Page 8 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

They shared a small laugh and went to refresh themselves with some punch, finishing their drinks in time for the next dance.

She knew it wasn’t proper to dance so many dances with him when he wasn’t courting her, but she didn’t care much. This was the most fun she’d had in a while, and she didn’t know how long it would last.

“I’m still curious as to why you attended though, Your Grace,” she teased. “Surely it was not to come and ask me to dance.”

The Duke allowed a small smile to grace his lips. “I felt it rude to not attend. I am not one for parties, but I do enjoy an occasional night out. I figured tonight might be a good night to do such.”

“Do you regret attending?” she asked, subtly trying to gauge how he felt about dancing with her.

“I do not think I do now,” he said, his dark eyes boring into hers.

He has to be one of the most elegant men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

“I think I, too, am enjoying it a lot more now,” she relented, trying her absolute best to attempt any semblance of flirting.

As Arabella looked into his eyes, she felt his hand slowly trail down her arm and gently wrap around her waist, pulling her ever so closer to him. She could barely contain the heat emanating from her cheeks due to her racing heart.

What was this man doing to her? If only Sarah could read her thoughts, she would laugh at the irony of the night’s events.

“I do not think I have had the pleasure of ever dancing with a woman as captivating as you,” he suddenly said, taking her by complete surprise. “You’re not only beautiful, but you have a sharp wit and charm that keeps me engaged.”

I wonder if he desires the same as me.

“Oh, Your Grace, surely a rake like you says that to every lady he meets.” She suddenly realized what she had said and who she had said it to. Her smile dropped, and she froze. “Your Grace, I apologize. I did not mean for that to come out the way it did.”

The Duke had cocked an eyebrow, the same mischievous glint in his eyes. “Like I told your brother earlier, Lady Arabella, I do enjoy a lady with a good sense of humor.”

The Duke of Soulden sure was a gentleman who knew his way with words. The way he could speak a simple sentence and somehow make Arabella lose her breath for a second was a feat no man could ever achieve.

“I am glad you find my company enjoyable,” she said, stepping back and curtseying as the song ended.

That’s when the Duke said something that took her a moment to process. “Perhaps you may find it even more enjoyable if we were to continue our conversation in private.”

“In private?” Arabella asked, breathless.

What exactly was he asking her?

“Do not take me seriously, Lady Arabella.” He laughed. “I was merely jesting. That was an improper joke. I would not dare to jeopardize the reputation of a woman of your standing with such words.”

But Arabella didn’t care. She wanted to know what he meant by that. Where would she follow him?

“It seems tonight’s party may be coming to an end soon. It was lovely talking and dancing with you, Lady Arabella. I must go find Lord Thorne and thank him for his hospitality,” he added, bowing his head again and bringing her gloved hand up to his mouth to press another tender kiss to it.

He left her with a longing look that she interpreted as an invitation.

He’d said he was jesting, but his eyes had said otherwise.

“Ara,” she heard Sarah call from a few feet beside her.

Arabella hadn’t noticed her sister’s presence, as she had been watching the Duke walk away from her, her eyes focused on how his broad shoulders flexed beneath his jacket and how he he towered over most of the guests and how his hands… oh, how his hands held her.

“How was your dance, Sister?” Sarah asked with a knowing smirk.

“It was absolutely divine.” Arabella sighed whimsically, her gaze focused on his back.

Sarah laughed at her sister’s obvious infatuation. “Richard and I are going to retire for the night. Will you accompany us on the walk to our rooms?”

“Sure,” Arabella said, finally averting her gaze from the Duke of Soulden.

---