Page 6 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
“There is no one else I would rather dominate it. Is someone expecting your company?”
She should say yes. But then he would no doubt keep an eye on her to discern who was of interest to her. She didn’t want him observing her. Best to give him a bit more time tonight and then move on. “No.”
“Then it seems another dance is in order.”
The music began. Another waltz. Did the orchestra know naught but waltzes? Did her skin have to welcome the press of his hands? Did she have to feel his touch cascading through her entire being? It was at once disconcerting and exciting to have these reactions to his nearness. What was it about him that affected her so? It was more than his handsome features, something deep within him that was calling to something in her, something that had been dormant, that was awakening. She needed a distraction from these unsettling thoughts.
“Where is your estate?” she asked.
“Cornwall.”
Yes, she could see that. His being part of the rugged coast. Perhaps he was even descended from pirates. She could well imagine thievery and plundering in his heritage.
“You’re not one for conversing, are you?” she asked.
“Not with words, no. I prefer other means of communication, especially when a lady is involved.”
She was losing her edge with him. She didn’t know how to get it back. “That sort of communication deals only with the surface. There is no depth to a relationship of that nature.”
“I care for only one sort ofdepth.” His eyes smoldered with his innuendo and she nearly stumbled.
She was out of her league with him. He would not be easily manipulated. But something inside her yearned to accept the challenge. Things had become too easy of late. She was bored. She hadn’t realized it until that moment. There was no life, no excitement in her anymore. She simply existed. But he brought a spark to her. He interested her. She thought he might have secrets as dark as her own. Drawing them from him would be a challenge, might prove to be to her advantage.
“You offend me with your insinuation,” she said.
“If that were true, you would have slapped me by now. You’re a widow, not an innocent miss. The other ladies here interest me not in the least, because they are naive. I prefer a woman who is seasoned.”
“And you judge me to be seasoned?”
“You intrigue me, Rosalind.”
“You’re taking liberties with your informality.”
“I believe your protests are false. You want me to take liberties. It’s the reason you haven’t left in a huff.” He narrowed his eyes. “No, you are not one to huff about. I think you would make me pay in other ways.”
Oh yes, he had the right of it. She most certainly would make him pay in other ways. Might still do so. But for now they were merely taking measure of each other.
“I find you equally intriguing, Your Grace, but I fear I have been too long away from the social scene. My skills at being coy are sadly lacking.”
“You don’t have to play false with me. I prefer honesty.”
“Then know that I find myself attracted to you, although I’m not sure it’s wise on either of our parts.”
“But it could be enjoyable.”
She had no doubt of that. He was a man not lacking in confidence. He could show her a jolly good time, but she knew far too little about him. Her purpose here tonight was not to settle on one, but to amass many admirers. He was distracting her from her plans.
The waltz came to an end, but he didn’t release her immediately. He simply held her scandalously close, allowing the minutes to tick by as though there were no one to see, no one who possessed a tongue to wag. If she were a young girl of nineteen, with a father or brother to speak for her, she would find herself betrothed by midnight.
“What else is there to see here?” she asked.
“I believe you’ve seen it all. Perhaps we have run out of reasons to stay.”
How she was tempted to accept his invitation, to go with him wherever he wished to go. But she had planned too long to be reckless now.
“I spied a draped balcony in a far corner of the main salon.” She suspected it was from there that he’d observed her earlier. “I should very much like to see it. How does one get to it?”
“One must possess a key.”
