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Page 24 of The Fire Keeper (The Storm Runner 2)

“Frankly, I feel bad for him.”

“Just don’t feel too bad for him, because I don’t think you would enjoy having Mrs. Ridley as your mother-in-law,” Mrs. Foster teased.

Madalene shook her head vehemently, causing the brown curls that framed her face to sway back and forth. “I would resign myself to being a spinster before I ever agreed to marry Mr. Ridley.”

They came to a stop next to an opening by the wall, and Mrs. Foster said, “Your presence here is causing quite a sensation.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you rarely attend social events, and I can’t help but notice that the gentlemen are eyeing you with interest.”

Madalene stifled a groan as she adjusted the sleeve of her ivory muslin ballgown. “I just hope I don’t have to deal with scheming mothers this evening.”

Her words had barely left her lips when a man’s chuckle came from behind her.

Madalene turned around and saw Lord Oliver, his eyes holding amusement.

“I have complained about the same thing on multiple occasions,” he said. “The scheming mothers can be quite relentless, can they not?”

Smiling, Madalene replied, “I wonder if they have any shame at all.”

“Not when it comes to securing a suitable match for their child.” Oliver’s lips quirked slightly. “How are you this evening, Miss Dowding?”

“I am well.”

“It pleases me immensely to hear that,” he said. “Apparently, others are happy that you are here, as well. One cannot help but notice the attention that you have garnered since you first stepped foot into the ballroom.”

“Unfortunately, I find that I have grown accustomed to the stares and whispers.”

“As have I,” Oliver shared. “I’m afraid it doesn’t make it any easier though.”

“No, it does not,” Madalene agreed.

Oliver took a step closer to her and said, “I was hoping to secure you for the first set of the evening.”

Madalene tipped her head. “I would be delighted, my lord.”

“Wonderful,” Oliver declared as he extended his hand towards her. “Shall I escort you to the dance floor?”

She accepted his hand and he led her towards the middle of the room. Once they arrived, he placed his hand over hers to secure it in place.

“The dance hasn’t begun yet,” Oliver said as other couples started making their way towards them, “but it should start shortly.”

Madalene took a moment to study Lord Oliver. He was definitely a handsome man, sharing many of the same physical attributes as his brother. She had no doubt that he was aware of that fact, because his words always seemed too smooth, too rehearsed. But his eyes told her a different story. They held a great sadness in them, despite his cocky demeanor.

“May I ask what has you so preoccupied?” he asked, leaning closer.

“I was just woolgathering, I’m afraid.”

Oliver chuckled. “Which is a polite way of calling someone boring.”

“That is not what I meant, my lord,” she rushed to say. “Please do not take offense when there was none intended.”

He patted her hand. “I am only teasing you, Miss Dowding,” he said. “What occupies your time?”

“The usual pursuits, I suppose.”

“Such as?”