Wordsmith Wednesday #5

 The objective: Show us a scene from your current project. It can be creepy, adventurous, romantic, etc. Just a snippet to let readers see what they're in for!

The guidelines:
 * Must be from a current work-in-progress (WIP). Nothing already published.
 * You may choose from any section of the manuscript, but be mindful not to include spoilers.
 * Keep it clean and YA audience friendly, please. No erotica.
 * Stay under 300 words or about one page. It can be as little as a few lines if you prefer. We just want to give readers a chance to see everyone's selection. 
 * Link back to Chirenjenzie so we can enjoy others' work as well!
 * Include the guidelines in your post.

This is from my historical romance, The Contessa, which is a fun little piece I've been working on when The Heart of the Ancients gets too intense. 

Here's the opening scene. Enjoy!

She sat alone amidst the spinsters and the plain, but anyone who cared to notice could see that she didn’t belong.  Her head was downcast, hiding her heart-shaped face and dainty nose. Her creamy complexion, which could easily drink in the sun’s rays, was buried beneath layers of silk. Even her rich, mahogany hair stayed tucked away under a lace cap. Yes, Tess was beautiful … an elegant rose disguised as a wallflower, and she wanted to keep it that way.

Still, even though she loved anonymity, she longed to be needed ... to feel protected. She had never had either, really. But despite her inner yearning, Tess knew no one would take interest in her. Aside from the complications of her past, years of secrecy and loneliness had left her terribly shy.

The quadrille ended and the musicians stood to take a break. Couples floated from the dance floor, most of them heading to the refreshment room or the balcony for a breath of fresh air.   

Tess took one last look at the crystal chandeliers, their candles drooping after hours of service. It truly was one of the loveliest balls of the season. As the couples cleared the floor, she spotted a tall gentleman across the way. His white cravat and black jacket complimented the thick mahogany hair and fair complexion perfectly. His tall frame and broad shoulders accented his trim waist. Tess sighed, admiring his physique. Once … just once … what she would give to be held in strong arms and whirled around the dance floor.