detrimental effect on herself and her family. Or should she simply smile and bear it? But then that would perhaps make her mother believe she welcomed the mans affections and that would lead down a route she did not want to go. Instead she settled for a point in between the two options and smiled sweetly at the man before steepping very hard on his foot, they were still moving and she hoped others would simply see it as clumsiness on her part.

"Lord Rowley, perhaps you would think that but I am inclined to feel that you are not fit to grace mine!" She said very quietly but in a heated tone. She knew the words were not ones appropriate to a lady and knew her mama would most likely suffer a fit if she heard but right at that moment she did not care. She would not allow this man to believe he could behave any way he wished just because she was female. He reddened angrily but whatever he was about to say was lost as the dance ended and everyone clapped around them. Isobel curtsied as was proper and then walked away quickly before he could say more. She was heading towards the ladies room when a young woman with blonde curls came hurrying up to her.
"Izzy! I saw you dancing with Lord Rowley. Why ever did you agree to that?"
Isobel smiled and looked fondly at her long time friend, Caroline Beaumont was one of those rare people who saw everyone in a good light until they did something to prove her wrong abd even then she was usually forgiving. She was one of the kindest and most genuine souls Isobel had ever met which was why she valued her friendship so much. The Ton as a whole were not known for their honesty and when surrounded by gossip and intrigue someone as honest and straightforward as Caroline was refreshing. Caroline looked very fetching in a pale blue gown with delicate white trimmings, it was of course in the latest fashion having a very high waist. It complimented her blonde hair and blue eyes perfectly and showed her curvacous figure to its full advantage. Unlike Isobel who whilst being attractive was not a typical beauty Caroline was the epitome of what the Ton considered beautiful. Not that it generally bothered Isobel what the Ton thought of her in terms of her looks.

"Mama." Isobel replied grimly.
"Oh here he comes again, that man is like a limpit." Caroline exclaimed in irritation. "Quickly go into the gardens and I will distract him for a time."
Isobel smiled gratefully at her friend. "Caroline." She declared. "You have saved me from a fate worse than death."
Caroline smiled back. "I know. Now go on."
Isobel quickly walked out through one of the patio doors and stepped into the garden proper, Lord and Lady Ravenhurst possessed a fine garden and Isobel stood simply enjoying the fresh air after the cloying atmosphere of the ball.