Page 13 of A Wicked Duke's Redemption
And even if she wanted to be reckless and mysterious for just one night, she knew that she could not possibly indulge in all the passions stirring within her. The village was small, and regardless of what precautions were taken, word of any misdeeds would surely spread somehow.
“My father has a marvelous library,” Sir Gawain said. “I think that you could spend your entire life trying to read every volume he collected, and you would still not manage to read them all before you died.”
“It must be an impressive library if that is so,” Violet said dreamily.
She was not the sort of woman who wished that her family were wealthy aristocrats, but sometimes, Violet wished that her family had not been forced to sell so many of their books. Once, her father’s collection had been far more extensive, or so he always said.
“It is,” Sir Gawain said.
The music slowed. Violet’s heartbeat quickened as she gazed into Sir Gawain’s blue-gray eyes. “How long will you stay in Essex?”
“I am unsure. I had not thought of remaining in the village for very long, but I have found a rather delightful reason to stay tonight.”
Heat rushed to Violet’s face. She had not thought it was possible to feel any hotter, and she knew that her face must be glowing as brightly as a sunset. The song ended, and they ceased their dancing. Sir Gawain pulled her close to him, and Violet’s breath caught in her throat. She was aware of his arm pressed against her back, of the warmth and strength that his handsome form exuded.
“Have you?” she asked, nearly breathless.
“Indeed, I have.”
She should have pulled away from him, but when Sir Gawain leaned towards her and tilted his head just so, Violet drew in a deep breath of air. Her body was tense with anticipation. He looked as if he might kiss her, and although Violet had always tried to behave as a proper lady, a surge of longing overcame her so strongly that she felt as if she might drown beneath its flood.
Surely, a kiss would not be so terrible? She would blame it on the dance. She would insist that it was meant in jest, a playful gift from a pretend-knight to his lady. Besides, it was dark. Few would notice, and her reputation could surely survive this, couldn’t it? Her heart hammered so violently against her ribs that she could scarcely bear it. Sir Gawain hesitated, and Violet raised in her chin, silently indicating her acceptance.
His lips pressed against hers, as gently as a butterfly lighting on a flower petal. Sir Gawain’s lips were soft, and Violet’s toes curled in her slippers. Her hands found his upper arms, instinctively pulling him closer. She inhaled the warm scent of his cologne, a pleasant mingling of orange blossoms and lemons. He consumed all her senses, making it difficult to care about anything except for how she might remain in his embrace longer.
“My Lady,” he murmured, his face still very close to hers.
Violet could find no words. She felt as if her entire world was shattered in the most pleasant way. Her lips tingled, and a warmth spread through her body, warmer than the firelight. She felt as if she were flying, as if she really were Cinderella or Dame Ragnelle.
“I—I feel as though I should apologize for taking such liberties,” he said, his eyes uncertain.
“No,” Violet said. “I reciprocated. That was wondrous.”
She put her fingertips to her lips and stared at him. A lump rose in her throat. Violet felt as if the proper thing to do would be to leave, to run away into the night, but she found herself frozen and spellbound. If he asked her formore, would she accept such an invitation? Reason warred with passion inside her.
She should refuse any requests for more than the kiss. She should have refused thekiss, but for one glorious moment, she had felt like something more than herself, like a woman who deserved to be showered with affection and love tokens.
“I have never been kissed before,” she confessed.
“No?”
Her surprise and uncertainty were quickly fading, and Violet found herself feeling emboldened. She bit her lip, her eyes darting to his mouth. Even if it was improper, she found that she longed for Sir Gawain to kiss her again. And again. She longed to melt into his warm, strong embrace.
“Violet! There you are!” Liza’s voice rang through the night, just as the next song began.
Violet turned her head, searching the crowd for her friend. From several feet away, Liza waved at her. Captain John stood at Liza’s side. Violet waved in return and turned to face her dance partner, but he was gone from sight. She searched the crowd for him, but Sir Gawain was nowhere to be found.
As Violet joined Liza and Captain John, she felt the earlier delight dissipate just a little. The spell seemed to be broken, her mysterious knight in shining armor gone into the night. It was for the best that he had left, but Violet still trembled from the feeling of his lips against hers.
“Who were you dancing with?” Liza asked as Violet joined them.
“Sir Gawain,” Violet said dreamily.
Violet knew that she must look terribly flustered, and she fought to compose herself. She knew that Liza wouldneversuspect the rather inappropriate thoughts which consumed Violet, but she still felt vaguely vulnerable at being caught in such a position, having danced with a stranger and enjoying the encounter so utterly.
“Oh, yes?” Liza smiled and looked mischievously at Captain John. “It seems as though Violet found a man who loves literature as strongly as she does.”
“Yes,” Violet replied, sighing. “He was so lovely.”
