Page 67 of His Unforgettable Bride
“Should I be jealous?”
“Are you angling for a compliment?”
Gray laughed and squeezed her fingers before growing serious. “Speaking of compliments, you are as pretty and elegant as a princess tonight.”
“Really? Have you seen a princess before?”
“Not that I recall, but anything is possible.”
Indeed, more flattery. Yet Gray’s praise touched her center, and his soulful eyes called to her like a beacon in a blizzard. “And you are very, very elegant yourself. Your jacket isn’t two sizes too big, and your britches cover your ankles.”
Gray’s chest rose and fell twice before he spoke. “If you look at me in the same fashion on the dance floor, I may forget every move of the dance and turn into a bumbling idiot.”
Her brow arched. “And incur the sisters’ wrath?”
“An excellent point. We could never cause a scandal at the grand opening.”
Of course, they would never hurt or embarrass the sisters. Not in a dozen decades. Which was why she’d worried all week about Ruby’s return. Yes, the sisters, Gray, and the constable were all aware of Ruby’s threats. But that didn’t mean anything. Ruby could still stir up problems. Hopefully, her old roommate’s absence meant she’d finally accepted that Juliet didn’t have the Firths’ stolen jewels and moved on to other endeavors, whatever they might be.
Arm in arm, Gray led her toward the tearoom door and inside. The crowd from earlier had diminished by half. Maybe thirty people remained, and the slimmed-down number suited her fine. In her opinion, the fewer bell-shaped skirts to maneuver while dancing, the better.
The long sideboard now displayed another round of refreshments for guests to help themselves as they mingled. The bright lighting from the previously scattered lanterns had dimmed, adding an air of romance to the setting.
At the sight of Juliet, Livy rushed forward, dragging Cy. Her shiny pink gown matched the walls, and her surplus of white feather adornments reminded Juliet of a downy swan.
“You are dazzling.” Livy puffed Juliet’s sleeves. “Against my instincts, I allowed Tabitha to choose your gown. Thankfully, she picked wisely.”
Heavens, if Livy had selected her dress, it might resemble the fancy French cream puffs once served at the Firth mansion. But Livy was Livy, and Juliet had grown to appreciate her style. All the same, she had no intention of copying it.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Juliet said. “I owe you a tremendous amount, and I fear I’ll never be able to repay you in full.”
Livy’s hand had moved to Juliet’s arm, which she patted. “That’s unnecessary. You’re a fine young lady, and I’m proud of you. And you are very dapper tonight, Gray.”
Gray bowed with a regal flourish. “You are too kind, my lady. You and Cy both look charming, as well.”
Cy smiled, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “A first for me, but not Livy, who is always divine. Do you like my arm sling tonight?”
Juliet examined the white cloth harnessing his injured arm. Someone, and no doubt Livy, had embroidered red hearts near his wiggling fingers. “I do. I adore it.”
The pianist stroked the ivory keys, introducing a dance. The violinist and the cello player were primed to join in on the tune. After a moment, Livy smiled and grabbed Cy’s unhampered arm. “Shall we dance, Mr. Kelly? I fear our guests are bashful.”
“Dance? Even in my current state?”
“I’m quite certain we’ll manage.” Livy led him toward the room’s center, drawing every eye in their direction. Attendees fringed the open area, talking amongst themselves. Others had congregated on chairs lined up against the back wall.
Some guests might have never learned to dance, like Juliet, not long ago. After a half dozen lessons, she still fumbled with several steps. But what if she and Gray joined Livy and Cy? If she botched her movements once or twice, the guests might realize perfection wasn’t expected or required. She turned toward Gray, ready to ask him to dance as Livy had done with her partner.
“May I have the honor of this dance, my lady?” Gray held out a hand to her. She could admit her bias, but he was the most handsome man in the room. And she’d dare anyone to disagree with her.
“My pleasure, good sir.” She offered her best curtsy, low and exaggerated. Seconds later, a lively polka had her focusing on the quick steps. As she hoped, others soon joined in on the merriment, and happy laughter accompanied the music.
The jaunty song ended, and a romantic waltz took its place. Gray leaned forward. “Please dance one more number with me. Then I shall allow the eager swains to woo you.”
Juliet’s breath quivered. Dare she dance with him twice in a row? What if this was the night’s only waltz, and they would never have another chance? “Perhaps I don’t want to dance with any eager swains but you.”
Dark, swirling emotion filled his eyes before he touched her hip and took her hand. It was an emotion she couldn’t read or understand. Nonetheless, her insides trembled. After tripping over him in the woods, she’d kept falling for his charm every day since. And now, was she finally falling in love?
Her pulse skipped to a flourishing beat, but it was time to calm down. Better yet, they should have done it two minutes ago.
