Page 4 of Five Nights with a Rakish Duke
The words took him so much by surprise that he laughed. They were witty and outspoken, certainly, but it had been a perceptive comment based on what he had said.
“You could say that,” he said, trying to slow his laughter to a chuckle, “though it is one of many reasons I am here tonight.” He offered a charming smile, but she did not return it. His eyes traveled down her body. He couldn’t resist glancing at the way her dress was now molded to her slim curves because of the wet silk.
She seemed to notice the way his eyes were lingering on her, for she held a few of the napkins over the dampened dress and stared up at him, her gaze going wide.
“Lift your eyes, sir,” she instructed him. The fact she had spoken so openly about his transgression humored him, pulling an instant smile from him.
“Was I being so obvious?” he said, turning to pour her another glass of wine. “My apologies, I was rather distracted by you.” He offered the last part in a whisper. It was a line that so often worked. The lady would flutter her eyelashes or bite her lip, blushing all the more. Yet, this lady did none of that.
“I suspect your problems this evening have more to do with this wine than any distraction I can offer,” she said with wit, lifting her chin a little higher. He couldn’t help the smile that grew even wider on his face.
“You are quick witted,” he said, offering the glass to her. She clumsily took it, whilst still trying to keep the wet patches on her dress covered up. “Please believe me; it was an honest mistake. I did not see you beside me when I collided with you. Though now I am beginning to wonder why I hadn’t noticed you from the moment I stepped into the room.”
Her eyebrows shot up, and she reared her head back a little. This was also not the usual response he received.
“Do such words usually work, Sir?” she asked.
“Ha! I see you are astute. It may surprise you to know they often do,” he said, turning and pouring himself a second glass of wine.
“Well, you can abandon your endeavor here, for they will not work on me.”
“It’s a shame,” he said, turning back to look at her as he lifted his glass and took a sip. At all times he held her gaze, staring at her. The strength of his gaze was often enough to make a woman step toward him, yet this lady held her ground.
What is wrong with me? Perhaps I am losing my talents in this department.
“I was intent on making you smile in order to make up for having ruined your gown,” he said, gesturing to her dress. “I am dismayed to see I cannot do it.”
“There is one easy way you can make me smile, Sir.”
“How is that?”
“Like this,” she said as she hurried to curtsy. “Good evening, Sir.” She strode off, leaving him alone.
Asher whipped his head around, letting his gaze follow her as she slipped between the people waiting to dance, making her way quickly to the other side of the room. As soon as she was out of sight, hidden by the crowd, Asher laughed. Some people might have found her quick escape rude, but he didn’t in the slightest. After his behavior of sloshing wine all down her dress, she would have been in her rights to leave much sooner than she did.
“There you are; where did you get to?” Dorian inquired, appearing at his side again. “Have you seen a ghost or something? You look like you have had a shock.”
“A shock indeed,” Asher muttered as he craned his neck, trying his best to see over the people’s heads and find the mysterious lady again. “I just met a lady who did not respond to my usual…”
“Charms?” Dorian asked mischievously.
“I would not have put it like that, but yes,” Asher grumbled, angling a glare at his friend.
“Not everyone will fall at your feet when they meet you, Asher,” Dorian remarked.
“You expect every lady to fall at yours.” Asher pointed out. Asher knew very well he was a proud man, overconfident at times too, but arrogant? Certainly not as much as Dorian was. He had not expected the lady to fall at his feet. Yet, there was something about the lady that was intriguing. Perhaps it was her wit in conversation, but something made him long to find her again.
“If you would excuse me, Dorian, I am going to go in search of the mystery lady.”
“Why?”
“Well, I have to find her again now.”
“Is that because you simply want what you cannot have?” Dorian asked with a knowing smile.
“Tush,” Asher said with a warning gaze, making his friend laugh. Asher left Dorian alone and turned away, walking through the crowd, constantly looking back and forth in search of the lady.
* * *
