Page 72 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
The warmth of her touch travelled through him like a bolt of lightning. Every muscle in him tensed and then relaxed, his breath hissing through his teeth. He shook himself and looked at her.
“Did you just accept my compliment, dear Duchess?” He canted his head towards her, trying to ignore the steady thundering of his heart in his chest.
She blushed and nodded. “Though I am not sure I will be able to do so again. It has taken rather a lot of practice to get to this stage.”
“Then perhaps I should give you more occasions to practice.” He chuckled.
Andrea shrugged and as they drew closer to the doors that would lead them into the ballroom, he felt her grow stiffer and more tense.
He paused. “Are you all right?”
“I… I have never had much luck at balls. And even though I know things are different now, I… I cannot help but remember. All those fumbling conversations and what it felt like to constantly be on the outside of things.” She looked down at the ground. “I cannot help but remember how all these people judged me, how they said awful things about me.”
His heart ached for her and he tightened his grip on her arm, reaching over and tilting her chin up so that she looked into his eyes. He heard her breath catch.
“I am sorry that you had to go through that.” He murmured. “But you are not the same woman that you were. You are a duchess now, and you do not have to do this alone.”
“I… I know that… But I am still getting used to the reality of it.” She gave him a small, nervous smile. “What if I get it all wrong?”
“You have me. And I have seen how you are when you do not have to worry about making a good impression. And if anyone is rude to you, they will have to deal with me.” His eyes met hers, reminding her of that same lit fuse at their wedding ball. “You are my Duchess, I am your Duke. The ton would do well to pay you the respect you deserve.”
Andrea swallowed, the intensity of his gaze feeling like a physical touch.Will I ever get used to being so protected.“Thank you.”
“You need never thank me for protecting you.” The serious expression faded and he winked at her. “Besides, we have already scandalised them rather thoroughly, it is not as though we can fall much further from grace.”
Her eyes widened and she laughed. “I suppose there is some truth to that.”
“Exactly. Let us take things one step at a time.” He nodded towards the door. “The first step is to enter – do you feel ready to do that.”
She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded. He gave her an encouraging smile and signalled for the steward to announce them.
“Announcing, their Graces, Frederick and Andrea Felton, the Duke and Duchess of Caverton.” The voice called as the doors swung open.
Frederick gave Andrea’s hand a small squeeze as he led her through the crowd. He could feel their eyes on him, feel the weight of their expectation. He straightened, standing tall and proud.
Beside him, Andrea followed suit.
Her lips barely moved as she said, “What is the next step?”
“We dance.” He moved in front of her, bowing low and holding out a hand. “If you would do me the honour?”
The memory of their wedding dance flooded his mind, the anger, the possessiveness. He pushed it aside, keeping his shoulders relaxed, his posture inviting as she slipped her hand into his.
He pulled her into the waltz position and the music began to play. “Just focus on me.”
She nodded.
“Just enjoy this moment. That is all you have to do.” He smiled at her as he twirled her across the dance floor. He dipped her with ease.
Their bodies moved as one. At the slightest adjustment of pressure on his part, Andrea changed course. He led and she followed, the music lifting them to dizzying heights as he twirled her across the dance floor.
“You are doing brilliantly.” He grinned at her, and she beamed back.
“Because of you.” She answered. “You make all of this seem easy.”
His heart swelled in his chest and he swore it would burst.
“It is easy, once you find the right course.” He gestured around them. “Talking to people, dancing, it is all very similar.”
