Page 71 of The Secret Life of a Lady
But he had abandoned her. ‘Why did you leave?’ Perhaps she sounded desperate, but she needed to know.
‘I received a message from Sarah Bright’s brother.’
Hannah missed her step, but Killian lifted her from the floor, keeping their bodies in sync.
‘Billy Bright? He sent a message?’ She struggled to keep her voice low as her feet skimmed over the marble slabs.
Killian swirled them to the edge of the dance floor. He leaned closer, his lips tickling her ear. ‘Not here. Come with me.’
Hannah knew what it would look like. The Duke of Covington leaving the ballroom with a woman who lived on the goodwill of her patroness. If they exited together, people would notice. Assumptions would be made. Accusations would be hurled. She couldn’t melt into the shadows when standing in the centre of society’s censure. If the beau monde believed she and the duke were involved in a tryst, her anonymity would be compromised. Right along with her hypothetical virtue. While she couldn’t care less about the latter, she was deeply invested in the former.
The music reached its crescendo, then eased into silence as the dancers slowed to a stop.
Hannah knew the perfect place to meet where no one would be watching. ‘The library, just past the ladies’ retiring room. Five minutes.’ She curtsied to him and turned away, walking back to Ivy and Millie with her head held high.
‘Dear lord, I thought the floor might catch fire from the sparks flying between you two. You’ve set the gossips’ tongues wagging. Just look.’ Millie nodded toward Lady Hastings whispering furiously to her daughter, Miss Anna Hastings.
Ivy huffed out a breath. ‘I wish Anna Hastings did not have her cap set so firmly in my brother’s direction. With a mother like that, family gatherings will be unbearable.’ Ivy bit her lip and her pale-blue eyes clouded.
‘They can go suck eggs,’ Hannah hissed. ‘I need your help, ladies. I am meeting Lord Killian in a few minutes. Will you join me on a trip to the retiring room?’
Millie’s dimples emerged. ‘You wicked woman! A scandalousliaison with the delicious Lieutenant General? Of course we shall accompany you.’
Ivy clasped Hannah’s shoulder. ‘Are you quite certain you know what you’re doing?’
‘Of course.’ Hannah tried to fill her smile with confidence.
I’ve no bloody clue what I’m doing.
‘Alright.’ Ivy grasped Hannah’s hand. ‘To the retiring room.’ She led the way, staying close to the edges of the crowd.
Killian strode out of the ballroom, wound up the stairs, and turned right. He didn’t have to wonder which door led to the ladies’ retiring room. The shrill sound of feminine laughter and a pervading scent of lilies and pearl powder emanated from an open door halfway down the corridor.
He walked swiftly past. The next door was closed. If Hannah was right, it led to the library. Killian turned, leaning his back against the thick, mahogany wood. She would be along soon. He was happy to wait for her.
Hannah didn’t keep him in suspense. He checked his watch as three women walked toward him: Hannah, Miss Ivy Cavendale, and Miss Millicent Whittenburg. Only a foolish man would refuse to admire such a variety of feminine charm. Killian was not a foolish man.
Hannah moved like a cat. Sleek, economical, deadly. Killian had touched every inch of her body, but she was still a mystery to him. One he hoped to spend a lifetime trying to solve.
He had thought his heart was going to stop when he first saw her on the ballroom floor. If there had been any doubt about his love for her, that moment would have confirmed the truth. She was the only woman for him.
His overtaxed heart stuttered as she strode closer. Her dress was sinfully crafted. The cascading confection of bronze silk and cream lace encapsulated her body like an embrace. She shone like a woodland creature caught in moonlight. Always draped in colours of the earth, she transcended into a wild thing of myth. The ache in his chest grew exponentially and his body hardened as he imagined all the ways he could separate her from her gown.
‘My lord, I believe we have important matters to discuss.’ Hannah nodded to her companions. Miss Millie winked at her while Miss Ivy glanced at Killian. Her mouth tightened.
‘Take care, Lieutenant General Killian. She is our friend, and we will protect her, even from someone as fearful as you.’ Miss Ivy’s voice was hard with determination.
Killian was surprised. The delicate woman had grit and courage. He nodded to her. ‘I would expect nothing less, Miss Cavendale.’
‘Hmph.’
Killian couldn’t decide if the sound indicated approval or dismissal.
She turned back to Hannah. ‘We shall wait for you in the retiring room.’
‘I shan’t be long.’ Hannah smiled at her friends, then faced him. Her garnet eyes flashed with what he hoped was desire. ‘Shall we?’
Killian didn’t need further invitation.
