Page 39 of A Chance to Dance with the Duke
He let out a rueful huff. “Do you know, it’s a wonder anyone has ever called me charming,” he muttered.
She couldn’t help but laugh.
“I try to be?—”
“You are.”
“I’m not. Around you, my head gets all muddled.”
Her lips parted, but he gave her no chance to respond. “What I’m trying to say is, I’d appreciate it if you made a list of what you do enjoy and what you don’t.”
She was speechless. No one ever cared about her preferences to such a degree. Not outside of her friends, at least. She gave her head a shake. “And you wish to do this because…”
“You were smiling in there.” He nodded to where she’d spent the better part of an hour feigning enjoyment. “But you were not happy. And it became clear to me that Everson meant well, but…”
She nodded. Yes. He had meant well. But his special care for her comfort had made her feel like more of an oddity than a cherished guest.
“It made me wonder…” Ian shifted, his expression contrite. “Did I do that?”
She frowned, but couldn’t summon an answer quickly enough. Her mind had gone back to their time in the park. He’d been so nervous about walking with her, but as soon as she’d explained that it was good for her, he’d let her lead the way—literally and metaphorically.
“I did,” he said. “And I’m sorry. But watching you and Mr. Everson also made me wonder…what do you wish to talk about and what do you like to do.”
“You…you were watching us that closely then?” Oh drat. Her cheeks were growing too warm. Her voice had been too thin and quivering.
It was tinged withhope, that dratted nuisance of an emotion.
Before she could cover for her slip, he answered. “I was, yes.”
“Because…” She wet her lips. “Because of your plan to make me seem more attractive to others?—”
“No.”
That was it. The word felt ominous and terrifying and beautiful all at once.
No? What did that mean?
The doors behind them opened and her father came out with one of his friends. His eyes gleamed with approval at the sight of them together.
“We ought to get back inside,” she said.
His scheme was a dangerous one, and she well knew it.
It was a dangerous game they played with society, and with her parents. But most of all…with her heart.
13
Ian eyed the large beast that towered over his beautiful, delicate Meg. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t treat her like so many others did.
It was far too easy to see her as frail, but he knew her to be brave and strong.
So if she said this was what she wanted…
“You’re certain you wish to ridehim?” he asked.
Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “Gus is as gentle as they come.”
“So you’ve ridden him before.” Relief swelled.
