Page 26 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
Before any more chattering could happen, Lady Camilla Neale approached, shooing them away. Half of her long auburn hair was pinned up in curls atop her head, cascading down her shoulders and complementing her powder pink gown.
“Ladies, stop swarming him like pests. He already has a partner for the evening.”
So, she was planning to steal him away from the rest of the evening.
I suppose that makes sense, considering they are very good friends. I would love to spend the rest of the evening with the Duke, I am learning that he makes wonderful company.
“I will be accompanying Miss Snow for the evening,” Rowan whispered to the lady as the group walked away.
Alice felt her breath catch in her throat as he declared his choice of dancing partner for the evening.
“It seems that you have, in fact, found something else besides your father’s business to captivate you.” Lady Camilla smiled at him, curtsying to Alice.
She was rendered speechless as she watched the woman saunter away, a few gentlemen beginning to tow behind her.
“Will you join me for a dance, Miss Snow?” Rowan looked down at Alice, and she could have sworn that his eyes twinkled. Her heart leaped in her chest as she quickly nodded at him, and he gave her a perfect, sparkly smile. “Very well.”
* * *
Alice was glowing as she giggled at the jokes Rowan attempted to make on the dancefloor.
“I thought this party would have been over hours ago, but the Baroness believes that she knows how to hold her sherry.” The Duke chuckled against her ear.
Alice peered over at their host, who was laughing heartily with a few of her guests, suddenly tipping in her chair and almost planting herself on the floor.
“I’ve never seen such respectable people like this,” she replied.
He looked down at the woman in his arms, his eyes trailing down her neck, to her chest. She suddenly turned her attention back to him, and he shot his eyes back up.
“Welcome to the darker side of the ton.” He winked, bringing her blush back.
It was quickly becoming one of his favorite things to do. Seeing her flustered in his presence was like a small victory for the part of him that wanted to do nothing but drag her to an empty room and have his way with her. They danced around the room, and he could not stop his eyes from wandering across her bare skin and those lips that spoke about things he should probably be listening to.
“Are you even listening to me, Your Grace?” She smirked, calling him out. He gave her a sheepish smile.
Her blue eyes are intense. I had not noticed until now, but I feel as if she is looking into my soul when she gazes at me. It is as if she sees something about me that I cannot.
“Just admiring my dance partner,” he replied. The candlelight danced on the walls, and the chatter of the ton filled the room, almost drowning out the sound from the orchestra that sat in the corner, playing a joyful melody. “Did I ever tell you about how I was chased off a plain in the Americas by a mountain lion? A joyful experience.”
“I feel like something so daunting could only happen to you, Your Grace.”
He decided to tell her a story that always had women fawning over his bravery, but he should have known that Alice Snow would be tougher to charm.
“It seems that I do manage to get in precarious positions.” He winked at her. “But it was not my fault. It had wandered into our camp and smelled the English breakfast my cook was preparing. It was an invigorating wake-up call.”
“Do not tell me you enjoyed such an experience.” Alice smiled, her hand holding tightly onto his as they danced to the quickening tempo. “You must have been terrified.”
“It was a bit daunting, but it was absolutely mesmerizing to see a mountain lion in its natural habitat. North America is a beautiful place, and it was an exciting journey across the world, what is not to love?”
“You may be right about that. I know nothing of travel, Your Grace. It may utterly surprise you, but I have had no time for devil-may-care adventures.”
“Take the chance if it is given, Miss Snow.”
“I think my chances are becoming better.” She smiled again, the champagne and rising temperatures in the house causing her cheeks to grow pink.
He watched as she loosened up throughout the evening, socializing and enjoying the event, and it pleased him to know that today had not scared her off. He overstepped earlier with her brother, and he had been praying that she was not upset with him. Her dazzling smile seemed to tell him that she was enjoying her night, and it was all he could ask for.
He knew that the Earl would not be attending tonight, as there was a fight downtown which he was betting a substantial sum on. Gentlemen in London did not miss a boxing match for tea and biscuits.
