Page 13 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“I should like to meet your father someday.” He winked.

She flinched.

His smile and smirk faded. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

“My father is no longer with me,” she said, returning her attention to the star pin.

“My apologies, my lady.”

“He’s been gone for several years,” she said. “I miss him a lot. I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

Her spun her one last time as the music ended. His hand remained on her waist. Her hand on his shoulder as she glanced up at him, reluctant to release him. Though, she thought, he seemed reluctant to release her as well. Another waltz started.

His attention briefly flickered to someone behind her.

Without asking, he whisked her back onto the dance floor. Ella had the distinct feeling he was trying to dodge the young woman in the navy and gold gown.

“Are you avoiding someone?” she asked, one brow raised high as she looked up at him.

He swallowed so hard, his throat worked up and down. “Would you think ill of me if I was?”

“I should say not. I hardly know you,” she said.

He pulled her into a tighter embrace, his voice dangerously low as he spoke. “Yes, I am avoiding someone. She’s been trying to dance with me all night. The lovely and mysterious Lady Eloise Winterbourne.”

“Why are you avoiding her?” Ella asked, genuinely curious.

“I’m afraid I don’t fancy her as much as she fancies me,” he said.

“And so, you picked me to dance with instead?”

“No, my dear, you ran into me and gave me no choice.”

He gave her a sly wink that sent a warm shiver through her down to her toes.

“I hope you don’t mind if I take all the dances on your dance card,” he said.

“I have no dance card,” she replied.

“Then it’s settled! You’ll be my partner for the rest of the evening.”

“Much to the dismay of the Lady Eloise,” Ella said, flashing a wicked grin.

The beginning of smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Indeed.”

She had to admit, she quite liked the thought of being his distraction for the evening. As they spun through the dance floor, she caught a glimpse of Lucinda. Her stepsister peered at her with a long curious look before recognition came into her eyes. Ella pressed her head against Nicholas’s chest, then tipped it upward to meet his astonished face.

“I, too, am trying to avoid someone,” she whispered.

Mirth danced in his eyes. “Do tell, my dear.”

She took the lead and danced them toward the edge of the ballroom as far from Lucinda as possible.

“The woman in the bright yellow gown,” she said.

“Ah, yes. The one who looks like a giant yellow bird?” he said.

The laugh burst through her without a thought.

---