Page 35 of The Truth about the Duke
Sophie smiled. “I can see that. Then all I would say is, continue with what you are doingandwith what you feel, and, in time, consider sharing it all with him.”
Hearing this, Lydia flinched but said nothing, aware that her desire to keep her feelings entirely to herself was not a reasonable one. Yes, shewouldhave to speak to the Duke about her heart for, if her feelings continued to grow, then she would have no place for them within her and they would bubble up until she had nothing but pain and anguish from trying to push them down.
“I will think about doing so,” she said to Sophie, though her friend chuckled lightly at this, as though Lydia was being foolish. “Thank you for your understanding and your advice.”
Sophie smiled. “Always.”
Chapter Fifteen
Henry paid not even the smallest bit of attention to any of the ladies who were, he knew, trying to capture his attention. Lord Kinlaw’s ball was in full swing and yet there was only one person he was looking for.
And strangely, it was not because of the heirlooms or any wondering as to what she had discovered. Instead, it was because he wanted to see her and be in her company.
Henry rubbed one hand over his chin, considering. Thus far, he had been aware of his growing affection for Lady Lydia but ever since they had danced the waltz together, ever since he had realized just how much of a marvel she was, they had grown with a fierceness that now took his breath away whenever he even though about it.
“She is just over there.”
A familiar voice caught Henry’s attention and he turned to see Lord Kendall pointing to the left of the ballroom.
“With her mother.”
Henry nodded, choosing not to say anything but all too aware that his friend knew of his interest in the lady. “I thank you.”
“Have you made progress?”
With a smile, Henry nodded. “Not I but Lady Lydia. Indeed, my friend, I have found her so utterly remarkable that I realize now how foolish I was to ever state that bluestockings were worthy of being shunned by society!” His smile faded as the heat of embarrassment rose in his face instead. “She has done more for me than I ever imagined and even if I were not to find the truth about the heirlooms, I should find myself contented all the same.”
Lord Kendall’s eyebrows lifted. “Truly?”
Henry nodded. “Truly. The more I consider her, the more I see just how incredible a young lady she is – and how foolish I was to ever turn my head away from her.”
“Then I wish you well,” came the reply, as Lord Kendall slapped Henry on the shoulder. “Do excuse me. I must go and take my dance – myfirstdance of the evening, for I have taken two – with Lady Miriam.”
With a chuckle, Henry watched his friend stepped away before he too went in search of the particular young ladyhedesired to see. His heart quickened as he caught sight of her red curls dancing as she moved across the floor, safe in the arms of another gentleman.
That displeased him a great deal though Henry did not let the feeling settle. There was nothing wrong with Lady Lydia dancing, he reminded himself. It was what every eligible young lady ought to be doing… though could he help it if he desired to be the only one with her in his arms?
Goodness, these feelings have taken a swift hold of my heart!With a wry smile on his face, Henry contented himself with watching the remainder of the cotillion, determining to draw close to Lady Lydia the moment the dance finished.
He saw the very moment that she became aware of him watching her. Her eyes rounded just a little only for her to smile back at him, her green eyes warming and a gentle flush cominginto her cheeks. Henry’s heart leaped up furiously, his own lips curving into a smile as the urge to rush forward and speak with her grew ever stronger.
Instead, he lingered where he was, watching as she bade the gentleman farewell and then, after a moment, came directly towards him. The closer she came, the more furiously his heart beat, the more desperate he became for her to be near to him. Waiting patiently still, he could not help the sigh of relief when she finally came to join him, inclining her head as she smiled.
“Your Grace. Good evening.”
“Good evening,” he said, taking her hand and bowing over it, resisting the urge to brush his lips over her skin. “I am delighted to see you this evening.”
“I am sure you are,” she answered, “for you must have been most impatient to hear what I have learned.”
Henry shook his head, a slight frown on his forehead. “No, that is not what I meant.” He watched surprise come into her face. “I mean only that I am very glad to seeyou,Lydia. It does not matter a great deal what it is you have or have not discovered, I shall have delight in your company regardless.”
This made her cheeks warm all the more and she looked away, perhaps uncertain as to what she ought to say.
“Should you like to dance this evening?” he asked, as she quickly glanced back towards him. “I must hope that you have some dances remaining!”
“I do, yes. Thank you.” She handed him her dance card and waited, though Henry found it a struggle to take his gaze away from hers. He was seeing her in a new way now, recognizing just how much he had in her and desiring now to claim her for his own. Watching her dance with another gentleman had brought about feelings of envy and jealousy though that had surprised him a little. What was it that he wanted from her? What was it that he wanted for himself? After the matter of the heirloomswas at an end, would he be contented to step away from her for good? Or did he want something more?
I want something more.
