Cinderella and the Lady by KT Grant Read Free Book Online

house. I don’t think he ever got over her death, even after he married Geraldine a year later.”
    “The baron and his first wife never had children?” Kristina asked, moved by the tale.
    Lord Robert rubbed the back of his neck. “Um, there’s—”
    “Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. If I could have your attention, I have an important announcement to make,” Mr. Crane broadcasted near the front of the room.
    “Lady Kristina, will you do me the honor of being my partner for the first dance of the evening?” Lord Robert whispered.
    She accepted with the tilt of her head. Other than his freedom with his tongue on her knuckles, she couldn’t find any other fault with him. His charm broke through her initial repugnance while they chatted. As a reward, she granted him his wish.
    A broad smile filled his face and his chest stuck out.
    Swallowing a laugh, she focused on Mr. Crane, like everyone else in the room.
    “Thank you all for coming tonight. Mrs. Crane and I welcome you to our home.” Mr. Crane preened under the smattering of applause. He waved over one of his servants, who delivered a glass of champagne to him. Soon other servants appeared, handing out flutes to the guests.
    “Tonight we celebrate the wonderful and generous community we have here in Aulnory. Thirty years ago, Mrs. Crane and I moved here not knowing anyone. You have treated us with kindness, and we thank you for that. We would also like to thank the Duke and Duchess of Perrault for coming tonight and addressing us with their presence, including their son, Lord Simon, and their daughter, Lady Kristina, who has come home after five long years abroad.”
    “He’s laying it on thick, don’t you think?” Kristina spoke softly into her mother’s ear. The duchess shushed her.
    “Please raise a glass in honor of the citizens of Aulnory and a warm welcome to Lady Kristina.” Mr. Crane lifted his glass and cries of “cheers” filled the room.
    She sipped the sweet, fizzy liquid, wishing she could roll the chilled glass across her forehead. Perhaps I can make my excuses and—
    “Lady Kristina, our waltz awaits.” Lord Robert held out his hand. The music started and couples moved into the middle of the floor.
    The duchess took Kristina’s glass and gave her a soft push forward. “Go ahead, dear. I’m going to freshen up before I grab your father for a dance.”
    Kristina wrapped her hand around the crook of Lord Robert’s elbow instead of taking his hand. Annoyance filled his eyes, but he quickly masked his reaction and gave her a congenial smile.
    “Lord Robert, I don’t allow men to take my hand until after the second dance at least,” she quipped as they walked to the middle of the room.
    He gave her a sheepish look as he faced her and bowed. “My apologies. Perhaps after our waltz, you’ll join me outside on the patio? It’s ghastly hot in here, don’t you think?” He tugged on his cravat and grimaced.
    She erupted into laughter. The couple next to her gave her inquisitive stares. Lord Robert chuckled in return, and when he fixed his hand on her waist and took her other hand in his grip, she permitted him to circle her around the room.
    He’s not a bad sort. She smiled, satisfied she didn’t have to tilt her head up, for his height matched hers. When he asked about her years away, she gladly told him of her experiences, delighted he was interested.
    * * * *
    The open window allowed Ellie to hear the music. She leaned back against the side of the house, partially hidden behind a bush, imagining she was in the arms of a gentleman who had asked her to dance. She hummed along with the violins and what sounded like a flute.
    Not just content with listening, she stuck her head out and lifted up on her toes to watch the dancers. Men and women circled around the room, smiling and talking without a care in the world. The exquisite dresses the women wore made her yearn for her own instead of her old, washed-out dress, one of three she