Regency Romance: Dancing with the Duke by Cathy Brooks

Chapter 1
     
    Elizabeth Baines could not be described as being traditionally beautiful by the classic yardstick with which society measured it,- porcelain skin and contrasting golden locks - she still had a certain magicto her personality that managed to bewitch and encompass most of who had the privilege to be her acquaintance. Surrounded by wealth all her life due to being born the daughter of a Lord, she was unfazed by the glitz and glamour it entailed.
    In fact, Elizabeth was perhaps the antithesis of what was expected of her by the high-class society in which she had been born and raised. Notorious for her reputation as a bit of a ‘hoyden’, she was accused of having a manner to her personality and mannerisms that did not complement her status as a lady. However, at the tender of one nine, she did not listen to such critique nor did she may much heed to what was being said about her in the community. She was charismatic and possessed a quick wit – which was sometimes mistaken for being un-lady like, as the ladies of her society were meant to be reserved and keep their opinions to themselves – and thus was usually exciting company to have around.
    The room was abuzz with laughter and joy as the band played the music the background. The people were dancing the cotillion, the throngs of guests syncing their movements and step in melodic synchrony. Among them was Elizabeth; she enjoyed dancing excessively and always partook in it at parties. She considered herself to be an apt dancer.
    “Watch your step,” an annoyed voice snapped Elizabeth from her activities as she danced the final steps of her piece for the night.
    She looked up to see a man who looked not much younger than her stare back at her with an impatient expression on his face. This was Sebastian Ilham 
    “I beg your pardon?” she replied, confused with his uncalled for impetuousness.
    “You stepped on my foot back there while dancing,” he explained and crossed his arms, as if he demanded an apology from her end.
    Elizabeth gave him a once over with her eyes before muttering something incoherent under her breath and walking away in the other direction as she spotted one of her friends on the other corner of the room.
    Sebastian found himself staring blankly at her behind her, confused by the whole entire interaction that had just taken place. He felt appalled. First, this woman has the audacity to step on his foot and walk away like so without much as acknowledging her error. He shook his head lightly in disproval; such imprudent behavior did not entice him.
    Sebastian Ilham was at the age of 24 was a prominent viscount in the same society that Elizabeth hailed from. His family had made their fortune from a lineage as merchants; he too delved into the same sphere and was a merchant himself. Though seldom spending too much overseas as the collective wealth of his family’s fortunes afforded him to live a life of comfort and luxury.
    He was a gentleman by all set standards and conditions. Well appreciative of the Arts, he had himself gone to college and was a member of one of the most elite and exclusive of Gentlemen’s Clubs of their town. There, he enjoyed engaging in conversation and had a penchant for gambling – a practice that was considered illegal outside of such member-only establishments.
    It was the season of celebrations and parties. The schedules of all the prominent society member were packed to the brim. Each day, a new gathering was organized that required their attendance. It was because of that, the very next night, Sebastian came to encounter Elizabeth yet again.
    Sebastian noticed her first when she had just finished dancing. She was surrounded by a group of females, being the center of attention as they giggled and laughed at something she had said. Belonging to the same social circles, there had been many occasions where Sebastian and Elizabeth had been in the same location but never had they had any interaction apart from