Ooc: sorry. Changed it. I’ve got 2 similar threads going. :S

He looked over her head at his sister, who was smiling and following behind, though at a little distance. Did he imagine her looking at something, pausing just before she left the balcony?
He was brought back by Ella's words.
"You always did like to dance," he said, looking at her and then flushing slightly but seeming to relax. 
The descended the stairs that led to the main floor, where the dance was ending.
[i]This could be....[/i]
The crowd parted as they reached the foot of the stairs and for a second, Stephen was puzzled. He may have been a Prince, but no one ever seemed to notice him. But it became clear as a figure, beaming and wearing finery in red and gold walked over to them. Stephen seemed to freeze.
"Stephen," he said with great enthusiasm. "You found my partner. Thank you so much."
Edward turned a dazzling smile on Ella, behind him several girls looked extremely unhappy.
"Ella," he said with charm, holding out a hand, "my mother has expressed a great wish to see you dance with me. Will you do me the honor?"
Without waiting for a response, he bowed and took her hand, pulling her away from Stephen and sweeping her onto the floor before a protest could be made. Then the dance had begun and he was swirling her around the floor.
Stephen stood very still, not moving until the crowd closed once more and Ella and Edward were lost to the couples.
"Stephen?" said Avril's voice behind him. It was quiet and concerned.
He blinked hard and turned to her.
"Excuse me," he said, as formally to his sister had she been a stranger. Then he was gone and she knew she wouldn't be able to find him this time.
On the dance floor, Edward was looking very pleased with himself. 
"You look so very beautiful tonight," he said charmingly, gazing down at her like she was the most important creature in the world. "It's hard to believe when I remember you playing in the gardens with mud up to your ankles."
He gave a hearty laugh, swirling her around and around. He was strong, but his grip was gentle.