Page 25 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“I was asking the lady,” Alastair responded, looking into Gemma’s eyes.
There was something about this new man that was stirring a feeling in Gemma’s chest. Not the same feelings that Gabriel stirred but something was there. She felt honored that he respected her opinion on dancing which most men disregard.
More often than not, men would demand her dance card and then drag her to the dance floor, which was what happened during her debut. Her response was outside the social norm.
“A dance would be lovely, sir,” Gemma responded, holding out her dance card. Alistair quickly signed and returned the card and extended his hand politely. “Perfect, shall we?” Alastair was so bold that he signed her entire dance card. Not one spot was open for another. He took Gemma by the hand and led her to the dance floor.
Gemma was swept off her feet as they joined the dance midway through. Blending in did not seem to be in Alastair's character as all eyes were on them as they interrupted the flow of dancers. The floor quickly adjusted to their presence.
“You are a rare jewel,” Alastair said. “Your hair is like fire, yet your eyes are pools of cool gray waters.”
Gemma felt herself flushing. The man certainly had a way with words. No man had ever said such words to her before. She felt seen and beautiful.
“Thank you, my lord. I appreciate your kind words.”
“And I mean them truly. You are something special and I hope we can continue to get to know one another,” Alastair regarded her carefully.
Gemma knew not how to respond. She settled on a coy response. “I would indeed need to make sure my guardian approved.” She glanced away shyly.
Alastair and Gemma spent the rest of the dance swaying and twirling in silence, eyes locked, breath held.
Gemma didn’t feel the same rush she felt when she was with Gabriel, but she felt something, and she wanted to indulge in the feeling. Why not? It was Gabriel who had introduced them to each other. Gabriel was too busy playing games with her, bringing her in and pushing her away. Maybe this man might have a real interest in getting to know her.
***
An unexpected surge of jealousy filled Gabriel’s chest at the sight of Gemma and Alastair connecting on the dance floor.
Gabriel didn’t know what he was expecting but it wasn’t for the pair to hit it off right away. It looked as if they were getting along rather well. Perhaps too well in his opinion.
While he wanted Gemma to be wed so that he would not be tempted to make the same mistake he did in France, he was dreading the thought of her and Alastair becoming more than just acquaintances. What had he done?
“Your Grace,” a voice interrupted Gabriel from his downward spiral of jealous thoughts.
Turning around, he was presented with the Earl and Countess of Sagewood.
“Good Evening,” Gabriel said to the couple. “How do you do?”
“We are splendid. This soiree is magnificent, is it not?” The Countess pulled her lips into a thin smile.
“Indeed, it is.” Gabriel said, confused at why they had not formally introduced themselves. Was he to be a mind reader as well as a duke?
“Where are our manners? I am Lady Sagewood, Countess of Sagewood, and this is my husband, Thomas Ravenscroft, the Earl of Sagewood.” Gabriel was even more confused as the countess introduced herself before her husband, a social faux pas in any social setting.
“You made quite the entrance,” Gabriel said, uncaring about getting to know these people.
The Countess shifted, pushing Vivienne into a more prominent spot so that Gabriel could view her completely. “Your Grace, may I present my daughter, Lady Vivienne.”
Gabriel’s eyes met Vivienne’s and she curtsied.
Gabriel had to admit Vivienne was a vision. With her soft light blonde hair and blue eyes, she would be quite the catch for any man to have on his arm.
“It is lovely to meet you, my lady” Gabriel said, taking her hand. He focused his attention on Vivienne instead of her parents.
“Would you care to dance with me?” Gabriel heard himself asking.
“Why, yes, I would,” she said, surprising the duke. “I made a rather bold move by placing my hand in yours, please accept my apologies.” Vivienne lowered her eyes and smiled demurely.
Her beauty and elegance were undeniable, but underneath the polite smile, there was a visible flicker of apprehension that was worrisome to Gabriel. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He hoped he wasn’t being too bold, but a dance with Vivienne seemed like a rather good idea to get his thoughts off Gemma and Alastair.
