Page 24 of Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses
Laughing gently, she felt the heat rise in her cheeks. From the moment the Season had begun she’d longed for such attention, but now there was only one gent with whom she wished to dance. “Duly noted. I shall live in anticipation of the ball’s arrival.”
And the evening’s end. The gentlemen were charming, but they didn’t make her wonder what they were thinking, what sort of mischief they might get up to once they left the Dragons. She wondered if she might be able to convince Andrew to take her with him again. Surely he engaged in activities beyond wagering andbrotheling. Was that even a word? It should be. It sounded much less harsh than the one Venus had taught her for the sexual act.
Her heart gave a little kick as Andrew strode toward her. She was barely aware of the ball bouncing over the roulette wheel, landing, the cheers going up, and the congratulations on another win being offered to her. Her focus was entirely on him.
“You seem to be having luck,” he said once he reached her.
She wanted that luck to continue, only with him. “It seems so, yes.”
He leaned in. “I’ve yet to see your maid arrive.”
She rolled her eyes and whispered, “I forgot to send for her.”
A corner of his mouth hitched up. “I thought you might. As it’s late, I should probably escort you home now.”
“As we’re family,” she said a little louder, “I’m sure no one will think anything of that.” While she said good night to the gentlemen surrounding her, Andrew gathered up her winnings, saw to it that her chips were exchanged for currency. Her reticule was considerably heavier as they walked toward the door. “If you’re heading off on an adventure, I want to go with you,” she announced boldly, but low enough that no one else would hear.
“Only off to bed.” Then to her surprise and delight, he blushed. “And you are most certainly not going with me.”
Pity. “What about tomorrow night?”
“What about it?”
“There isn’t a ball until the night after. What am I to do with myself until then?”
“Oh I’m certain Grace will come up with some sort of entertainment for you.”
A footman opened the door. She and Andrew walked out into the night.
“Will you be at the Waverly ball? Manville and Benson already claimed dances. My card is likely to fill rather quickly. I’ll happily save a dance for you.”
“I won’t be attending.”
She was surprised by how her enthusiasm for the Waverly affair suddenly dimmed. Perhaps if she spoke with the duchess, she’d convince her son to go. Although it was probably best if he didn’t. She found it difficult to give attention to anyone when he was about. If she wanted to be betrothed by the end of the Season, she needed to set her mind to it.
Although it was dark, except for the occasional street lamp, Andrew ran, barefoot, through the park near his town house. His body was in mortal danger of exploding, and he needed to do something to exhaust himself so he could sleep. He’d hated watching all the gents fawning over Gina. Not that she didn’t deserve fawning over, but still it had irritated.
Traveling with her in the carriage, inhaling her fragrance of violets, had been pure torment. He’d wanted to cross over to her, gather her up in his arms, and kiss her silly.
It had been a mistake to kiss her earlier. He’d been downing whiskey, striving to rid himself of her flavor, and he couldn’t do it. It was as though her taste had taken up permanent residence in his mouth. No woman had ever affected him as she did.
He wished he had a heart to offer her, but years ago it had been shattered. No matter how hard he tried, he could not seem to put it back together.
Chapter 7
Gina sat at the pianoforte and played a haunting melody that caused her to feel a bit melancholy, when she knew no reason existed for such morose sentiments. No balls, dinners, or soirees were taking place tonight—at least none to which she’d been invited. The duke and duchess had retired for the evening, encouraging her to make herself at home. She tried reading, but it was simply too quiet. She was rather glad Tillie had insisted she not return to Landsdowne Court. Even with the servants about, she’d still find only loneliness there.
A hand appeared before her, reaching for the music sheets. With a tiny screech, she stopped playing and twisted about to stare up at Andrew. He was so near she could see the tiny ring of black that circled the light blue of his eyes, could smell bergamot and lemon and something much darker, an indulgence. Whiskey or brandy or a very rich wine.
“What are you doing here?” The question was inane. This residence belonged to his parents. He no doubt came and went with frequent regularity.
With his back to the piano, he lowered himself to the bench, his hip resting against hers. In spite of her petticoats, she felt the firmness and warmth. “I noticed you weren’t at the Twin Dragons so I thought Grace might have abandoned you for the night and you might be in need of relief from your boredom. Nothing against my parents, but they can become quite dull as the evening progresses.”
“Another outing to the Twin Dragons?”
“I had something else in mind.”
Rowing, at night. She’d never considered it possible, wondered if her remarks about Somerdale taking her rowing had influenced him at all. It was cooler here; he’d wrapped her in a blanket and she snuggled down into it.
