Page 35 of A Scandalous Proposition
Eventually the meal came to an end and the ladies withdrew. At last Adam could relax. His mother would take care of Florentina until he could do so himself. When he followed the rest of the gentlemen into the drawing room, he swore beneath his breath. To him impromptu dancing implied some young lady playing the piano badly, the rugs being set aside and a few energetic country dances that required little or no physical contact with one’s partner. But the doors to the adjoining salon had been thrown open to create a larger space, and Philippa had engaged an ensemble to provide music. It quickly became apparent that as guest of honour, Adam couldn’t avoid playing his part. Resigned to his fate he did so with good grace, still keeping half an eye on Florentina. She was being whirled about in a lively quadrille, partnered by that rogue King, who had a decidedly predatory look in his eye.
Adam danced with all the ladies. Philippa was precluded by her condition from dancing, for which he felt grateful. But his gratitude was short-lived. After an hour her musicians struck up the opening stanza of a waltz and he saw her bearing down on him. She’d obviously been waiting for this moment but Adam was more concerned about the gaggle of hopefuls surrounding Florentina. He cut a swathe through the throng and bowed before her.
‘My dance, I believe, Mrs Grantley.’
She looked surprised but gratifyingly relieved and offered him a sparkling smile. ‘I believe it is, Lord Fitzroy.’
Her admirers mumbled their objections, stepping aside grudgingly. Florentina moved into the circle of his arms just moments before Philippa reached their position.
‘I don’t recall your previously engaging me for this dance,’ she said.
‘You required rescuing.’
‘You were watching me?’
‘I told you earlier that I wouldn’t allow any harm to come to you.’
‘How could I be harmed by dancing with one of the duchess’s guests?’
‘Well, that would rather depend upon which guest you selected as your partner.’
She arched a brow. ‘You think I am incapable of taking care of myself?’
‘I think you underestimate some of these gentlemen’s intentions.’
‘But I’m a courtesan. I know what they intend.’
He smiled into her upturned eyes. ‘You’re no courtesan.’
‘No,’ she said after a prolonged silence he had no intention of breaking, ‘I am not.’
‘And yet you offered yourself to me without any apparent qualms. How could I be sure you wouldn’t do the same thing with one of those bucks?’
She stiffened in his arms. ‘Apparently you have a very poor opinion of my moral character.’
Adam cursed beneath his breath. He was handling this all wrong and had made matters worse by insulting her. ‘It is not your morals I question, Florentina. It’s merely that some of the gentlemen here tonight…well, let us just say that there is not much they wouldn’t do to compromise you into accommodating them.’
‘How do you know they weren’t merely being gallant?’
Adam snorted. ‘Trust me, I know precisely what they were thinking.’ Because he was thinking it too.
‘The duchess is glaring in our direction.’
He sighed. ‘Come on.’ He took her hand and led her out onto the terrace. ‘It’s too hot in there and I hold you entirely responsible for my discomfort.’
‘And why should I take the blame for that?’
He placed her hand on his sleeve and they promenaded. They had the terrace completely to themselves. ‘Because you asked me to wear this blasted uniform and it’s insufferably hot in here.’ He ran his finger ’round the high collar and sighed loudly enough to make her giggle.
‘I should have thought that all the admiring glances you have collected this evening more than compensate for a little discomfort.’
‘Not unless you admire me too.’
She shook her head, her eyes sparkling with provocative laughter. ‘That is asking too much, my lord.’
‘Last night you were inclined to call me Adam.’
‘Last night you thought I was someone I’m not.’
