Valerian had not intended to see Greengrass before his wedding. Hell, he hadn't intended to indulge in any of the Season's parties between the last letter he'd sent and the wedding, but he'd found himself roped into it by a friend who'd hoped to use him in some grand scheme to win over the father of a girl, who apparently also worked at St. Mungo's and was attending the party. He'd gotten used to attending balls by Tatiana's side since their engagement had become public knowledge, so much so that standing alone in a large ballroom made him feel rather... out of place. As if he was a ship adrift at sea without an anchor.
It was a feeling that did not last long. He first caught sight of Greengrass from across the room, and in that moment his heart skipped a beat. Not with nervousness, not with giddiness, but with anticipation. It was an opportunity, and one he knew he couldn't pass up—not when the alternative was his own wedding. Another dance or two passed before Greengrass seemed to notice him, but the moment their eyes met Valerian knew what he must do.
He broke the eye contact, but only long enough to glance at the large wooden doors that were propped open behind him, leading into the foyer of the house. Rows of gentlemen and their dance partners began to line up in the middle of the dance floor, but Valerian crossed the floor before the couples could finish lining up. He did not break his gaze as he approached, his lips pressed tightly together in a hard line.
"A pleasant surprise," he said smoothly, trying to keep all emotion from his voice.
It was a feeling that did not last long. He first caught sight of Greengrass from across the room, and in that moment his heart skipped a beat. Not with nervousness, not with giddiness, but with anticipation. It was an opportunity, and one he knew he couldn't pass up—not when the alternative was his own wedding. Another dance or two passed before Greengrass seemed to notice him, but the moment their eyes met Valerian knew what he must do.
He broke the eye contact, but only long enough to glance at the large wooden doors that were propped open behind him, leading into the foyer of the house. Rows of gentlemen and their dance partners began to line up in the middle of the dance floor, but Valerian crossed the floor before the couples could finish lining up. He did not break his gaze as he approached, his lips pressed tightly together in a hard line.
"A pleasant surprise," he said smoothly, trying to keep all emotion from his voice.