Page 90 of Rakes & Reticules
He sensed Amelia’s presence the moment she walked in. As expected, she took a seat along the wall. He strode toward her as the next dance was about to start.
The orchestra began the strains of a waltz, and he did not want anyone but Amelia in his arms.
He noted the panic in her eyes as he approached.
He took her hand, not asking her permission since he was going to dance with her whether she wished it or not. Yes, it was incredibly highhanded of him. But he did not care if they stood motionless in the center of the dance floor. It was a waltz and he would be holding her in his arms. There were no intricate steps necessary. All she had to do was let him lead her in a circle.
She tugged back on her hand. “You know I cannot do this.”
“Yes, you can. I do not care if you step on my feet. I do not care if we look ridiculous out there.”
Her expression turned pained.
Agonizingly pained. “But I care,” she said.
He knelt beside her chair, for she was still seated and did not want to get up. “I will not make a mockery of you, Amelia. I promise. You must trust me.”
“I do trust you...but not about this. You have no idea how bad I am. Please, ask someone else.”
He sighed. “No, I shall sit this one out beside you. My apologies if I was overbearing, but it is a simple waltz and I would have guided you through it.”
“So you think. You have not seen me on my feet.”
“It is hard to believe you are not perfect in everything you do.”
She laughed. “Dear heaven, I am so far from perfect. Is this really what you think of me?”
“Is it so bad? Should I not admire you?”
She cast him a wistful smile. “I have never been put up on anyone’s pedestal. It is easy to fall off when one is placed too high.”
“You are not on any pedestal. I see you clearly for all your attributes and your faults. Nor do I wish to hold you up as someone perfect and untouchable. I want you right here by my side, holding your own beside me. And I do not mean merely for one dance or one night.” He cleared his throat. “I...well...I think I’ve said more than intended.”
“I did not take your words for a marriage proposal,” she said, her eyes once more aglitter as she noticed his discomfort. “You can stop looking as though I have tied a noose around your neck.”
He grinned, realizing this is why he liked the girl as much as he did. She was an easy flowing stream on a lovely summer’s day. She did not push or pressure. “I’ve told you, marrying you would not be an ordeal for me.”
“Dear heaven, are you always this romantic?”
“I would whisper sweet nothings in your ear right now, but I think you would turn into a fluttering hen if I ever truly complimented you as I wish to do. You do not take compliments well. Dorothea can teach you a thing or two about that. The girl demands them from all her suitors. The more fawning, the better.”
“I could not keep a straight face if anyone compared me to a butterfly or a swan. I would laugh out loud.”
“Yet, you are those lovely things. You move gracefully, are not at all clumsy or awkward when you walk. So, the fear of dancing is all in your head and it is affecting your feet. I would love to discuss this further, but...oh, hell. I am about to be accosted again.”
“Is it so terrible? The ladies enjoy dancing, especially with you.”
“We may not have a chance to speak alone again tonight. Meet me here tomorrow morning at eight o’clock.”
“Why?”
“Because I am going to teach you to dance. By heaven, you are going to dance like an angel even if it breaks me. Promise me, Amelia. Eight o’clock.”
She nodded.
He left her side and spent the rest of the evening partnering one empty-headed beauty after another. Perhaps they were not all quite as bad as he made them out to be, but none of them came close to Amelia’s intelligence or charm.
Until this weekend, he had not realized this is what was missing in his life. A woman who could hold her own against him.
