Page 24 of The Duke of Daring (The Untouchables)
“The who?” He vaguely recalled that nickname, but wasn’t sure he knew to whom it belonged. “I don’t follow gossip and reputations like you do.”
“No, because you aren’t as bored as we were. You were off shooting and gambling and racing.” She sounded wistful.
He felt sorry for her. For all women, actually. He’d never really thought of what it must be like to struggle with the constraints Society placed upon them. “You’ve reminded me of what I wanted to speak with you about tonight. Yes, I was hoping to encounter you.Thatis why I came to this insipid ball.”
She blinked up at him, looking momentarily surprised and something else. Pleased maybe? “What is it?”
The music drew to a close, and the dance ended. Andrew escorted her from the dance floor. “Shall we promenade for a bit?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll just take a turn around the terrace.” He walked with her through the ballroom to the door leading outside. “Is your grandmother here? I should like to meet her.”
They moved onto the terrace, which was lit with bright lanterns. Other people were present, either strolling or deep in conversation. “Why, so you can tell her about my escapades?”
“Escapades. An excellent description. No, we have an agreement. So long as you let me accompany you, I will keep your secret. I just wanted to meet her.”
“Oh. She isn’t here.” She looked up at him and smiled. “But that’s nice.”
His chest constricted the tiniest amount, and he coughed. “Yes, well, about…about my idea. I was thinking that instead of going to gaming hells, you should accompany me to some gentlemanly events where wagering occurs.”
Her brow furrowed. “Like at Manton’s?”
“Just so. In fact, we could go to Manton’s again. Charles has already tried to wager that I could outshoot you—he heard of your prowess with a pistol.”
She laughed, and it was filled with devilish glee. “I should like that.”
He couldn’t help but laugh with her. “I’m sure you would. You could also attend one of the phaeton races.”
“Will you be racing?”
“Probably not. If I’m racing, I can’t remain at your side, and it seems prudent for me to do that.”
“I won’t disagree, but I admit to being disappointed. I’d like to watch you race.”
They’d reached the far end of the terrace, where there were fewer people. In fact, there was no one within fifteen feet of them, and if he steered her to the shadowy corner, they could perhaps pass unnoticed. Hell, why was he even thinking that?
He stopped and turned with her, intent on taking her back. But he was frozen. By her floral-and-spice scent. By the lovely contours of her face as the lanterns’ light spilled over her. By the open, guileless intensity of her gaze.
She looked back toward the ballroom. “Anyway, I understand why I can’t. But I like your plan. Especially if I get to shoot again.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. Let me sort out the particulars. You’ll need to work out how to leave your house as a gentleman in daylight.”
She tossed him a concerned glance. “Oh dear, thatisa problem. I’ll come up with something.”
He guided her back to the door to the ballroom. “Then we both have assignments. We shall share our plans when I see you night after next. Unless you’d prefer to cancel that appointment.”
“No. That will give us each time to plan, as you said.” They neared the ballroom. “Thank you.”
“Shall I deliver you somewhere?” he asked, anxious to be gone. Now that he’d accomplished his goal, he wanted to leave. Never mind dancing with Miss Knox.
She withdrew her arm from his. “That isn’t necessary. Thank you for the dance.”
“Thank you. You’ve quite satisfied my dancing requirements for the next year at least.”
She smiled again, and he was glad he’d come. It had been worth seeing her like this, even if he was a damn fool for thinking so.
“You’ve done the same for me. Two years, probably.” She shrugged. “Maybe even for a lifetime.”
