He blinked and cleared his throat. “My apologies, miss. You’re clearly dressed for a ball, not discussing the workings of engines. I’ll not detain you, but is your coachman about? I’d be very interested to hear more.”
“I-I’m afraid I don’t know where my coachman has gotten to.” The bird soaring in my chest plunged. If I said too much about my own involvement with the engine, would the admiration in his gaze fade? “But I don’t mind telling you more about it, truly. I’m not much of a dancer.”
“I somehow doubt that.” His gaze lingered on my face, then he squared his shoulders. “I suppose you were drawn here with hopes of winning Prince Hendrick’s hand, then. Which would still require your presence in the ballroom, whether or not you intend to dance. Lovely as you are, he won’t be able to choose you as his bride if he doesn’t see you.”
Warmth crawled up my neck. “I haven’t the least desire to marry Prince Hendrick.”
His eyes widened.
“Meaning no offense, of course. I’m sure he’s very handsome and has impeccable manners. And probably is an excellent dancer.” Off I went, babbling again. Good thing Mother isn’t here. I pressed my knuckles to my forehead. “What I mean to say is that no matter how charming the prince may be, I have no wish to be a princess. I was only brought here through . . . heavy persuasion.”
“I see.” He studied me, his head tilted. “You are certainly an unusual maiden, Miss . . .”
“Call me Rae.” I much preferred the nickname my father had bestowed upon me, but Mother didn’t approve of such informality.
“And you may call me Tad.” He shifted his feet. “If you truly don’t mind staying out here a bit longer . . . may I take a look?”
“Certainly.” We both stepped up to the carriage. Bending to see underneath, I explained the workings of each stage of the engine.
He grasped the carriage window for support to stand, then offered his hand to help me rise. Tingles interlaced with the sweat lining my palm.
“How is it you came to know so much about machinery, Miss Rae?”
My inhale came in unsteady bursts. I’d hardly spoken about Daddy in years. “My father was part of a team that manufactured and repaired engines for steamships. And he loved to invent. I spent many happy hours at his side in our workshop.” The only person who ever really understood me. “Somehow I always had more of a knack for machinery than for music and sewing.”
He squeezed my fingers. “He doesn’t invent anymore?”
“He passed away six years ago, when I was twelve.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss.” He bit his lip, looking back to the carriage. “But I’m sure he would be very proud of you. This . . . you’re the one who created it, aren’t you?”
I nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Thank you for taking an interest. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to share it with someone knowledgeable about mechanics. Not everyone is so appreciative.”
“I know what you mean.” He drew closer and ran his free hand through his hair. “Rae, I—”
The glowing clock on the highest castle tower chimed. I jumped and glanced up. Already ten o’clock.
Tad stepped back and released my hand. “I’ve kept you far too long; I’m so sorry. I wasn’t planning to return to the dance, but now I think I will, if you’ll join me.”
His shy smile made my heart whir like a racing locomotive. Maybe I could make time for a few dances before embarking on my search.
The sights and smells of the ballroom pressed in on me in a nauseating blend. Gas lamps, silver platters, gowns of every color, appetizers, colognes. But dancing in Tad’s arms almost made me enjoy the activity. His soap had a woodsy scent, and he held me as though I were precious, cherished. The brighter lights revealed an endearing set of freckles dotting his nose and golden flecks in his eyes. I returned his smile, my heart fluttering as fast as the fairies’ wings. Most men made me feel small, overlooked—this one made me grin like a half-wit.
My foot collided with the toe of Tad’s boot.
He grasped my waist, holding me upright. “Steady there.”
“I’m so sorry.” Heat inflamed my cheeks. “I told you I’m not much of a dancer.”
“You’re welcome to step on my toes all night. I promise I won’t complain.” He tweaked my chin, his gaze darting to my lips. Easing his grip on my waist, he winked. “Learning your way around a toolbox was a much better use of your time.”
The music ended, and I bobbed a curtsy. “Thank you. I—”
“You’ll dance at least one more with me, won’t you?” He circled his thumb and fingers around my wrist and leaned close to my ear. “After all, how else can I protect the feet of the other gentlemen in the room?”
I sent him a glare, then turned on my heel.
His chuckle vibrated through me as he pulled me close once more, launching into the steps of the next dance. “Please forgive me.” The mischievous glint in his eyes softened. “I’d just rather have you stomping on my toes than to dance flawlessly with anyone else.”
I couldn’t seem to get enough air. Blasted corset. Could he truly want to dance with me all night? Because of my interest in mechanics, rather than in spite of it? My heart tripped in the midst of its jig. No matter how perfect this man was, I still had to find Louvaine’s room and escape with that stone before midnight.
“You said your father passed away.” Tad gripped my hand tighter. “What of your mother? Do you have any siblings?”
“My mother died when I was a child, before I really knew her.”
He winced.
“It’s all right. You didn’t know. And I still have family. I live with my stepmother and her two daughters.” I fought to keep my expression serene.
“I see. Then I hope I get to meet them.”
“I-I haven’t seen them since we came inside.” I bit my lip and glanced around the room. Where were Dianthe and Herra? Would they even recognize me in such attire? A silver dress reflected in the candlelight closer to the instrumentalists. Herra smiled at her tall dance partner, her cheeks pink. At least she was enjoying herself. Knowing Dianthe, she hovered somewhere near Prince Hendrick.
“Perhaps later, then.”
“Mmm.” Time to change the subject. “Tell me about your family.”
Tad coughed. “I’m fortunate to have a loving father and mother, plus a brother and two sisters. But I’m not sure—”
The song ended, but he didn’t release my hand.
“Rae, I don’t know if—”
A pretty redhead tapped his shoulder. “Didn’t you promise me a dance tonight? It is my first ball.”
“Carissa. You’re right, I did.” He turned to me. “Rae, this is Carissa. The younger sister of a good friend of mine.” He stepped closer to my side. “But I’m sure you’ll find plenty of eager partners, Carissa, and I was hoping Rae would—”
“No, I don’t mind.” An unwelcome but necessary disruption. “I assure you, I haven’t the stamina to dance the entire night away. And I’d hate to see you break a promise.” I relinquished his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Carissa.”
“If you’re sure . . .” Tad’s brows lowered as he glanced between us. “I’ll find you soon, Rae.”
I could lose myself so easily in those eyes. Blinking, I moved away as the new song began. Picking my way to the edge of the dancers, I scanned for an alternative exit from the ballroom. Perhaps the door beyond the beverage table . . .
The mistress of fairies stood on the far edge of the dance floor, her eyes narrowed as she watched the twirling couples. I shivered.