Page 14 of A Lady's Beastly Duke
“Yes. She is ten and six. She is not yet out in society. I think she envies me for the balls and parties.” Anastasia smiled fondly, thinking of Lily, who was filled with excitement at the prospect of her own come-out the following year.
“I, too, have a younger sister,” the duke said with a smile. “She is wed to Lord Barrydale there.”
“Oh!” Anastasia felt her brow lift. “I thought that you and he are surely friends.”
The duke inclined his head. “Yes, we are,” he agreed. “I am glad that Amy wed Henry. He is a level-headed, kindly man.”
Anastasia nodded. “That is important,” she agreed. She knew how he felt. She shuddered involuntarily at the thought of Lord Ridley. If Lily were even to have to dance with such a man, she would feel angry.
“You are cold,” the duke murmured, seeing her shiver. Anastasia shook her head.
“No...it’s not too cold out here,” she contradicted. He chuckled.
“I know now that you prefer the heat to the cold. So, I must insist that you go indoors. I will join you. It is surprisingly chilly out here,” he added a little more softly.
“Oh.” Anastasia grinned, her spirit soaring. She had hoped to be able to continue talking with him. He was diverting and interesting. She glanced over at Camilla, hoping that her friend would see and come inside with them. Camilla happened to turn and see her and her eyes grew large and round as she stared at Anastasia.
“I must tell my friend I am going indoors,” Anastasia murmured to the duke. He nodded.
“Of course, my lady. I shall wait at the door.”
Anastasia hurried over to Camilla, who was staring at her as if she had just walked in wearing a funny, weird outfit.
“I’m going inside,” Anastasia said swiftly. Camilla frowned.
“That is the Duke of Willowick you are talking to, is it not?”
“Yes,” Anastasia said lightly. “Yes, it is.”
“Do be careful, dear,” Camilla said swiftly. “I am coming with you.”
Anastasia felt dismayed—she did not really want Camilla to come with her, since she was enjoying talking to the duke andCamilla was so fearful of him that it would not be comfortable with her listening to them.
“We shall all go inside,” Emily said swiftly, and the two tall officers grinned and nodded.
“At once, Lady Emily,” the one said, as if she was a senior officer.
They all laughed, and Anastasia walked back into the ballroom with her spirits lifted. As he had said earlier, the Duke of Willowick was standing by the door. He stepped aside and followed them all in, coming to stand with Anastasia.
“It sounds like a waltz is playing,” he said after a moment of awkward silence. Anastasia nodded.
His voice sounded strained, and she stared up at him, a small frown on her brow.
“Yes, it does,” she agreed. He looked tense, his brow furrowed. She wondered what had troubled him.
A second later, he cleared his throat. “My lady, might I have the honour of requesting a dance with you?” he asked.
Anastasia felt her heart flood with warmth. She inclined her head, reaching for his hand.
“I would be delighted to,” she agreed.
They proceeded gracefully side by side toward the dance floor. The music commenced, and she performed a delicatecurtsey, while he executed a low bow. Then, placing his hand gently upon her shoulder, they were swept into the waltz, her feet feeling as light as air as they glided effortlessly and elegantly across the dance floor together.
Chapter 6
Sidney stepped forward in time to the stately tune of the waltz. He could feel the warmth of Lady Anastasia’s hand on his, even through the opera gloves she wore, and the firm muscle of her back where his hand rested just on her shoulder-blade. He could smell the soft floral scent of her perfume, and her skirt whispered against him as they twirled across the dance floor. He blinked, barely able to believe it was really happening.
He drew in another breath as they stepped neatly around the corner, waltzing gracefully past two couples who turned the corner with them. She was truly an expert—dancing with her was a pleasure. She felt light on her feet and her timing was excellent. Waltzing with her was effortless. It felt as though he had waltzed with her from the day he was born.
