Page 28 of Enchanted By the Lyon
“Then perhaps our own steps on the dance floor might lighten your mood. I think I can perform the patterns of any dance without stepping on your toes… at least too much,” he grinned a charming grin as the music faded away and the couples began to leave the floor.
He looked so full of mischief, she couldn’t help but laugh, causing Valentine’s face to brighten. “Very well, my lord. Lead on and let’s see how you might change the doldrums that have overtaken me this evening,” she teased, feeling happier. Valentine reallydidhave enough charm to change anyone out of a horrible mood. It was a shame he wasn’t the man she loved. Hewould make a wonderful, kind husband, she was sure. Or at least one that was enjoyable.
“I shall endeavor to do my best, Mrs. Vaughn,” Valentine replied with another smile of encouragement.
True to his word, Cassandra found the earl a delight as they took their places with the other dancers. Short conversations as they met each time they came together in the dance had her smiling as she hopped and skipped to the tune. She was breathless by the time the music died away. He escorted her from the floor and offered her a glass of wine from a passing servant. She took several sips before handing over the crystal to another servant. She needed her wits about her and getting intoxicated from overindulging would never do. Perhaps something iced, like lemonade…she would keep her eyes on the servants as they went by.
Valentine remained close to her and, as they conversed together, any casual observer would think they were indeed a couple. He appeared to hang on her every word, even laughing at comments that were far from humorous, thus gaining the attention of those nearby. And when he leaned down to what would seem to others as an intimate whisper between them, she had to remember that this, too, was only a ruse. There was nothing forming or any lasting impression to connect herself and Lord Carrington except perhaps a wonderful friendship. He had a debt to pay, and he was playing his part so that any word going back to Mrs. Dove-Lyon would be acceptable and fulfill the terms of their bargain.
“Excuse me for interrupting. I thought perhaps the lady might favor me with a dance,” a familiar voice drawled, breaking her out of the thoughts going on inside her head. His tone shouldn’t have been doing wild things to her heart, and she felt betrayed by how she reacted to having Lucius near.
Valentine bowed. “Of course, Blackthorn. You’ll find the lady is an accomplished dancer.”
Cassandra raised a brow as a slow warning to Valentine, who chose to ignore any silent pleas she was attempting. He shouldn’t be speaking for her and yet he readily handed her over to his friend. With a wink in her direction! She gritted her teeth.
“Mrs. Vaughn…” Lucius held out his hand for her to take.
She stared into his ruggedly handsome features and another piece of her heart cracked in response. She finally managed to place her fingertips into his palm but as he led her in the direction of the ballroom, the music already started, and they would have to wait for the next set. Instead of waiting their turn on the sidelines, Lucius took her in the direction of an open doorway leading out to a balcony. While the thought of being alone with him again wreaked havoc on her mind, she felt a small semblance of relief when she realized that they were still within sight of those inside and of other couples who strolled below in the garden.
“A pity we missed the dance,” he murmured slowly.
“We could have waited inside,” Cassandra responded, attempting and failing to get back the control she had allowed to slip where he was concerned.
“Yes, we could have, but then I wouldn’t be able to offer another apology for my last blunder,” Lucius confessed as he leaned back on the marble railing.
“There have been so many of late, you’ll have to clarify which one you are sorry for,” Cassandra stated, wondering what game he was playing now.
“You are well aware to what I’m referring to, Cassandra.”
She shrugged before turning to stare at the couples below. “Again, you’ll have to tell me directly what you’d like to apologize for, my lord.”
“You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?” Lucius asked with a heavy sigh of resignation.
“An apology will only be easy if you’re sincere about the matter. However, given the seriousness of your last attempt to make me your mistress,” she realized her voice had risen and she lowered her tone before continuing as she gazed directly into his green eyes, “I should think there doesn’t need to be any further discussion on the matter. My answer is stillno.”
“What if I want more?”
She turned away from him to again stare off into the distance. “You asked me for more once before,” she said softly until he gently took her arm to turn her to face him once again. “If I recall, it was an attempt to seduce me by making me believe you were offering something you weren’t and aren’t prepared to give.” Since he wouldn’t allow her to look away from him, she stared at the pin in his cravat.
“Yes, I’m well aware of how I botched my answer before. I don’t plan to do so again.” He lifted her chin with his fingertips so she had no choice but to stare into those eyes that could easily hold her spellbound. “I know. I was wrong. But now, I want more between us than just having you for my mistress, Cassandra.”
“Me? A fallen woman? You must have lost your mind,” she gasped in astonishment, wondering if she could believe him.
“You are far more than a fallen woman and you have more than proved yourself to Society. I have watched you this past month as you’ve gone about your charity work; from work at the hospitals, to helping the veterans, and even passing out food to the street urchins. Why you even managed to wed the matriarchs of thetonwith such conviction that it was as though you always belonged there. And let us not forget what you did for your lady friends. That in itself is redeemable in anyone’s mind.”
“And what about this being just a business arrangement between us?” she asked.
His thumb began rubbing her cheek and yet still she hesitated to give into the feelings he evoked within her.
“I think I’ve been foolish long enough to dismiss what is occurring between us.”
“I am still of a mind to become married,” she reminded him.
“I know,” he answered quietly.
“And you would be willing to give up the life you now lead for me?” She gazed directly into his eyes, looking for deceit and finding none.
“Yes.” A simple answer, but the implications where almost unimaginable.
