Page 74 of His Forbidden Duchess
She hesitated for a moment, casting a quick glance towards Felix, but he was still engaged in conversation with Percy. Besides, she told herself, it was only a dance, and there was no harm in that.
She looked back at Hannah. “Will you be all right?”
“Yes, if you are,” Hannah stammered, looking uncertainly at Eloise, but Eloise nodded, reassuring her that everything was quite all right.
“In that case, Stephen, I shall be delighted.”
As Stephen moved her across the dance floor, his grip was respectful but firm, and he guided her smoothly in time with the music. He was a skilled dancer, his movements practiced and precise, and he struck up a friendly conversation as they waltzed together.
His charm was pleasant enough, and she felt she was doing a good deed, but Eloise found her mind drifting, her focus always returning to Felix. He stood only a few yards away, watching them with an intensity that made her stomach flutter.
“You must forgive my technique, Your Grace. I am told I have two left feet and that I once scandalized an entire ballroom by trampling a debutante’s slipper clean off her foot. Should you find your own toes to be at risk, you have my express permission to feign a swoon and escape.”
Eloise let out a soft laugh that somehow floated above the music. “I do not believe that for one second, Stephen,” she said. “You have already proven yourself a worthy dance partner.”
“You are too kind, Your Grace.”
Eloise’s gaze fell again on Felix. He had moved closer to the dance floor, and he watched with dark eyes. His expression made her tingle with nerves and anticipation.
Stephen followed her line of sight and raised an eyebrow, but he made no comment, allowing the dance to continue in amicable silence.
Felix’s jaw tightened as he watched Eloise in Stephen’s arms, jealousy burning hot in his chest. He clenched his fists by his sides, feeling a surge of protectiveness he could barely contain. The man had been in his house, and now he dared to dance with his wife!
Beside him, Percy’s brow furrowed, watching Stephen with a hint of suspicion.
“He seems familiar, does he not?” Percy mused, still peering across the dance floor. “I cannot quite place it, but I know I have seen him somewhere before.”
Felix forced himself to tear his gaze from Eloise. “That does not sound like a positive endorsement. I was under the impression he was new to this area.”
“Yes, but remember, we do also spend a good deal of time in London.”
“Hmmm.” Felix turned his attention back to his wife.
A man approached from behind and leaned himself between Felix and Percy.
“It is indeed a wise idea to keep a close eye on your duchess, Kingswell. She is the belle of the ball.”
“Merely observing,” Felix said without pulling his eyes away.
“Henry Banfield, as I live and breathe,” Percy gushed, turning to face the newcomer.
The Duke of Westley nodded greetings to the two men, “Lord Stentford. Your Grace.”
“How are you?” Percy asked.
The Duke of Westley’s eyes wandered away from the Viscount and beyond the glass windows. A hint of a smile gilded his lips.
“Quite well,” he said simply.
Percy’s eyes shimmered with curiosity as he spoke, “You know, Your Grace, I heard that you also became involved with a friend’s sister.”
“Excuse me?” the Duke of Westley’s face hardened. He was a notoriously private man, and Percy was now poking his nose into his personal business.
“Pardon me, Your Grace. I was referring to your wife. Were you and the Duchess’ brother not friends before you wedded her?”
The other Duke eyed him up and down, “That may be so. What is it to you, Lord Stentford?”
“Well, I apologise for my directness, but my friend Kingswell here has found himself in a comparable situation. Remember Lord Danridge? Felix here has married his sister,” Percy continued, and Felix glared at him.
