Page 54 of A Duke's Lustful Portrait
“I … I was sorry to hear about your parents,” she said, then silently chastised herself. Only a fool brings up such tragedy during a dance! It was supposed to be a happy occasion.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “But it was a long time ago.”
Again, quiet descended. Arabella risked a glance at Sebastian. He was still there, still watching her over the rim of his glass. Her stomach stirred at the sight of him, dark, brooding, and incredibly handsome. She licked her lips and pulled her eyes away again, reminding herself to focus on the man in her arms.
“My grandmother said you were in the colonies,” she said, forcing her breath to slow. “That must have been quite the adventure.”
He chuckled. “It was indeed.”
She had been expecting more, some description of the place or his time there. But he had given her nothing, and yet again, she stumbled, looking for something to say. He had been so charming with her grandmother, yet he seemed to have so little to say here.
It made her appreciate Sebastian all the more. In the rare moments they had spent together, conversation had flowed with ease. They wanted to share everything, words falling from them as they questioned and learned about each other. Their conversations seemed so full of light, joy, and possibility. It was so very different from her conversation with Lord Bowden.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?” he said. “Blue is my favourite colour.”
She offered him a sympathetic smile. “Yes, you told me already. I’m glad you like it.”
Perhaps, she decided, he was simply nervous, and that was endearing, in a way. When the music ended, she stepped away from him. He bowed, and she curtsied, but as she did so, her eyes were once again pulled across the room.
“I thoroughly enjoyed our dance, My Lady,” he said when he had straightened up. “And I am very glad to have made your acquaintance. But perhaps there are other people here you would prefer to dance with?”
He moved his head intentionally in Sebastian’s direction, and Arabella blushed.
“Is it that obvious?”
He chuckled. “That you have eyes for another? Let’s just say I’m the observant kind. I’m sure no one else has noticed.”
“Goodness, I’m so embarrassed.” She giggled uncomfortably.
“Honestly, don’t be. The heart wants what it wants. You should pursue your dreams.”
“But what if there are obstacles?” she asked. “What if … what if the coachman won’t let the horse leave the stable, as it were?”
He smiled sweetly. “Lady Arabella, obstacles can always be overcome, and you can always remove the coachman. You only have one life. Enjoy it.”
She stood up straighter, her head higher, and she smiled broadly. “Thank you, Lord Bowden. You really are kindness itself.”
Chapter 26
“Good evening, My Lady,” Sebastian murmured into Arabella’s ear as he approached her from behind.
He felt her body stiffen in front of him, and he smiled to himself, pleased he could engender such a reaction in her. He had been unsure whether to attend the Elliots’ ball at all, but he was glad now that he had.Shewas here, and he had not been able to take his eyes off her for the entire evening.
She breezed through the crowds with easy confidence, and when people weren’t looking at her, they were talking about her. Sebastian supposed that her irregular attendance during the season left her something of a mystery, which excited the ton’s gossips. It made him chuckle to think of all the secrets she held, some of which he was honoured to be a part of.
“Your Grace,” she said, not turning to him. Her hands hovered over her stomach, her shoulders tense. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
“No,” he muttered with a smile. She had known very well he was here. “Just like I didn’t notice you watching me all through the evening. I’m glad to see you are finally alone.”
“Not alone, Your Grace,” she replied. “My grandmother is just ahead of me, talking with Lady Amelia. I’m sure she is not so small that you cannot see her.”
“Then perhaps we ought to dance to avoid gossip. Do you have any availability on your dance card?”
She half turned to him, a single eyebrow raised. “I might be able to find space for you, yes.”
“I am honoured, My Lady. I was worried you would have a full complement. You certainly seem sought after this evening.”
She threw him a wry smile. “I’m glad you noticed.”
