Page 11 of A Duke for Adela
Well, this was one way to scare off every man within a hundred miles of London.
“Your Grace…”
“Blast it, Adela. How much did you drink?”
“I’m not sure. Even one would have been too much since I rarely have anything stronger than lemonade.”
He slowed their pace and took wider turns, no doubt hoping to get her safely through their dance. “I know you are feeling ill, but it might help if you close your eyes and concentrate on the feel of my hand at the small of your back.” He was talking to her in that gloriously husky murmur again. As for feeling his hand? Dear heaven, it burned through the silk of her gown with scorching heat.
Everything about him overwhelmed her.
His musk scent.
The strength of his muscled arms.
“Do you think you can manage to talk to me, Adela?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“All right. This really frightens you, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, but it isn’t you. It is dancing in general, made worse because it is you.”
“Now you are worried everyone is looking at us?”
She nodded. “They never take their eyes off you. How can you stand it?”
“One gets used to the attention. This adulation has been happening to me for years. But my parents taught me early on never to be swept up by it.”
“You do come across as a very intelligent and sensible man. I do not wish to suggest you are not worthy of everyone’s notice. In fact, you are probably one of the few men deserving of the admiration of others.”
“And your admiration?”
“You will likely gain that, as well. I am a bit slower than most to form opinions, especially about character. But I am quite favorably impressed by you, so far.”
“This is what I like about you, Adela. You think for yourself.”
She looked up at him and laughed softly. “Sounds much nicer than calling me stubborn and too independent for any man’s liking. How much longer before this agonizing dance ends?”
“Agonizing?” He burst out laughing, earning quizzical looks from those around them. “Not long now. Oh, this is priceless.”
“What is?”
“You are dancing with a duke, Adela. London’s prize catch, in fact. Yet, you do not give a fig about it.”
“Oh, I do apologize.”
“No, don’t. I like that you see me for the man I am and not as an object to be snared. You make me work to gain your approval. It is an odd and wonderful feeling. You have me smiling, Adela. Smiling, laughing. Everyone believes I am enchanted with you.” His smile faded and his expression turned serious once again, stoic and stone-faced. But there was a lingering warmth to his eyes as he regarded her thoughtfully. “Perhaps I have indeed fallen under your spell of enchantment.”
“My spell? And you caught up in it?” She laughed in disbelief. “That is quite a jest. I am sure I will do something to break the enchantment. You needn’t worry.”
“I am not worried. In truth, I hope it lasts.”
She looked up at him in horror. “It will break, I can assure you. I do not hold anyone’s interest for very long.”
“You are an odd girl. I am trying to be charming and give you compliments.”
“Please don’t. It will only make my stomach churn worse than it already is.”
