Page 82 of A Torn Allegiance
She sucked in her breath. Was he proposing? She searched his face. Not yet. But she hoped he would. She was holding her breath until he did.
They moved together to the now forever delightful three count of the waltz, and she wished it to never end. Ever. The waltz would forever be his and his alone.
His hands held her, as a caress, his expression for her alone. His shoulder was strong beneath her hand that rested there. They spun and floated and laughed, and she wished it could always be so.
He grinned, impish on a sudden. “Tell me the naughtiest thing you ever plagued your governess with.”
“Oh, I’m afraid I was a handful.”
“I’m not at all surprised.”
“Why do you ask?”
His grin turned devilish. “I wish to know what we could expect of our offspring.”
She gasped. “Hayes!” He was so bold. She half-loved and half-feared it.
His laugh carried to many near them. She ignored their stares as she shook her head, wishing to fan her face.
“I do really wish to know,” Hayes insisted. “Tell me of the young Elsie.”
She smiled. “My mother and governess had a time of it helping me channel my energy, but my earlier days found me often at the village schools, peering in through the windows.” She felt her face heat again. “I know that is likely not what you would expect regarding my naughtiest moments.” She shrugged.
But his smile only grew. “Ironically, it is precisely what I would have expected. Have you always been so hungry for learning?”
“Always.” She ran her finger around in circles on his shoulder almost without thinking.
“You are driving me to distraction.”
“What?”
“You. So close.” He looked down at her hand on his shoulder. “It is such a simple gesture, but I suddenly find myself looking for the nearest veranda or for a walk in the gardens.” He laughed. “Do I sound scandalous?”
“A bit.” She eyed him. “But...” Dare she continue?
“But?”
“But I’m inclined to agree with you.”
His expression turned calculating. “I have the next set with Lady Annabeth.”
She bit back her response about his choice of dance partner, but only barely. They were at Lady Annabeth’s party, after all.
“But perhaps something could be arranged around our supper set,” he suggested.
“Perhaps.” She smiled, hoping to always see this side of him. “I will never complain of a moment with you. I find I cannot get enough.”
“Nor I.” The music sounded as though it were winding down. “And now we are out of time. I look forward to our next dance.”
“I as well. I...” She summoned her courage but faltered. “I came to this party solely for you.” She wanted to let him know she was enjoying their courtship. She also wanted him to know that she expected to spend much of this ball alone. She wished he knew she was ready for a proposal. She wanted to express all the things rising up inside, but she had instead repeated something he already knew.
He bowed to her at the end of their dance. “And you are the high point for me.” As he led her off the floor, he sighed.
“What?”
“Now I must hand you over to all the men in the room.”
“I may have to dance with them, but my heart goes with you.”
