Page 34 of Cherish and the Duke
Did it count as scheming if one was truly in love? She hoped not, because she did not like to consider herself as nefarious as Lady Albin.
Margaret hugged her and then left her side after Cherish assured her that she would give her lessons on the topics men found interesting. But the moment Margaret happily flitted away, the wicked countess approached.
Cherish’s heart beat faster and her palms became moist and clammy. However, she tried her best to hide her turmoil and appear composed. “Good evening, Lady Albin.”
The woman eyed her. “You are not his sort, at all.”
What sort was that? Heartless and selfish?
Cherish kept her chin raised so that she squarely met the woman’s gaze. “To whom are you referring? I have so many gentlemen after me, it is sometimes hard to tell.”
Oh, dear heaven.What possessed her to spew such drivel?
“Bromleigh, of course. There is no one else here worthy of notice.”
Cherish nodded. “Yes, he is quite noteworthy.”
“But he is mine, so keep away from him if you know what is good for you.”
Cherish had never been threatened over a man before. It was laughable, but also worrisome because the threat came from the countess. Well, she would consult Fiona and Reggie about it later. The woman could do her little harm while she was surrounded by others. Tripping Cherish, as the countess had done earlier, was relatively harmless.
But Cherish hated the thought of that evil woman spilling something on her lovely gown to ruin it. Well, she would make certain to avoid her if she had any food or drink in her hands. A simple enough solution.
The men joined them soon afterward, and Lord Fellstone immediately strode to her side to escort her into the music room, where the orchestra was now setting up. “I thought I had better claim the first dance,” he said, tossing her an appreciative smile. “You look lovely tonight, and all the gentlemen have noticed.”
“That is curious.” She dismissed his comment as flattery, and was surprised when others indeed approached to claim a dance.
Her jaw dropped when the Duke of Bromleigh approached her as well. “The first waltz is mine.”
She nodded. “Yes, I did promise it to you and haven’t forgotten.” After all, he had been the one to teach her the steps, and she did not trust herself yet in the arms of anyone else. He understood it would not only be the first waltz of the evening, but her very first ever attempt at a waltz.
She counted the minutes. She danced the opening quadrille with Lord Fellstone and then two country reels with other gentlemen.
Then suddenly, her Silver Duke was by her side in all his radiance. It was curious she thought of him as some sort of a sun god, because he always wore dark clothes and had not a hint of popinjay colors on him. Even his cravats and waistcoats were rarely anything other than gray or a deep emerald green.
Cherish forgot to breathe.
A smile teased the corners of his lips, and his hand felt warm and comforting as he wrapped it around hers to lead her onto the dance floor.
Lady Albin was prowling along the edges like a predatory cat, her movements graceful and feline, but obviously agitated. This woman did not like to lose.
Neither did the duke.
Cherish hoped she was not about to be embroiled in another game. Had he insisted on dancing with her only to make Lady Albin jealous? It did not seem to be his style. He was not the sort to use people, especially not her. He had wanted her for Reggie and been honest about it from the start, sparing not five minutes before telling her the truth about his purpose. Cherish knew she could trust him.
“Your Grace,” she said, taking in the wonderful scent of bay spice on his skin as he put one glorious arm around her waist and drew her close. “Why are you scowling? We needn’t dance if—”
“I want to dance with you, Cherish. Forgive me if you thought I was scowling at you.”
“What is troubling you, then?”
He regarded her quite seriously, focused on her and paying no heed to the chatter going on around them. “Lady Albin was the one who tripped you, wasn’t she?”
Cherish nodded. “Yes, but I am sure it was an accident.”
“Why are you protecting her?”
“I did not think I was. I merely meant to give her the benefit of the doubt.”
