Page 25 of The Duke's Gamble
“Your dance card, Lady Florentina?” he murmured, as Florentina quickly pulled her card from her wrist and gave it to him, a little surprised when a slight jolt ran through her from where her fingers brushed his.
“And the waltz, yes,” he continued, quickly writing his name there before handing the card back to her. Florentina took it with that sense of accomplishment still within her… only for it to shatter into a thousand pieces as the Duke then turned swiftly to Lady Dinah, a much warmer smile on his face.
“Since I am to dance this evening, Lady Dinah, might I also ask for your dance card?”
This made Lady Dinah’s face light up in an instant and she practically flung her dance card at him, her eyes bright.
“But of course!” she exclaimed, throwing a look to Florentina that she did not much like. “I shall have to make sure that I have the waltz from you the next time, Your Grace, otherwise Lady Florentina shall appear to be singled out and very special indeed!”
The urge to stand up straight and state that, indeed, shewasrather special to the Duke was on the tip of Florentina’s tongue and she had to press her lips shut tight so that she would not say it. It was a most confusing feeling and one that Florentina did not want to have within her but, all the same, that determination lingered, even when Lady Dinah smiled at her, a darkness to her expression as though she were quite determined to come between Florentina and the Duke of Dartmoor.
“I do hope the cotillion will satisfy you, Lady Dinah?” The Duke handed the card back to Lady Dinah whose smile slipped just a little.
“Do you… do you not wish to pick another?” The boldness of Lady Dinah’s question made Florentina stiffen, her breath catching but the lady appeared not to care in the least, given the way she continued on. “I have many dances available this evening, as you can see. I am sure that—”
“Ah, but I must make certain that the other gentlemen of thetonhave opportunity to dance with you,” the Duke interrupted, inclining his head. “Now, I shall take my leave of you both and—”
“Lady Florentina, good evening!”
Before the Duke could finish speaking, Lord Allington appeared, hurrying towards her as though he had not seen her in a long period though, truth be told, they had been speaking together the previous evening. Ignoring both the Duke and Lady Dinah, Lord Allington bowed low and then beamed at her. “How wonderful it is to see you.”
“Good evening, Lord Allington.” Speaking a trifle faintly given her astonishment over just how abruptly Lord Allington had appeared and how effusive his greeting had been, Florentina only just remembered to bob a curtsy, doing so quickly. “You are acquainted with the Duke of Dartmoor, I know, and with us is Lady Dinah.”
“Good evening to you both.” Lord Allington barely cast the Duke a glance and did not even turn his head in the direction of Lady Dinah, keeping his gaze fixed to Florentina instead. “I have come in the hope that you will dance with me this evening, Lady Florentina.”
“Oh.” Florentina managed to smile, regaining her composure somewhat though, inwardly, she began to wonder what the Duke would be thinking of Lord Allington’s attentions. “But of course.”
“Goodness, I am surprised to seeyouare dancing this evening, Your Grace!” Studying Florentina’s dance card, Lord Allington’s lifted eyebrows spoke of his surprise. “And the waltz also! I did not think you were inclined to dancing, and certainly not to the waltz.”
Florentina swallowed, a little embarrassed now that she had spoken in such a way that had brought about this situation.
“Though, of course, I can see why one might wish to dance with Lady Florentina,” Lord Allington continued, sending a warm smile in Florentina’s direction. “I shall have to be contented with another dance, then. Mayhap two, if you would care to stand up for both?”
It took a moment for Florentina to respond, aware that she was standing with her betrothed and that accepting two dances from another gentleman would make it quite clear to them all that Lord Allington had an interest in her company. She did not want the Duke to think that she was pursuing anothergentleman though, she reminded herself,hewas the one who was eager for her to hide their betrothal from everyone.
She let out a slow breath. “Very well, Lord Allington. Two dances would be most welcome.”
“Capital!” Grinning broadly, he held her gaze for another moment and then bent his head to choose her dances.
Lady Dinah frowned.
“You appear to be greatly in demand, Lady Florentina,” she said, sounding a little frustrated. “Though, Your Grace, in order to improve my spirits, you must promise to dance the waltz withmethe next time.”
“Oh!” Lord Allington lifted his head. “You wish to dance the waltz with the Duke but he has already taken Lady Florentina’s, I see. Then might I suggest that, should you be so willing, Your Grace,Imight take Lady Florentina’s waltz in your place and you can then step out with Lady Dinah?”
This made Florentina’s heart drop to the floor though she still could not quite understand why. Her pulse quickened, her hands clasping in front of her so as to hide her concern. Lady Dinah let out a squeal of excitement but Florentina could not lift her head, her gaze now on her clasped hands. She did not want to be so quickly betrayed by the Duke of Dartmoor, did not want to be easily cast aside and yet, she feared that this was precisely what it was he would do.
Her thoughts were to be proven correct.
“That would suit me very well.” The Duke’s voice was filled with a sense of contentment and Florentina squeezed her eyes closed, trying to contain the sense of mortification that swamped her. “What an excellent idea, Lord Allington.”
“Then it is settled.” Lord Allington handed Florentina back her dance card which she took with trembling fingers. “Lady Florentina, I shall dance with you for the waltzandfor the country dance, for I do hope to dance twice with you. And thenthe Duke shall dance the waltz with Lady Dinah and all will be well!”
“Indeed,” Lady Dinah exclaimed, clapping her hands together as Florentina tried to smile but, instead, was forced to blink back the hot tears which sprang to her eyes. “What a wonderful notion, Lord Allington.”
“Wonderful,” Florentina murmured, turning on her heel. “Pray excuse me, if you will. I can see my sister returning from her dance and I must stand with her.”
“But of course.” Lord Allington bowed low, handing her back the dance card. “I look forward to standing up with you very soon, Lady Florentina.”
