To my great mortification, the ball started as I suspected, with all the lords and ladies whispering about us to each other. They gave us all snide glances that made us feel like we didn’t belong.
But then he appeared.
George.
He took my hand and danced with me all night. I swear he stole my heart in those moments, and after, when I said, “Thank you. By dancing with me, you saved my family from mockery.”
“While I am pleased to have defended you, I must confess that isn’t the only reason I did so.”
“It isn’t?”
He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. I must know everything about you.”
We talked all night and I told him everything. Then he kissed me.
I don’t think my life will ever be the same.
July 3
I have s
