Page 108 of Wild Lily
“We shall see. Pierce, I’m certain Papa expects you to appear social, ask a lady or two to dance and wipe that scowl off your face.”
“Ha, ha, sis,” he said, casting off his gloom with a grin. “I want to see the new Marchioness of Chelton take the floor. Hope you haven’t forgotten how to waltz.”
“We both will show you,” said Julian as he appeared at her side and took her hand, “how that’s done.”
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she told him as he led her toward the edge of the ballroom floor. The servants had chalked the slippery wood so that dancers could hold their forms. As soon as the engaged couple took to the floor and danced a few bars, the duke and duchess and Julian and she would join them. “I needed rescuing.”
Julian shot a dark glance over his shoulder. “From Pierce and Ada?”
“They need to get to know you.”
“Don’t trust me with you, do they?” His voice was low, his expression as seductive.
“But they will.”
“Invite them to Willowreach.”
She demurred. “I rather like us as we are, for now.”
He put his gloved hand to her waist and drew her seductively close. He brought her hand to his mouth. “Oh, my darling, you are a jewel.”
The compliment raced through her like a waterfall. At moments like these, she could believe he loved her. What stopped him from saying it was the puzzle she could not put together.
At that moment, the orchestra struck up a Viennese waltz. The guests parted for Carbury as he led Elanna to the center of the floor. He beamed, a wreath of pride on his chubby face. She tried. Dear heaven, she tried to smile, but the look she gave her future husband was tremulous at best. And when he took her in his arms, she stiffened.And did she flinch at the contact?
Lily winced.
Julian gave some unearthly sound in the back of his throat.
Lily took a furtive glance at those assembled on the opposite side of the ballroom. A few narrowed their gazes on the bride. One older man frowned. Marianne, who stood beside Remy, caught Lily’s eye and gave one slight shake of her head. She’d noticed. Remy however focused on Julian. Whatever passed between them had Julian pursing his lips.
At long last, Julian’s parents took the floor.
At their own turn, Julian led Lily out and off they went. In long sweeping circles, Julian commanded her around the floor and she grinned at him.
“You’re very accomplished, my darling,” he said.
“We are a perfect match.”
“Expert at this and so much else,” he told her with a wink and they finished the dance with ease.
The delight in it drained from him.
“What’s wrong?”
He inhaled and scanned the room. “My father.”
“What did he want?” What had he said that so disturbed Julian?
“He’s his usual self.” The duke had asked to talk privately with him soon after she and Julian had arrived at their home that night. “Demanding.”
She didn’t want to know more. Seton’s business was his own. And Julian’s.
“Shall we have another champagne?” he asked her.
“I think we should.”
“Let’s. I’ve a mind to show you the garden and kiss you among the roses.”
