Page 20 of Ironvine

“Oh, I know.” He took her hand once again as she moved alongside him. “I can see that quite plainly.”

Her blood quickened at his suddenly low, gruff tone, at the firmer grip of his hand on hers, at his hard form brushing against her. Why was she reacting to him this way? This was Charles, who always spoke glibly with his slightly outrageous and very clever wit. In fact, she had missed their repartee, hadn’t she? She had, but right now, she must not be distracted from her course of action.

“And you, Mr. Montclare? No fiancée?”

“No.”

Amanda and her husband, William, danced between them. William cast a dark glower at both she and Charles. Amanda ignored them.

The music ended.Was it over already?They bowed to each other, but Charles kept her hand in his. A warmth glowed through her and she wasn’t sure if it was only from the dancing.

He squeezed her fingers. “Shall I return you to your sister and the gentleman?”

“No, please. No.”

He chuckled. “Your wish is my command, Miss Georgina. But there will be a fee.”

“Of course there will be.”

“You must tell me the reason. I feel there is a reason.” His voice had gotten deeper, darker, and it sent a flicker of heat over her flesh in a strange, delicious way.

She moved closer to him. “My family wishes for me to marry the gentleman.”

“Ah. And your answer?”

“I do not wish to. He’s…not my sort.”

“I would agree.”

“I’m glad to hear you do.”

“He seems a fine man, to be sure.” He cleared his throat. “Although…”

“Although?”

“He does seem dour.”

“Dour, yes. That is a fine, fine word.” A smile curved her lips.

“And you, Georgie, are such a lively sort. But, perhaps you would make him less dour, eh?”

“I do not wish to have anything to do with him, Charles.” Her voice trembled there at the end, and she instantly regretted it. His brow furrowed, and he turned them around so as to have more privacy from the passersby.

She bit her lip. She always said too much. When would she ever learn? But with Charles, she’d always felt that she could be forthright as was her wont. And he always appreciated her candour in a way that was quite satisfying.

“Is there anything I could do to help?”

Yes, actually there is!She grinned. “You always do enjoy schemes and stratagems, don’t you?”

“I do, but, in faith, I would like to help you if there is any way I can, scheme or no.” His voice had become lower, serious.

She went to speak but just then, eyes much like Charles’s peeked over his shoulder taking in Georgina. Her breath caught in her chest.Hugh. Hugh at last.

Hugh’s gaze swallowed her whole, pinning her to the spot as he came up alongside Charles, an arm hooked on his brother’s shoulder. “Brother, who is this beauty you’ve uncovered?”

ChapterSeven

Georgina

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