Page 26 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke
The tempo of the music slowed. William saw that many couples exchanged dancing partners but neither he nor Joane seemed inclined to do so. He changed his steps as the beat dictated, following the shrill, drawn out tune of the violin. He drew her closer to him, his chest brushing the breast pockets of her white gown. William felt her respond, leaning even closer to him. She removed her fingers from his chest, leaving a lingering tingle where they had laid. Her breasts rubbed his stomach, lighting a fire in them. He bent closer to her, willing to place their gaze on the same line. He refused to place his cheek next to hers; there was nothing interesting to see if his sight was behind her. William wanted to look into her eyes and drown himself in their brightness.
He brought his face close to hers, his lips almost brushing hers. All he had to do was speak and their lips would graze. She looked at that moment like she would speak but said nothing.
Does she feel the same way I do?
If she did, words would fail her. He licked the dryness off his lips and saw her eyes flicker in response. His throat felt dry all of a sudden, his heart raced. Then the violinist started playing the final tune to the piece. The dance neared to its end. William wished the dance would go on for just a bit longer. He said nothing when the end came but he turned his gaze downwards. He was scared they would reflect his wish for the dance to continue.
He bowed again to her as she curtseyed. Then they walked back to the edge of the dance floor. William looked around for Lord James and Emma, he didn’t see them anywhere.
“You dance much better than you let on,” William said to her. She was pink, her cheeks reddened like a rose in full bloom.
Was that dance as magical for her as it was for me? I have had a myriad dances, none have ever taken my breath away. No other lady has left me feeling like I should take her home as a prize.
“In your eyes lay enchantment like I have never seen. If men chose brides by dances, gosh you would sleep in Wellington tonight,” William told her.
Joane blushed and covered her blush with her beating fan. William saw the drawing of a dragon on the fan. He wondered if it could vomit fire as fiery as the one Joane threatened to place in him.
“This isn’t a British made fan, is it?” he asked her.
“No, Emma brought it from China. And yes, I regard myself as a fairly decent dancer but you are a master. No wonder they say, great dancers make great fighters,” Joane responded.
“And your tongue,” Joane shook her head and laughed before she continued. “Your words have more sweetness than the honey comb of a beehive.”
William laughed at her praise.
“You flatter me, my fair lady,” William replied, bowing again.
Just as he raised his head, he saw Lord James escorting Emma – hand in hand – as they walked towards them. Lord James bowed to Joane when he got to them before leaving Emma’s gloved hand to walk over to his friend.
Joane smiled at her friend before turning back to face Lord James.
“Where did you take my friend? Or was her company so delightful that you decided to horde her for yourself in a secluded place of your design?” Joane asked him.
Lord James smiled before responding.
“Of course my fair lady and I would dare to say as I had earlier done to Miss Emma here that the dit had been terribly unfair to her. She has a delightful countenance. She is informed and able to keep a discussion going. I do hope for another opportunity to know her better. And you of course, who would forget your beauty?” Lord James said.
Emma turned up her nose at Lord James’ remarks.
“You forgot to mention how beautiful I was during your just completed speech.” Emma said, looking accusingly at Lord James.
Lord James flushed while Joane and William laughed. He nodded his head and added.
“Oh yes, please forgive my manners. I would love to set my eyes upon your lovely sight once again Miss Emma, you are the essence of beauty.”
“Don’t tell untruths my Lord, they are beneath you.” Emma replied him, scowling as if displeased by his effusive complements.
William burst out laughing really hard. He was surprised at Emma’s quickness to chide Lord James.
This lady is really something.
People had started leaving the hall. The ball was over and only a few couples were dancing. His house at Wellington was a long distance from where they were. William decided it was about time they left.
Holding his friend by the shoulder, William bowed again as he turned to leave.
“Thank you my ladies, for a wonderful dance. I do hope we see again especially you, Miss Joane Hardwater. Your good reputation preceded you and you managed to exceed it both in grace and in wit.”
And in something intangible that refuses to let my heart calm.
