Page 34 of In Pursuit of a Christmas Bride
Henry shuffled over to the others, aware of Mr. Haskett’s glare. He didn’t trust him, and he was mad that the man was even Tilly’s acquaintance. She deserved better. He treated her horribly. But they had agreed to be a secret, so Henry would do his best to remain distant and disinterested when it couldn’t have been further than the truth.
Except for dancing.
“Everyone line up,” the duchess called out, clapping her hands.
Stephen groaned behind Henry. The feeling was mutual.
The duke struck the first chord on the piano.
“Oh, I love this dance,” Miss Skeffington called out.
Henry hadn’t the faintest idea about the dance, but he knew he didn’t wish to make a fool of himself in front of Tilly. He mirrored his body to match the rest of the male partners and steadied his look across the room. Looking at Tilly now, while Mr. Haskett studied Henry, was only inviting trouble.
Lord Garvey beside him crossed to his partner, and they skipped around Henry. Never once had he ever wished to skip. He cursed on his breath and watched, knowing he would have to do the same with Lady Beatrice in a moment. She smiled meekly at him, tapping her toe to the upbeat piano song.
When it was his turn, he skipped forward, reaching out for Lady Beatrice and spinning her before skipping back to his spot in the line.
Tilly smiled at him, mouthing “cheer up.”
He frowned, annoyed that she had the constitution for such dancing and cheer. But that was quickly washed away as he realized he would be leading not Lady Beatrice, but Tilly down the line.
All evening tension had been simmering between them. He should have left this morning as planned, but he hadn’t fulfilled his promise to Stephen. And he didn’t wish to leave Tilly behind with Mr. Haskett, even under Mrs. Craven’s selectively watchful eye.
He braced himself for her touch, but it made no difference. Once Tilly’s hand slipped into his, he felt himself soften toward her, and the walls fell.
“Lady Mischief,” he said, teasing. “Don’t worry, I’ll lead.”
“You are excellent at skipping,” she said, her smile spreading wide. “It’s a shame you don’t like dancing.”
They spun around the last couple, still holding each other’s hands before returning to their positions in line.
“Only with you,” he said, leaning in close to whisper.
The red blush on her cheeks bloomed, spreading down to the low cut of a beautiful dark-blue gown.
“Always with me,” she replied, her eyes meeting his.
“Always.”
He released her hand, instantly regretting having to do so. He fought the urge to glance at her again for the rest of the dance, then excused himself once the duke finished playing.
It was no use.
Henry couldn’t pretend he had no heart when she had very clearly stolen his.
CHAPTER 8
Tilly wipedat her nose and sniffed back her tears. She wished to be home. She wished to have Ethan tucked safely into the tightest hug.
But damn it all, what a horrible wicked man!
She raced down the hallway to her room, then slipped inside as she fumbled with the latch.
He pounded at her door.
“Go away, Roger.”
“Do not cause a scene,” he said, his voice a low menacing growl. “Open this door.”
