Page 22 of Foolish Bride
He shook his head and smoothly moved them around the dance floor. “I would not expect they could be so quickly.”
“Perhaps you could explain that to my mother. She seems to think that three months is ample time to have moved on to a new fiancé.”
“She is worried about you.”
“I know.” Elinor should be kinder about her mother.
The dance ended, and he walked her back to Dory. “Thank you, Lady Elinor, that was the most delightful dance I have had in a long time.”
She curtsied. “Thank you, your grace.”
“Perhaps you could save me another for later in the evening?” he asked.
“It would be my pleasure.” A jolt of surprise hit her. She’d actually meant what she said.
Once he left them, Dory raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Elinor shrugged.
* * * *
Michael stood on the veranda while Elinor danced with Middleton. It was a struggle to keep from rushing into the ballroom and beating Preston to a pulp. The problem was, he had no right to do anything. He didn’t have any right to be watching. She should find someone else. She should be happy. Preston Knowles was a good man, and it was only a dance.
After the dance, Elinor spoke to Marcus’s sister, Lady Dorothea, their heads bent together. Watching people was what Michael had been best at. Spying for the crown had made people think of him as a hero.
The blue of her gown was rich and sensuous. The gown was several shades darker than her eyes and made them seem darker and more mysterious as well. The form-fitting bodice showed every curve and was cut so low, it was a miracle her bosom was contained. Her hair shimmered in the candlelight, its golden color accentuated by tiny crystals woven throughout.
A tap on his shoulder spun him around.
Thomas shook his head. “Since when do you allow a man to sneak up behind you? I swear the entire time I was approaching, I thought you knew I was there.” Thomas grinned.
“I am afraid my concentration was elsewhere.” Michael looked back through the windows.
Thomas followed his gaze. “I see.”
“Yes, well, I cannot seem to help myself. She occupies a good deal of my thoughts these days.”
“Then why don’t you go and ask her for a dance?” Thomas straightened his jacket.
“She would say no.” He couldn’t blame her.
Nodding, Thomas said, “It is a risk. But you have taken bigger risks, Mike.”
“I really have made a muck of this, haven’t I, Tom?”
“Perhaps, but I do not think it is irreversible.” Thomas crossed his arms.
Michael’s gut tightened. “I am not ready to take that step.”
Lady Elinor looked divine in a blue gown that showed her exquisite figure. Young men surrounded her and the crowd grew to at least ten men.
Thomas pointed to them. “You may not have the luxury of time, Mike.”
“I am aware of that, but I require more time to know if I can be the kind of husband she deserves.” Michael couldn’t have had the conversation with anyone else.
“I will repeat myself and say, I do not think the lady will care one way or the other. I believe her feelings for you were true. She would not have obeyed her father’s decree to cry off if you had been more…affectionate.”
“I practically threw her out of my house. And when I succeeded, I felt so terrible I begged her forgiveness. Why would she ever want to be in my presence again? I have behaved like a coward.”
