Page 48 of His Unforgettable Bride
Fortunately, Juliet wasn’t tripping over Gray.
She left her bedroom as he exited his, a long hallway between them. He had donned black trousers and a pale green shirt. Obviously, this clothing hadn’t come from the mission or the attic, since the garments fit his form to distraction. She drew a settling breath as he moved to the top of the staircase.
For the record, a woman had the right to admire a man without being infatuated with him.
“Good evening, Miss Dash. I have not had the privilege of seeing you in ages.” Gray’s brow arched. “Or was it just before supper?”
Aah, the silly little banter ladies and gentlemen often exchanged. She dutifully nodded to acknowledge his greeting. “So formal, Mr. Sherwood, or whoever you are.”
He smiled. “An excellent point, and it would be my pleasure to escort you down the staircase this evening.”
Of course, she could manage her way to the drawing room on her own. But that wouldn’t be ladylike, now would it? What was the proper response to his comment? A moment passed before the perfect reply dawned. “That would be kind.”
“I trust you realize how lovely you look.”
“It’s the new dress. Livy brought it home from the mission for me to wear for tonight’s lesson.” The blue fabric hugged her curves more than Tabitha’s castoffs and featured a lower neckline than she’d ever worn. She tugged a handful of cloth up toward her chin.
“The dress would be unflattering without you.”
“I didn’t realize you were prone to exaggerations, sir. Have you been nipping at spirits this evening?”
Gray laughed from his chest, a deep, pleasant rumble. “Not a drop. Shall we proceed to the lesson, miss?” He extended his elbow for her to link on to, and she did.
“Let’s get this over with.”
“Why the hesitation? Where I come from, people dance for amusement and fun.”
“Hold on. You saidwhere I come from.”
“Only a figure of speech.”
She nodded. “I’ve never danced, not even a jig. Thinking about embarrassing myself has me all tangled up.”
“Allow me to help untie the knot. Perhaps I’m also unaccustomed to dancing, and we shall both trample each other’s feet tonight.”
When she glanced at his black shoes, Gray lifted her chin with his knuckle and held her gaze without saying anything. If she were a different type of woman, she might swoon.
“If not by the end of the first lesson, you shall undoubtedly be adept by the second.” He lowered his hand. “If I am wrong, I shall forfeit my dessert tomorrow night, and you may claim it.”
“I hope it’s chocolate cake again.”
“And I hope it is not.”
Sometimes she wondered if Gray had her all figured out. He had a unique skill for making her more comfortable in uncomfortable situations like this one. “I’ll try to enjoy the evening.”
“I shall, as well.”
He squeezed her hand still in the crook of his arm, and she quivered. Holy Moses. She had to stop acting like a lovesick girl at his slightest touch. Gray was just her friend and nothing more. Yes, he flirted at times and was more than a little handsome. But that was all.
They left the hallway and descended the staircase. Before entering the drawing room, she removed her hand from his arm. Someone had rearranged the furniture, opening space for dancing. Peaches whistled from her cage. Livy, Tabitha, and Cy mingled near the piano.
Grinning, Cy raised his hand in greeting. He’d tucked his shirt into his trousers and removed the gravy stain from his collar. “You remind me of my late wife, Juliet. With your blond hair pulled back from your face and wearing blue. It was her most flattering color, much like on you.”
Another compliment, but coming from Cy, the praise had a grandfatherly note. “And you look dapper, as well, Mr. Kelly.”
Cy winked at her. “It’s sweet of you to notice.”
Livy widened her arms, the sleeves of her dress loose and flowy. “Welcome, welcome to dance class. And you do look lovely, Juliet.”
