They took three more steps together in time with the music. Rowan moved his hand slightly on her waist, pulling her perhaps an inch closer than society strictly allowed.

"You dance very well," Rowan spoke quietly, his eyes holding a look of pleased surprise. "You follow the steps perfectly."

Delaney felt a warm flush of pride color her pale cheeks. She laughed softly, a bright, musical sound.

"I have been practicing all week," Delaney replied honestly. "Aunt Renee hired a private dance tutor for me at Oakridge Manor. I practiced in the empty drawing room for three hours every single day."

She looked directly into his eyes, letting him see the deep love in her heart. She wanted to be the perfect partner for him in every single way.

"I did not want to step on your boots in front of the entire Ton," Delaney confessed with a playful, sweet smile. "Hearing your compliments now means it was completely, entirely worth the sore feet."

Rowan’s heart swelled massively in his chest. He felt an overwhelming rush of devotion for the woman in his arms. She had worked so hard, simply to make him proud.

Rowan replied with a beautiful, deeply genuine smile. He leaned his head down slightly, bringing his face closer to hers.

"Of course it is worth it, Del," Rowan whispered softly. His voice was thick with emotion. "But you do not need to practice to please me. Everything you do is worth it. Simply holding you in my arms is the greatest joy of my entire life."

Delaney felt her eyes prickle with sudden, happy tears. She squeezed his shoulder gently with her gloved hand. She did not need to say a word. Her eyes told him exactly how much she loved him back.

They finished the rest of the waltz in a beautiful comfortable silence. They simply enjoyed the feeling of moving together, perfectly united.

Finally, the orchestra played the last, long, drawn-out note of the song.

The music ended.

Rowan brought Delaney to a smooth, perfect halt. They stopped dancing. The other couples around them stopped as well. The entire ballroom clapped loudly, politely applauding the wonderful music.

Rowan let go of her waist. He stepped back and offered her a deep, respectful bow.

Delaney offered him a low, graceful curtsy in return.

Rowan stood up completely straight. He did not ask her for another dance, and he did not lead her off the floor to find a cool drink.

Instead, Rowan turned his head slightly. He signaled to a passing footman who was carrying a large silver tray filled with drinks.

The footman hurried over immediately.

Rowan took a single crystal glass of sparkling champagne from the silver tray. He did not drink from it.

He held the thin stem of the glass in his left hand. He reached into the pocket of his evening coat and pulled out a silver coin.

With a deliberate movement, Rowan tapped the hard edge of the silver coin gently against the side of the fragile crystal glass.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

The high-pitched, clear, ringing sound immediately cut through the loud noise of the massive ballroom.

Rowan tapped the glass to create a public distraction. He needed absolute silence.

Clink. Clink.

Slowly, the hundreds of talking guests began to quiet down. The lords stopped discussing politics. The ladies snapped their painted fans shut and stopped whispering their gossips.

The musicians on the balcony completely lowered their bows.

Within a few short seconds, the grand ballroom of Hamilton House was entirely, completely silent once again.

Everyone’s attention was fixed directly on him. Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared at the tall Duke standing in the very center of the dance floor, holding a single glass of champagne.

Rowan handed the silver coin to the waiting footman. He held his free right hand out toward Delaney.

Delaney placed her gloved hand into his.

Rowan held her hand firmly, pulling her to stand closely by his side. He wanted the entire world to see them standing together, completely united as one single force.

Rowan raised the crystal glass slightly into the air. He looked around the massive room, his eyes scanning the large crowd of noble families.

"My lords, ladies, and honored friends," Rowan spoke. His deep voice echoed clearly across the quiet room, carrying the absolute authority of a Duke.

"I wish to formally thank everyone for attending the Hamilton Season’s Ball tonight," Rowan began smoothly, offering a highly polite, sweeping nod to the crowd. "It has been a difficult season for many, but your presence in my home tonight brings great joy to my family."

He paused for a brief second. He turned his head and looked down at Delaney. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with nothing but endless love.

He turned his attention back to the silent, waiting crowd.

"But I have gathered you all here tonight for a much more important, deeply personal reason," Rowan announced loudly.

The crowd leaned forward collectively. The older ladies clutched their pearl necklaces in high anticipation. The younger men held their breath.

"It is my greatest, most profound honor," Rowan declared, his voice ringing with undeniable pride, "to officially announce my formal engagement to Lady Delaney Kingsley."

The ballroom remained completely silent for one single, completely stunned second.

Then, Rowan raised his voice even louder, delivering the final, highly shocking piece of wonderful news.

"And," Rowan added smoothly, a massive, highly triumphant smile spreading completely across his face, "I am also greatly pleased to announce that our wedding will take place at St. George’s Chapel in exactly a week’s time."

The silence shattered instantly.

The entire grand ballroom absolutely erupted.

A massive wave of loud, highly excited gasps, cheers, and thunderous applause completely filled the room. The lords clapped their hands heavily together, shouting out loud, polite congratulations to the Duke. The ladies fluttered their fans wildly, whispering frantically to each other about the incredibly short engagement and the high romance of the moment.

To marry a Duke was a grand event, but to have a wedding completely organized in a single week was highly unusual, incredibly romantic, and deeply scandalous in the very best way possible.

Over by the tall glass windows, Aunt Margery let out a loud, joyful sob, completely ruining her face powder with happy tears. Aunt Renee hugged her tightly, laughing brightly. Ines clapped her hands together so hard they turned red, jumping up and down slightly next to her smiling husband, Carcel.

But in the very center of the noisy, chaotic, completely thrilled room, Rowan and Delaney stood completely still.

Rowan ignored the loud cheering of the crowd. He completely ignored the clapping lords and the staring ladies. He simply turned to Delaney. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

He lowered his crystal glass. He raised his free right hand and gently, carefully touched her soft cheek.

Delaney looked up at him. Her hazel eyes were shining with bright, happy tears. Her heart felt so incredibly full that she thought it might actually burst in her chest. For twenty years, she had been a completely forgotten, invisible ghost. Now, someone had just proudly claimed her in front of the entire world.

Rowan spoke " Enjoy yourselves everyone," he stretched his hand, gesturing towards the refreshments.

The orchestra resumed playing their slow music.