Page 39 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“It is good to see you, dearest sister.” Alexander beamed at her.
“And you, Brother-mine.” Olivia grinned. “And of course, it is good to see you too, Rose. I hope the journey was not too bad.”
“The journey was delightful.” Rose laughed and then added in a stage whisper, “In truth, it is wonderful to be out of the castle and in London — it has kept Alexander distracted, and I have appreciated a break from his worry.”
Alexander frowned at Rose while Lady Cotswalts, Jane, Olivia, and Nigel all laughed.
“And of course, it is lovely to see you too, Lady Cotswalts. Miss Jane.” Alexander bowed to both women.
“And you, Your Grace.” Lady Cotswalts briefly embraced Rose. “You look very well, my darling Rose.”
“That is fortunate, for I feel as round as a ball.” Rose shook her head.
“You look radiant!” Olivia said reassuringly.
“That is what I keep telling her!” Alexander shook his head and gently kissed his wife on her forehead.
“You, dear husband, are hardly an objective judge of my looks.” Rose poked Alexander jokingly in his chest, letting him catch her hand as she did so. “You once told me I would look good in rags.”
“And I stand by it.” Alexander smiled and kissed Rose’s hand.
Before he could say anything else, the band struck up a tune, and Olivia noticed that the dance floor looked rather more subdued than she had expected. Rose caught sight of Olivia’s gaze and smiled sadly.
“People seem somewhat reluctant to start.” Rose laid a hand over her stomach.
“They just need a little encouragement.” Lady Cotswalts gave Alexander a look. “Perhaps if the host graced the dance floor with his presence.”
“But Rose —” Alexander began, but Rose interrupted him.
“— will be quite fine on her own. I do not have the energy for a dance, but I agree with mother. It would be good for everyone to see at least one of us take to the floor.” Rose smiled. “Why don’t you dance with Jane?”
“I would be delighted to. If your sister is willing to accept me as her dance partner.” Alexander held out an arm to Jane.
“Of course, thank you, Your Grace,” Jane agreed.
“You do not have to call me that, you know. We are family,” Alexander said as they made their way to the dance floor.
Olivia could not hear Jane’s reply over the thundering in her heart. Her chest squeezed as she watched Jane and Alexander walk towards the dance floor. An odd heaviness stole over her, and she found her eyes flicking to Nigel and away.What is wrong with me?
“Well, my dear, we can’t very well have you remain alone for this dance.” Lady Cotswalts smiled at Olivia and gently inclined her head towards the crowd gathered across the dance floor.
She is suggesting I dance with Lord Briston.Olivia knew she should follow the other woman, knew that she should want to dance with the man, yet her feet would not move. It seemed as though everything around her was slowing down.
“May I have the honour of this dance, My Lady?” Nigel’s eyes were soft as he held out his hand to her.
Olivia turned to him, trying to keep the surprise and relief from her face as she nodded, not quite trusting her words.What is wrong with you? It is hardly as though you have never danced with him before.Nigel took her hand, and once more the scent of nutmeg and cinnamon washed over her.
As they took up their positions on the dance floor, Olivia was painfully aware of the feel of Nigel’s hand around her own. His other hand was firmly but tenderly placed at the small of her back.I do not think I have ever been more grateful for the many layers of fabric that go into dressmaking.
Swallowing, her eyes met Nigel’s as they began to dance. She was struck by the line of his jaw; a strange tightness and softness seemed to war within him.
I should say something. And yet, the words would not come. She felt as though she was drowning. The world around her seemedto fade until all that was left was Nigel. Her heart hammered in her chest, and absently, she marvelled that he could not hear it.
Olivia’s chest was impossibly tight, and no matter how she tried, she could not seem to catch her breath. Nigel’s touch, the way he smelled, and the graceful way he guided her through the dance — it was too much and yet somehow not enough.
And then, it was over.
Olivia saw Nigel open his mouth to say something. An animal sense of urgency filled her, but before he could get his words out, Olivia turned and fled.
