Page 49 of A Marriage of Convenience with a Rake
Her back was tingling, and she felt giddy. “Um...um...yes,” she murmured, trying to focus on his words and not on the sensation of standing so close to him. This felt intimate in adifferent way.
“Good. I rather like it, too. Though some people think it’s too scandalous.”
“I know,” Eleanor replied. She swallowed hard. The waltz had its fair share of criticism, since it did involve contact that was much closer than that in a Polonaise, say, where one stood beside the other person and held hands on one side only. All the same, it was very popular.
The music started and Eleanor drew in a breath, stepping forward and feeling how he stepped back in perfect time. They moved together seemingly without effort, his movements elegant and lithe. His timing was perfect.
Eleanor shut her eyes for a moment as they swayed close in a turn. She had dreamed of dancing like this when she had first learned to waltz, her dancing teacher, Mrs. Plumdale, dancing with her and laughing as they swayed about the room.
She opened her eyes again, as they stepped neatly sideways, rounding another corner. They swayed close and her heart thudded quickly. His hand was firm on hers and he gazed into her eyes.
She gazed back and she could feel her heart racing in her chest. He was so handsome, and his gaze drew her in, those dark eyes warm and tender and focused on her with an intensity that made her blush.
“A fine waltz,” he whispered to her as they rounded the corner again and the music slowed, moving towards some grand chords.
“Thank you,” she whispered back. “It is.”
They moved close, stepping neatly to the edge of the floor again, and then the couples around them were clapping, applauding each other for the dance.
Sebastian clapped lightly and Eleanor felt her cheeks flare even redder.
“Are you also feeling overly warm?” he asked as they walked a few paces away from the dance floor, moving to a less densely packed part of the ballroom.
“A little,” Eleanor murmured. She felt quite warm, her body flushed with warmth and delight. Waltzing with Sebastian was truly beautiful.
“I think mayhap we can step onto the terrace for a moment,” Sebastian said softly.
“Yes,” Eleanor replied, heart thumping. “Perhaps we might.”
She was sure there would be plenty of people on the terrace, even though the night was certain to be chilly, it being October. Doubtless some others would feel overheated in the ballroom, as they did. Nonetheless, being outdoors with him, in the dark of the terrace, the leaves of the vines rustling overhead, would be different—even more romantic than being inside, where it seemed romantic too.
“Wait a moment,” Eleanor murmured, her gaze moving across the ballroom. She felt her heart thump. Where was the Marquess? She had promised herself she would keep an eye on him during the evening, but she had forgotten for a moment and now she could not see him.
“Let me fetch you some lemonade,” Sebastian said quickly, and hurried off before she could refuse.
She looked around, feeling her stomach knot with worry. What if the ball had proven too overexerting for the Marquess? He could have had another apoplexy. She gazed around, walking forward through the crowd to try and reach the back of the hall where some seats were laid out. Perhaps he had decided to sit there.
“My lady?” Sebastian appeared at her side, two glasses held up, one in each hand. “You seem to be looking for someone.”
“I am,” she said, looking about worriedly.
“I hope you were looking for me?” he asked, a small grinlifting the corner of his lips.
“Not at all,” Eleanor said teasingly. “I was searching for another gentleman altogether.”
“You were?” He looked shocked and she grinned.
“Have you seen the marquess anywhere recently?”
“Oh. My father!” He laughed. “No. I haven’t. He told me he wanted to retire early to bed. I am certain that is where he is. If you like, I will send the butler to check on him.”
“Perhaps we should,” Eleanor said swiftly, though she felt relieved to know where he was.
“Very well,” Sebastian agreed. “You are dear. You’re so caring.”
“I am fond of him,” Eleanor admitted. “He’s a difficult old fellow, sometimes, but he’s delightful.”
Sebastian laughed. “Yes! He is.”
