Page 79 of Married to the Icy Duke
Charlotte stood there, staring after her for a moment, until someone coughed behind her.
Flinching, she spun around to find Isaac watching her, his eyes narrowed. He had Tommy in his arms, the little boy having fought his way out of his velvet jacket at some point in the day.
“A curious guest,” he said aloud. “Rather a dull gown to wear for a wedding party, don’t you think?”
Charlotte summoned a smile. “An old friend, nothing more. What can I help you with?”
To her surprise, Isaac broke into a smile, jiggling Tommy up and down on his hip.
“What on earth do you think I require, Duchess? This is our wedding. It’s time to dance.”
CHAPTER 23
Laughter and cheers rose up around them as the trio danced round and round the ballroom. Charlotte heard herself laughing, high and loud as she was spun round.
She clutched Isaac’s hand in one of hers and Tommy’s tiny little paw in the other. Isaac was the driving force, lifting both of their feet off the ground at times. Tommy squealed with laughter, and Isaac grinned at the sound, wild and wide.
The music finished with a flourish, and the spinning trio stumbled to a halt. Applause broke out from the guests. When Charlotte glanced around, out of breath and grinning, she saw blurred, smiling faces.
They’ll consider it a fine display,she thought to herself.A fine display of unity. A new family.
Isaac breathed raggedly, but held her gaze only for a minute. Something warm lingered there, but there was no time to fullytake in his expression. He bent down, swooping Tommy up from the floor, and tossed the little boy into the air. Tommy squealed with delight, and Isaac held him close, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
He shows true, genuine affection to the child,Charlotte thought, smiling.So many men don’t bother to do such a thing.
The fun part of the dancing was over, however. Tommy was yawning, and as she watched, Isaac handed him over to Mary, instructing her to take the child to bed.
The serious dancing was about to begin. Couples were taking their places on the dancefloor, and the musicians were tuning up their instruments for a more serious sort of dance.
Isaac turned to Charlotte and lifted his eyebrows, and she realized with a jolt that she was going to have to dance with him.
Well, of course. It’s our wedding, after all.
Isaac extended his hand. Charlotte hesitated only a moment before taking it. An infinitesimal smile twitched at the corner of his lips, then his fingers closed over hers.
He drew her into the center of the room, his palm warmed hers, and her heart pounded hard inside her chest.
“It’s a waltz,” he said, over his shoulder. “It seemed like a suitable first dance.”
Charlotte supposed. Even so, she felt as though she might have preferred something less romantic. A hearty jig, perhaps, or something more sedate, moremeasured.
Something that would keep her out of Isaac’s arms.
Of course, it was entirely too late.
She turned to face Isaac, who was already looking down at her with a firm stare, his expression not quite readable. Charlotte inched a little closer, and he placed his hand on the curve between her waist and hip. She placed her own hand tentatively on his broad shoulder. Warmth seemed to seep through his clothing from his body, and she shivered, despite the heat of the ballroom.
The music began. Charlotte’s body moved of its own accord, her feet following the steps. Isaac moved evenly and with confidence, and she found herself wondering whether he’d ever had dancing lessons.
No, that didn’t seem right. Isaac was a man who simplyknewthings, as if he’d been born with the knowledge. One could not imagine himlearningthem.
The dance picked up speed, and Charlotte found herself breathless. It wasn’t the dance, though. She knew that in her heart.
Isaac’s good eye glinted, sharply blue like the sky on a crisp winter’s day. The eyepatch, she suspected, had been polished for the occasion.
I am married. I am married to him.
His chest was firm, and she had already glimpsed the knotted muscles beneath it. The memory made desire pulse in her gut.
