Page 54 of Falling Into Bed with a Duke
Several spaces remained unclaimed. That hadn’t been the case during her first few Seasons, when men had been lining up for a chance at her dowry. But as they’d learned she had no tolerance for fortune hunters, the dances claimed had become fewer. “I’m certain I can fit you in, but after the attention you were receiving from the other ladies, I’m surprised you have an open dance.”
“You noticed that, did you?”
“It was a little difficult to miss. So which dances are you available?”
“All of them.”
She was very much aware of her half brother snapping to attention, his gaze darting between her and Ashe. She could hardly blame him. His answer wasn’t at all what she’d expected. For a moment, she was giddy, but then her practical nature kicked in, and along with it her suspicions regarding his interest. As far as she knew, he wasn’t in debt. “I’m free the next dance.”
“Then I shall just wait here, shall I? With your brother serving as chaperone?”
“Actually, I think all these gents were about to go search for their dance partners.” She gave them each a stern look. “Weren’t you?”
After bidding her and the duke farewell, they wandered away, leaving her alone with Ashe, or as alone as one could be in a crowded ballroom. The Duke and Duchess of Lovingdon were one of the most popular and beloved couples in Great Britain. No one declined their invitations.
“Why not commit to any other dances?” she asked Ashe.
“I enjoyed our dance at the Twin Dragons the other night. I wanted to ensure I had another opportunity to circle about the room with you in my arms. I’ll fill in a few dance cards once we’re done. Otherwise, tongues might wag.”
“They’ll probably wag anyway.”
“Probably.”
“Why have I your attention of a sudden?”
“You’re quite blunt.”
“It’s one of my many faults.”
“I don’t recall describing it as a fault.”
“Other men have.”
“I think we established previously that some men are arses.”
She couldn’t help but grin. “Yes, I believe we did.”
It was easy to enjoy his presence when she wasn’t burdened with the desire for a marriage proposal. She could be herself although perhaps it was more that he didn’t seem to sit in judgment, so she felt freer. Or perhaps it was just that they’d already shared an intimacy that had revealed their true selves. Not that he was aware of that, but she was. It affected the way she looked at him, the comfort she felt with him. He’d kissed her birthmark, kissed her in ways and places that she’d never considered that a man might.
“I’m given to understand that you’ve written a book on identifying fortune hunters,” he said.
“It was more of a collaboration between myself and the Duchess of Lovingdon based on her husband hunt.”
“What of your hunt?”
“I’m not on the hunt.”
“But you were.”
She considered ... “I don’t think so. Not really. Not for a husband, anyway. Some ladies want a husband over love. I want love over a husband. I’m not convinced it’s something you can hunt for. I think it just happens. If you’re lucky.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
She might have told him the question was too personal, but he’d shared his story of love. Not that he knew he’d shared with her. But where was the harm in answering? “No. Quite possibly I analyze too much. Right now, I’m not quite sure why I have your attention.”
“You don’t trust men.” He said it as a statement rather than a question.
“I don’t trust their motives.”
