Page 94 of A Duke in the Rough

Honoria leaned in close, her citrusy scent teasing his senses and reviving the memory of their kiss in the orangery. “And what is your favorite, Mr. Merrick?”

“Favorite?” She muddled his mind to distraction.

“Dance. You said the quadrille is not your favorite.”

“Ah. The waltz is my favorite.”

Pink bloomed on her cheeks, and he fought a congratulatory smile.

“I believe we shall share that one as well,” she said, keeping her eyes straight ahead.

Perfect.

CHAPTER 26

Heat rushed up Honoria’s neck and face at the mere thought of Drake holding her in his arms for the waltz. She slid a peek at him and caught his lips tipping at the corners.

“What’s so amusing?” Anne asked as she and Dr. Marbry joined them. She darted a questioning glance between Drake and Honoria, finally landing on Charlotte, who returned an enigmatic smile.

Burwood winked at Anne. “I believe Merrick and Lady Honoria were discussing their upcoming waltz.”

“Oh.” Anne’s response sounded tiny, so unlike her usual bigger-than-life personality. She jerked her gaze toward Charlotte again.

What was going on between those two?

Before Honoria could suss it out further, another couple joined their group to complete the formation.

Other couples lined up on the dance floor in additional squares, and the orchestra began playing. Honoria found herself anticipating each touch of Drake’s hand as they made their passes, and when he wrapped his arm around her waist to guide her in the turn, her knees melted.

But nothing compared to the longing on his face that matched theache in her heart. She averted her gaze, knowing full well if she continued to stare at him, she would forget the steps completely.

She needed to concentrate on the dance, but the duke’s actions weren’t helping. Partnered with Charlotte, Burwood’s eyes shifted toward Anne, then he gave several slight jerks of his head in Drake and Honoria’s direction.

Anne’s brow furrowed as her gaze darted between Drake and Honoria.

“Whatever is the matter with your neck?” Charlotte asked Burwood, loud enough for all in the formation to hear.

“I have a pain named Charlotte,” the duke retorted, no less subtly.

Anne snorted a laugh, drawing a censorious glance from Charlotte.

Moments later, the duke bellowed, “Ow! That was my foot!”

“I’m trying to redirect your pain,” Charlotte said.

Without warning, Burwood grasped Charlotte by the elbow and led her several feet away. Everyone remaining in the formation looked at each other in confusion.

“Keep dancing,” Honoria said, motioning for Drake to follow her. They went through the steps without their opposing pair, but Honoria’s attention remained fixed on Charlotte and Burwood.

Burwood leaned in, whispering something to Charlotte, who appeared ready for battle. Right before Drake wrapped an arm around her to lead her in the other direction, Honoria caught Charlotte’s eyes widen, her gaze snapping to the incomplete grouping of dancers.

Charlotte and Burwood rejoined the formation as the other couples performed the steps for their respective sides. Anne stared at Honoria, then transferred her focus to Drake. The concentration on her face unnerved Honoria.

What was she looking for?

It was the most unusual set Honoria had ever participated in, and although she had enjoyed dancing with Drake, she was relieved when it finally ended.

She curtsied to Drake, his eyes imploring her with some unnamed request.

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