Page 13 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
“There is no way he would miss the event,” Rowan replied, annoyed by her obsession with the Earl. “Remember, you are here to help me as much as I am here to help you.”
“Forgive me, Your Grace, but I would wager that my situation is more dire than yours,” she spoke quietly, almost a whisper.
“I find that hard to believe,” he replied, looking away from her.
They were quiet for the rest of the dance, and before the song could even get applause, Miss Snow broke away, bowing quickly and hurrying out of the room. Rowan was alone for no more than a moment before the crowd of women from the corner were praising him for his elegant dancing.
“Beautiful dancing, Your Grace! Absolutely stunning. My dowry would undoubtedly intrigue you, Your Grace,” one lady said, unfolding her fan and covering her face.
“Mine, as well,” another woman spoke up desperately.
“Ladies, please, let’s not speak of monetary gain at such a beautiful event.” Rowan smiled gracefully, realizing he needed to try harder to pretend to be interested. “Tell your fathers to come speak with me at the gentlemen’s club, or at the next dinner.”
“He would be charmed, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
As some of the ladies dispersed, Rowan looked around the ballroom for Miss Snow. He figured he should apologize for snapping at her, but he could not see her.
The one lady I am looking for, and she is nowhere to be found. That is just my luck.
He politely made his way through the crowd, deciding to get another drink, and he approached the sitting room, where several groups of people were speaking. He decided that it would not hurt to try to get some of his business talk rolling while he searched for his fleeing accomplice.
Before he could approach anyone, Rowan caught a glimpse of that familiar blue gown and watched from the doorway as Miss Snow and her chaperone curtsied quickly to the Earl, who did the same, a polite but slightly uninterested smile on his face.
He looked at the group of men who stood to his left, and they all gave him a tired smile. Rowan felt their pain of being approached by what felt like endless droves of women tonight, but this treatment of Miss Snow was suddenly bothering him.
He had an idea, so he grasped another flute of champagne and drank it quickly before approaching them.
Let us see how desperate the man is to marry.
* * *
“I appreciate your time, My Lord,” Alice said, a small smile on her face. “I wanted to ask you for a dance tonight.”
Finally, I was beginning to think he would never show up.
Her smile disappeared when, from the corner of her eye, she saw the Duke approach them quickly.
“Eaton! It has been such a long while.” Rowan extended his hand and shook the Earl’s, rougher than what would normally be acceptable.
“Your Grace, how were your travels?” The Earl smiled, obviously confused by the interaction.
Alice furrowed her brow slightly.
What is he doing? He is about to ruin my chances with the Earl!
“Wonderful. Many adventures.” The Duke winked, before bowing to Alice. “Miss Snow, you promised me a dance.”
“Pardon?” She had no intention of dancing with him again for the rest of the night if she could help it.
Does he know that if we danced again, it would likely take me off the market for good? Why would he suggest that if he will not marry me?
“Your Grace, I do not?—”
“Thedance.” The Duke shot her a pointed look, emphasizing his words and raising his eyebrows as if she was not getting the point. She still did not understand. “We must make haste if we do not want to miss our chance. It was wonderful to see you, my friend. Let’s catch up soon.”
Before she even had a moment to think or interject, Rowan was leading her out of the room, and away from the one person she was here to see. She ripped her hand out of his as soon as they made it to the empty dining room across the hall, anger bubbling in her chest.
