Page 23 of His Wicked Embrace
She giggled. “Rest assured, the Society of Rebellious Ladies is on thecase.”
At that moment Lucien walked over, scowling. “Society of Rebellious Ladies? Darling, don’t tell me you’re indulging in something that will get you into trouble.” Lucien’s eyes were locked on Lawrence, the warning clearly intended forhim.
“You have no need to worry—it is not your concern.” She tucked her arm in Lucien’s and leaned against his side. “Now come, you promised the next waltz tome.”
Lucien’s gaze softened as he looked down at Horatia. “I did.” With a reassuring smile at Lawrence, Horatia led Lucien away to the dancefloor.
Lawrence watched the pair waltz as he tried to fight off a wave of melancholy.Zehra and I will never dance like this. But perhaps she can have some small measure of joy before she must leave meforever.
He gave himself a little shake. Since when had he become a romanticfool?
“Ah, Lawrence! There you are!” His mother elbowed her way through a group of young men as she found him. “You really must stop hiding like this. I am too old to be playing hide-and-seek.”
“Hello, Mother.” He sighed as Jane reached him. For the better part of an hour, he’d managed to stay out of sight. His mother held a fan, which she collapsed in one hand and soundly whacked him with on theshoulder.
“You haven’t danced with Miss Hunt yet. I know you signed her card for the next dance, so go make yourselfready.”
“Yes, Mother,” he said with a growl and stepped past her toward a crowd of young ladies. Miss Hunt, a fair-haired woman, was speaking animatedly to two of her friends as he approached. They all went silent, one stopping mid-titter, like a startledstarling.
“Miss Hunt.” He made an elegant bow. “The next dance is mine, I believe.” The young woman’s friends scattered, leaving her alone. She blushed and accepted his hand. They walked to the edge of the crowd, waiting for the waltz tofinish.
“I know why you are here, Mr. Russell,” she said in a hushedvoice.
He raised a brow as they both clapped as the waltz ended. “Doyou?”
Miss Hunt chuckled. “Your mother and my father have convinced themselves we make a good match. My father is desperate to get me married.” She glanced his way, and he saw a speculative gleam in hereyes.
“That isn’t so very surprising. Isn’t marriage the goal of all ladies?” heteased.
“Most, I’m sure, but not me,” she replied with startlinghonestly.
“Oh?” Now he was curious. “And what is your goal, MissHunt?”
This time, his dance partner was less forthcoming and her response much quieter. “To be free.” The amusement in her eyes faded tomelancholy
Lawrence couldn’t help but feel an echo of Zehra’s dream in this woman. She was a sweet woman, more than pretty enough, and ought to be enjoying herself. A bit more teasing, perhaps, to win a smile from her? He didn’t wish to dance with a woman who looked soforlorn.
“So I’m not up to scratch, eh? Too tall and good looking, I suppose?” He puffed up his chest in a mocking display of pride as he faced her for the dance. She giggled but quickly stifled the sound when the ladies next to them stared at her. As the dance began, they darted around the other couples and came back together again, allowing Miss Hunt time torespond.
“I think you are a most handsome man, of course, but likely far too much trouble to tame as a husband. Besides, my sister”—she nodded at another woman who was surrounded by a group of eager men vying for her attention—“would wish to steal you from me if she thought I wasinterested.”
Lawrence studied the other woman. It was quite clear she was the younger sister, and judging by her beaming, haughty smile, she preferred to be the center ofattention.
“Are you seeking a quiet, decent-looking fellow, one she wouldn’t want?” he asked as they joined the other couples in aline.
“Yes. A quiet, sensible man who wouldn’t cause me anytrouble.”
For a brief moment, Miss Hunt betrayed her thoughts when she blushed. Whatever Miss Hunt claimed she wanted in a man, it was quite different from what she actuallywanted.
“Then that certainly isn’t me. I am most definitelytrouble.” He grinned at her, and she offered him an unguarded smile. They continued their dance in an amiablesilence.
As the dance ended, he realized he did enjoy Miss Hunt’s company. It was a pity they didn’t suit. He bowed over her hand, and she leaned in to whisper tohim.
“You should go to her,” Miss Huntsaid.
“I beg yourpardon?”
Miss Hunt smiled knowingly. “The woman you’ve been thinking about this entire time. I can see it clearly in your eyes that you’re distracted. A handsome man is only distracted when he’s thinking of a woman. If there is someone out there for you, you should go toher.”
