Page 12 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
ChapterFive
Rowan sat in the carriage, gazing at the large estate he had just pulled up to. The light from the windows was beckoning him inside, but he could not force himself to go in.
I cannot stand another night of forged interest in others’ lives. Maybe it is not worth it, after all.
As soon as the thought came to him, another carriage rolled onto the dirt driveway, and he watched as a maid with red hair emerged from the cabin before a young woman wearing a blue dress. He recognized Miss Snow immediately, and he opened the door of his carriage, stepping out and watching as she walked up the stairs.
“I suppose that is my sign,” he mumbled to himself, straightening the lapels of his black suitcoat, and taking his first step toward the house.
As soon as he entered, he felt the warmth of the evening hit him. There was an enormous number of people in this house, which was significantly smaller than the venue of the last event. He made a note to himself to later escape for air that was not already breathed by everyone. First, he had to find Alice and discuss their arrangement.
“Your Grace.” A young lady with a shaky voice and white-blonde hair approached him, curtseying faster than he had ever seen. “I do hope you find me later for a dance.”
“Hope is a powerful force, My Lady.” Rowan bowed, and the woman scurried off, giggling.
It was the opposite of an acceptance, but she ran away as if I just proposed to her. I need to find Miss Snow quickly.
Rowan poked his head around the corners of several full rooms before finally making it to the ballroom, where he saw the blue dress dip between the crowds. He appeared calm, but with droves of women approaching and requesting dances, he was beginning to feel the rise of agitation in his chest.
One more tap on his arm, and Rowan turned around quickly to cease the madness. “Pardon?—”
“Your Grace, I apologize for my forwardness. Miss Snow is requesting your presence. It seemed important.” The woman he recognized as Alice’s chaperone bowed in front of him, and a wave of relief washed over him.
He smiled and let her lead the way to Miss Snow, and when he saw her, he felt his breath catch in his throat.
He coughed, confused by the odd reaction, and grasped a flute of champagne off a passing tray to clear his throat. “Miss Snow, I have been looking for you all evening. You look lovely.”
“Your Grace.” Miss Snow bowed, her golden hair shining in the light.
She looked like royalty. The powder blue of her dress made her gorgeous eyes sparkle in the candlelight, and the curves of her hips under her dress were tempting. He could not believe that she had genuinely taken his breath away moments ago, and he felt his fist curling at his side, controlling the sudden urge to snake his hands around her waist.
That has never happened before…
“Will the lady join me for a dance?” Rowan set the empty glass of champagne down and extended his hand, and she looked shocked for a moment before taking it.
Her hand was small in his, and he had to adjust to the feeling as he led her to the dancefloor.
When was the last time I held someone’s hand?
“You look as if you have not danced in ages, Your Grace.” She laughed, throwing her head back.
He had to look away, as his gaze was glued to her neck for a considerably long time, but she did not seem to notice.
The waltz began, and they swayed and spun, following everyone else. He was acutely aware of his hand that held her hip in place while they danced, and he shooed the thought from his mind.
“I have been on a ship with a crew of smelly seamen. I have not had many opportunities. I can say with certainty that the waltz is much more alluring with your company.” He stared at her intently, and he watched in amusement as a red blush began to grow on her cheeks.
She averted her gaze, looking around the room, her smile slipping from her face.
“Your Grace, please tell me this is part of your astonishing plan,” Miss Snow said quietly, her eyes suddenly darting around the room.
Rowan followed her gaze to a small group of ladies in the corner of the ballroom, whispering, staring daggers their way. He noticed that they plastered false grins on their faces when they noticed him looking, making him want to laugh.
“The jealousy of the ladies will come and go, Miss Snow. To attract the attention of their fathers, I need them to notice me.”
“You say this as if you have not been flanked by blubbering ladies all evening,” she scoffed. “I have not even seen the Earl. I have not secured a single name on my dance card yet.”
I am here, and there are plenty of men looking at her. What else does she want?
