Page 4 of A Chance to Dance with the Duke
Pegleg Meg, they called her. A horrid nickname, to be sure, but it had come along with the knowledge that shedid not dance. She never danced. This was common knowledge.
It seemed that despite her powerful father, no one even asked her anymore because everyone knew what her answer would be. And really, who wished to court rejection?
She’d never once said yes, and watching her walk through a crowd with that stiff, awkward limp, it was clear to see why.
Pretty as she might be, and with a dowry fit for a princess, she was best known as the young lady whodid not dance.
And so she’d seemed the perfect choice then for a gentleman who wished for nothing more than an excusenotto dance.
But now it seemed the entire ballroom was watching them and she…
She had said yes.
His mind was still trying to catch up with the unexpected change of events. And the charm, wit, and eloquence he’d worked so hard to be known for was nowhere to be found just now as he stared down at the delicate brunette before him.
“Your Grace,” she said softly, a pink tinge climbing up her neck and into her cheeks. “Is something the matter?”
With her head tilted back like this, and standing so close, he found himself looking down at a remarkably beautiful young lady.
He’d known she was pretty, of course, but this close he could see the vivid blue of her eyes, the elegant angles of her cheekbones and pointed jaw. He could see just how wide her eyes were in that fair face of hers, and her blush stained her cheeks the same soft pink as her lips.
Her light brown hair shone in the candlelight as she tilted her head to the side, her brows knitting together in concern at whatever she’d glimpsed in his expression. “Your Grace?”
His heart gave a sharp kick at the concern he saw there.
Shewas worried abouthim? Blast. He would surely rot in hell for this. To think, he’d thought himself so clever.
He could feel the eyes on him. He knew his aunt was staring with pursed lips somewhere in this crowd. He had no doubt his cousin Kal was watching as well. Probably sighing in exasperation that he’d gotten himself into such a quandary.
“Miss Taylor,” he said quietly, turning to her so only she could hear. “Are you certain you are up for dancing at the moment?”
As if to make his point for him, the musicians started up a lively reel and the dancers moved into action—without him and his partner.
The concern in her eyes cleared and morphed into…something else.
He watched in horror as she fought for composure. His insides plummeted at the sight of pain in those lovely blue eyes.
He’d done that.
Oh, he would never forgive himself for this.
Her lips trembled before she pressed them together into a thin line. The pink in her cheeks grew mottled, but her chin stayed lifted, her gaze never faltered. Removing her gloved hand from his arm, she clasped her hands together before her and…
She smiled.
The girl’s smile was bright and cheerful. But the smile did not reach her eyes, and the effect made his heart ache.
“I believe your concerns are warranted, Your Grace. I’m not sure I am able to dance at this time.” She executed a clumsy curtsey and his heart stopped when she wobbled. But she caught herself before he could reach out to steady her, and she drew herself upright with more pride and grace than he’d ever witnessed in his life. “If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace. I believe my friends are waiting for me.”
He opened his mouth to stop her, but nothing came out. What could he say with all of these gossips watching?I’m sorry?
Yes, that would likely be a good start.
But she was already walking away, and the middle of this crowd was no place to speak plainly.
And how to explain that he’d only sought her out because he’d expected her to reject him?
He didn’t need his etiquette-loving aunt to point out that this was hardly a compliment.
